LIVE REVIEWS

Mishkin
Trash (formerly Mixing Tin) Leeds 30th March 2008

First off, I wasn't planning on writing a review, so I didn't take notes, and I didn't pay attention to the other bands whatsoever, so this is simply a review of Mishkin's set last night (sun 30th march) at Trash (Mixing Tin). I'm not the best writer in the world but here goes.

Loyal fans of Mishkin will have noticed four new additions to Mishkin's set last night: An intro, A keyboard, A new drummer and...Carnicore?

After a couple of line-up changes Mishkin have finally found a drummer that fits; Del Nichols. Technically excellent with talent galore and that lovable touch of madness that possesses the whole band.

The intro is a little addition that carefully eases the audience into the new classic that is 'Lost in Yourself', off their 'State of Mute Fear' EP, now a firm regular into Mishkin's set and a good way to start the set and energise the crowd. 'No Martyr' follows along with 'Breaking the Silence', both unrecorded as yet but clearly still popular with the crowd, their unique blend of metal, melody, jazz and some other indefinable genres works perfectly and gets a positive reaction from those watching.

At this point the keyboard was introduced, played by lead singer Ben Davy, and a gap between the songs gives the rest of the band (Ali Epstone on Guitar, The Jimmy also on Guitar, Will MacGregor on bass and the afore mentioned Del on drums) the chance to mock the singer for 'being Phil Collins'. Neverless it cannot be said Phil Collins had any influence musically on either 'Crack in the Halo' of their new song 'Wisest When You Wake Up'.

Despite a few technical difficulties involving crackling microphones and a couple of symbols on Del's new drum kit falling down, the boys battle through, putting extra energy into their performance and clearly still enjoying the gig. So, onto Carnicore... The boys describe it along the lines of 'the musical equivalent of being raped by a clown at the circus' and I can't expand on that description, this is definitely a new genre that you have to hear yourself. Although you'll have to wait a while for that I'm afraid as the boys are heading off for a 6 week tour in China including a set on the main stage of Midi Festival in Beijing! They will be back in Leeds on 24th May at Leeds Rios so I highly recommend getting down to that gig.

The band ended on Elevate, also off 'State of Mute Fear' a clear favourite with the crowd. The boys remain unfazed by the earlier technical difficulties and storm through the end of their set in true metal style, really getting the crowd moving and leaving them wanting more. And so the long wait begins until their return from China, a little older, possibly a little wiser, and no doubt crazier than ever with new tricks up their sleeves for us Yorkshire metal fans.

Katie (Katie'Force)