Johnny Truant

When a band comes onstage and says “hi we’re from Boston, Mass” there’s really only a limited canvas of styles that you expect to be bombarded with. Most invariably have the word ‘hardcore’ littering the description at some point or other, and if that band happen to be on a bill consisting of acts considered a part of this genre, it’ll probably leave you under no illusion as to the sub-*Converge / Bane *abomination that seemingly awaits you.

But 27 *are different. Much different. Fronted by the quiet, timid but oh so beautiful Maria Christopher 27 play the kind of floaty experimental Indie-rock - artfully crafted using an array of pre-recorded instruments on backing tape - that seems able to tap into the human emotions that you wish could be tapped into a heck of a lot more often. As she curls her whispers round a cool, laid-back strum it all seems quite refreshing for a band evidently brought up in the Boston HC scene, and even more so given their preference for touring with such heavyweights as *Johnny Truant *and *Isis. But their coruscating mantle of Indie and folk rock still seems a stirring and wonderfully captivating set, especially following Mistress’ monstrous Discharge-influenced sludge (brought in at the last minute to replace 3 Stages of Pain). First time I’ve ever seen an ocarina played live too!

Johnny Truant *however do come across sub-Converge *tonight. While their recent EP showcased a band with some genuine promise, the muddy sound accompanying their live show just isn’t acceptable and how I didn’t walk out from sheer frustration at the complete lack of tone in the guitar and bass sound I really don’t know. The vocals were similarly weak and hard to make out, vocalist Olly‘s marked progression into growl / high-pitch scream territory being let down by a mix that is nothing short of disgraceful.

I’m willing to let them off tonight but in light of acts like Beecher, Eden Maine *and *Sikth, they need to get this rectified if they don’t want to stay in the shadow of the limelight.