Serafin

Despite this being the first night of Serafin's amazingly titled 'Be Gentle With The Goat' tour (or so the opening band inform us), the curse of Colchester strikes again as first band Saint Rose hit the stage and there are little over 40 people in the venue.

Considering that there was supposed to be a local act opening the night but for some reason didn't the band, fresh from their support of Athlete, rip into their set with gusto. Despite trying their damndest to infect the meagre crowd with their brand of abrasive indie rock, the first 3 songs has the band struggling gamely with the venues sound system but towards the end of their set, things pick up. The fantastic tenderness of 'Butterfly' mesmerises all within range while debut single 'Call For Calm' finishes the set in fantastic full tilt rock out style before leaving the stage to the appreciative few who ventured out to the gig.

Serafin are confident of success and who can blame them when they are getting so much coverage on MTV2 & Kerrang! TV. The intimate surroundings seem to suit the band and although they themselves have to battle the gremlins, the crowd is with the band all the way. Tracks such as the eruptive 'Day By Day' and new single 'Things Fall Apart' go down a treat and singer Ben seems to be enjoying himself onstage, talking to the fans between songs and Mitts thanking the COLF (the imaginary Colchester Oyster Liberation Front for those who don't know) for a fantastic evening. A one song encore sets off with 'Cowboy Song' sounding as violently delightful as always closing off an ace set.

Afterwards the bands mingle with the crowd, signing CDs and chattering with excited fans and although the night wasn't a roaring success, it seems to point the way to a promising little tour ahead of them