Llama Farmers

Sunlounger are a powerful, direct and musically pungent rock band. They generate maximum riffage through screaming singer, irate bassist and mental drummer but they, unfortunately for themselves, are unable to stimulate or excite like any half-decent rock band should. Sunlounger are bland, dull and irritating. Their songs linger, and although hard hitting, leave you totally dissatisfied - probably down to the fact that they all seem to be based around the same equally tedious, equally monotone, drivelling three note sequence.

Totally without originality Sunlounger’s songs are the filler that bulks hit songs into albums - pumped noise to fill an ugly vacant hole. Samples from directory enquiries, as introductions to their songs offer the only exhilaration Sunlounger are going to give all evening and much like the Highbury Garage’s lights, which fail mid-set, my interest in Sunlounger fade after about 30 seconds. Its all been done before, so, so many times.

On then to Biffy Clyro - who were absolutely astounding. Splicing songs into crisp guitar melody, poetically contrasted with roaring, buzzing distortion, there is no moment of the set to leave the audience bemused. Their songs remind me of a series flashing lights, constantly changing direction and colour, sparkling brightly and then fading away, only to be brought in later for maximum hard hitting impact.

Songs both artistic and beautiful are performed by this amazingly tight unit, who come across with passion and solidarity. Biffy Clyro’s three members all manage to sing throughout the set, even the drummer, exemplifying the fact they are a ‘band’ not simply a front man stealing all credit for the culmination of a group effort. Emotional melodious moments, destructive passionate rock choruses that aim to fuzz up your head like a drill to the brain, Biffy Clyro have – everything. They are all you’ll ever need in a band. It might be love J

For the Llama Farmers, playing rock music has become a profession, where perhaps it was once a passion. The entire set only lasts about 50 minutes, reflecting the speed and proficiency with which the band attacks their songs. However, despite their obvious talent and aptitude, there seems to be a key element missing. Maybe for the band as a whole the entire playing live experience has lost its thrill and excitement, which used to charge the band in their early days. Perhaps the fact that they never (yet) made it past playing the smaller London venues as opposed to regularly packing out the Astoria, Academy or various Arenas has left them frustrated, knowing they’ve been an understated band ever since they lost favour amongst the music press. Tonight the Llama Farmers are solid, direct and without division. Infact they are so direct and professional that only a minute and a half after their interview with DIS, they troop on stage to take control of the hearts and minds of everyone in a packed London Garage audience. Perhaps for the Llamas the magic of a live performance had been discoloured, but the loving hoard of fanatic spectators still manage to become enchanted by what is still an awesome gig.

The Llama’s songs still sound fantastic, lovable luscious riffs forming the basic structure to a pounding rhythm section and the adorable melodies of singer Bernie Simpson. Many of the favourites from the first album “Dead Letter Chorus” appear in tonight’s set including a memorable version of “Get the Keys and Go” which absolutely everyone realises is going to be great from the start of the unforgettable introductory riff. The mosh pit begins to spark; naive 14-year-old nu-metallers rubbing shoulders with bald headed 30-year-old pot bellied builders (perhaps), and loving it. All types of people have found themselves here tonight, the Llama Farmers sweet but potent songs maintaining universal appeal. “Jessica” incites a full-scale mosh down front and for the first time the connection between those onstage and those off is made as Bernie allows the Llama’s fanatics to sing in his place during the anthem-esque chorus. Approximately half the set comprises new Llama material taken from “El Toppo” and the highlight of the evening has to be the semi-acoustic version of “Postcards and Moonrock”, the dual voiced melody of both singer and bassist leaving me with that warm glow you get in your stomach when there’s nowhere else on earth you’d rather be – the kind you get after three pints of beer or sitting in the back of geography, perhaps…

The Llamas leave the stage in the same direct manner by which they entered, Bernie stopping briefly in order to take a self indulgent stage dive into the crowd. Tonight the Llamas rocked, but came across as though they weren’t giving it they’re all. At their high points the Llamas beckon you to adore them, at their lows they sustain their consistency and keep your interest throughout. Maybe in the festival season we’ll be able to see them perform with the passion they have let slip from their performance. The whole evening generally gets 4/5. Individually the Llamas deserve…