Camp Basement, London
8 November 2010
This is Bo Ningen’s night, it’s their album launch and there’s quite a bit of a buzz going around about them at the moment and rightly so. The gig is sold out and still people are queuing in the vain hope of getting in to see the band.
The support slot is filled by Invasion who are promoting their album The Master Alchemist. The sound verges more on the doom and sludge territory with be-caped singer Chan Brown shrieking in torturous tones over the heavy slow guitar riffs that echo bands like Electric Wizard at times. A special mention has to be made about drummer Zel Kaute whose style is a cross between John Bonham and Keith Moon as she clattered around the kit with real power.
A wail of feedback fills the air and the audience start to move as Bo Ningen hit the stage and blast into their first number. From here on in it’s a rocket ride to the nearest solar system and passengers may not reach it alive. The band then barnstorm their way through tracks from their self-titled debut album. Riffs come fast and furious and the two guitarists battle it out for supremacy over the songs with imaginative lead work and crushing wah-wah chords. The set is chaotic and filled with energy and reminded me, at times, of early gigs by The Gaye Bykers on Acid.
Most of the songs from the album are present in tonight’s set, with the garage clatter of “4 Seconds to Ascension” being a moshpit highlight. The set ends with an eight minute freakout that stumbles down into guitar feedback and drones while the drummer hangs from a water pipe above the stage by his legs and hits the drums ferociously. When the noise stops the audience cheer but also seem in awe that they have just witnessed something very special.
With the album getting rave reviews and the live shows a wonder to behold it won’t be long before Bo Ningen will be packing out bigger venues with their sonic assault. One day music like this will rule the world.
-Gary Parsons-
