Thank you, to those who read the first part of this review. For those still with me, here is the second.
Saturday
Saturday begins with the most ridiculous transport problem I’ve had since I moved out of London and I arrive to Knoll two minutes before they start. The room is lit only by a handful of table lamps at strategic points on the stage which sets the tone for the grindcore/noise band to fully embrace their darkness. Screaming into the void is vocalist Jamie Eubanks who takes on a persona that is both engaging and aggressive. Curious noise interludes and trumpet add to the pitch black atmosphere the band create and its not until they leave the stage that the audience finally takes a collective breath.
Heading to the The Terminal and the European debut of Couch Slut and their new album being played in full, I fight through the crowds to secure a good viewing spot. You Could Do It Tonight is a hard listen, as is almost everything Couch Slut put out, with true stories being told from the viewpoint of the band and vocalist Megan Osztrosits. Appearing on stage looking like she just rolled out of bed, Megan tells us with all honesty, that’s the case. Last night they played in the skatepark and evidently the party continued well into the late hours. It doesn’t detract from the performance, however, it only enhances the filth and horror that lies underneath Couch Slut’s music and words. This afternoon the band are stark in their truth and that brutal candor brings to the surface emotions that have long been forgotten and fleeting memories of terror. It’s affecting in ways that are both blunt and fascinating, and that uncomfortable and sad feeling persists still now.
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