Mínus

The perpetually under-achieving, under-exposed and under-appreciated* Mínus *tonight headline a packed Bar Academy. It is a healthier audience than they are used to. Over two years of heavy commuter touring seems to be coming good. It’s taken too long.

Their _Halldor Laxness _record comprises the majority of the set and, despite being almost two years old, sounds fresher than any Iggy-identikits flashing the pans at the moment. The new material sounds heavier in a much more obvious way, nodding toward the Heavy Metal as per Metallica 'Black'-era. While constant progression is the clearest facet when reviewing their catalogue, technical superiority and unbridled charisma are constant and conspicuous traits. The new, altered direction has a new face for radio that has the beautiful structures that you can’t just have a casual glance at. You just stop and stare with your mouth open ‘til your girlfriend slaps it shut.

This band thrives on positive reception. Sincerely grateful for the rapturous applause, their captivating frontman Krummi struts about his meagre platform like the punk rock Axl Rose icon that the new generation of boredom has been crying out for. It is the untapped star quality on show here that surprises the newcomer tonight. You cannot fake this; there is no substitute.