Canterbury
Straight Lines + Proxies
The Hydrant, Brighton
And so it begins. We’ve little doubt in our minds that all three of tonight’s bands have an exciting future ahead of them, and The Hydrant is rammed, accordingly, by the time that openers Proxies mount the stage. Though not yet able to escape from Pendulum’s shadow (a member produced their single, they’re fans, and they even wheel out a surprisingly effective cover), Proxies are already something of a force to be reckoned with live, and they get the evening off to a good start. Their fusion of catchy, melodic alt-rock and electro dance vibes (sound familiar?) won’t be for everyone but tonight’s largely fresh faced audience really lap it up, and even the cynical types in the room are forced to admit that the four-piece seem set for success. Flashy, but fun.
As their name might suggest, Straight Lines stick to a more familiar template – and that’s no bad thing. These Pontypridd tunesmiths are one of those bands who simply write well and play well and songs like ‘Say It For Your Sake’ and ‘Loose Change’ sound as good tonight as on the day we first heard them. With their setlist drawing heavily from debut album ‘Persistence In This Game’ this is relatively familiar ground for those who’ve caught them before but they remain one of the UK’s most underrated acts, and are greeted with a pretty decent response this time. We’ll be sure to nag you to pick up their next record when it emerges…deal?
Finally comes the turn of Canterbury. Everything this lot have has been the product of their own blood, sweat and tears, so the rapturous reception they get from this Brighton crowd must be hugely gratifying for them – and it looks like this is only the beginning. Airing a few tracks from their upcoming sophomore album they look and sound on the absolute top of their game, the new singles ‘More Than Know’ and ‘Ready Yet?’ showing two very different sides to their sound – the former an infectious, emotive cut and the latter pure, adrenalin-fuelled dancefloor fodder. It’s to their credit that none of their stylistic tangents sound out of place live (or, for that matter, on record), and they’re hardly lacking in the showmanship department either, working the crowd like true pros. The oldies sound ace as per usual but if tonight has shown us one thing it’s that for Canterbury – as well as the other acts on the bill – the best is very much yet to come. Remember the name(s).
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Canterbury-band
http://www.facebook.com/straightlines
http://www.facebook.com/proxiesmusic
Review by Rob Sayce
