aaamusic | On 03, Jan 2011

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London, 23rd December

And as an end-of-year treat to herself, our intrepid reviewer dons her leather jacket and thermal shirt and heads off to the local rock n roll dive to see out the year’s gig record in style with Stereo Juggernaut’s pre-Christmas do.

Unfortunately, due to the weather Some Kids were unable to make an appearance, but the two remaining bands more than made up for it, despite having to leave a conspicuous gap between doors time and the first act, The Night Code. I was taken aback with their music initially, a furiously loud metallic post-punk that borrows from early U2 and Rage Against The Machine in equal measures. On paper, that sounds somewhat daunting, but in a live setting it proved not just palatable but downright addictive. Adding in the caustic fury of nu metal and a seething drums/electro attack from god-knows-where, the main body of their music was a bouncy, effects-laden rock that blended ska and psychedelic twin guitars with a solid funk bassline. Their vocalist was somewhat lacking in showmanship, seeming self-conscious and awkward between songs, but once he started on a song he would attack clean vocals, screamo and rapping with equal vigour, creating a diverse and highly enjoyable opening act.  I wouldn’t herald The Night Code as a finished article, and they seemed a bit overwhelmed by their own rowdy festive audience, but once they get their teeth into their own material, there is a bud of innovative, open-minded genre blending and some truly solid musicianship at work, and so if you’re looking for something new to get your blood going and they’re visiting your locality, check them out and enjoy their unique blend of paisley love vibe and post-hardcore noise.

Proving third time lucky, this time Stereo Juggernaut were headlining the gig, and top billing was most definitely deserved by one of the UK’s most promising underground acts. Every time I see them play, they seem to improve beyond expectations, maturing into a truly impressive act. Once again, their music is somewhat hard to explain due to the diversity of influence. There’s definitely a large and solid base of punk rock at play, but on top of that is a heady blend of metal attitude, pop melodicism, bluesy emotion and rave electronics. Each song is instantly recognisable as being in possession of its own character, which is no mean feat when playing unreleased tracks, but Stereo Juggernaut know their sound in a manner that would turn many well-established bands green with envy. Blending loud, effects-heavy guitar, warm rock bass, aggressive drumming, impassioned vocals and precisely-deployed synths, they delivered a set that was not only tight and full of hooks, but thoroughly enjoyable and instantly accessible. In praise of their stage act, they were able to command the rather unruly pub shower with both humour and professionalism, creating a glowing atmosphere in the scuzzy surroundings. They played tracks I recognised such as the heartfelt ‘Defeated By The Sea’, the synth-drenched bounce ballad of ‘Like A Star’ and the fevered plea ‘Fade Away’ as well as the sneering self-disgust of ‘Fallen’, as well as a brand new song, all of which was wholeheartedly embraced by the audience. If I am recommending The Night Code, I am naming Stereo Juggernaut as a must-see live act of anyone who wants to support the continued innovation and passion of the UK underground music scene as there’s nothing else quite like them out there.

As a free Christmas present, Stereo Juggernaut were handing out home made demo CDs with three unmastered tracks. Although rough around the edges, upon listening, they prove to be just as powerful as the band’s live performance, with both melody and impact fully intact. I for one look forwards to any releases in the upcoming year.

Author & Photos: Katie H-Halinski