SHINING

ALITHIA/ TAKOMA NARROWS BRIDGE DISASTER

THE UNDERWORLD, CAMDEN

London-based TAKoMA nARRoWs BRIDGE DIsAsTER impress from the off with their predominantly instrumental swell of atmospheric prog metal, drawn from the likes of Tool and Cult Of Luna. Unfortunately, an energetic visual performance between ALITHIA’s vocalist John Rousvanis and multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Castro does little to mask the Aussies’ overwhelming pool of influence and sub-par sound design. The selfassigned ‘progressive psychedelic tribal rock’ sextet seem eager to appeal to one too many tastes, resulting in a diluted and underwhelming set. Thankfully, sHInInG are more focused, attacking with a punchy explosion of their trademark ‘blackjazz’. Despite a change in direction with more recent entries My Church and When The Lights Go Out, the Norwegian quintet’s smorgasbord of hard rock and jazz influence – with just a pinch of black metal – sees new material fuse seamlessly with well-weathered favourites like Helter Skelter. Watching Jørgen Munkeby tame a wild saxophone solo amid heavily distorted hard rock riffing is a treat, and a roar of approval erupts as the band close off the London date of their Animal tour. LUKE MILNE