Chris Clark - Support from Chris Clark Live Review

65 Days of Static
Support from Chris Clark
Cockpit Leeds
Live Review

Finally…out of the cold and into the brooding warmth of the Cockpit, hardly my favourite venue, but it's hardly up to me at this point. I go through, ticket checked, hand stamped and over to the bar for a much needed beverage. Then, from the other room, I hear an almighty bass kick, compressed to the point where it can really only be one person, Chris Clark. Hurried, I abandon my quest for beer and rush into the other room and down to the front to enjoy Mr. Clarks first batch of new material since 2003's epic 'Empty the Bones of You'.

Surrounded by a mixed crowd of metalheads, emo boys and electro fiends, it's clear to see some of them don't know what to make of Clark's music. Sitting somewhere between the darkest thoughts of a mortician and the wet dreams of a basshead, Clark definitely has his sound pinned down, and nobody can touch him. His new material sees a return to rich synth sounds, heavy basslines and even sees him adapting his own take on jungle on 'Urgent Hell Jack'.

Stood at the front, totally mesmerised by his new set, comprised entirely of new tracks, with the exceptions of old favourites 'Bricks' and 'Indigo Optimus'. After seeing Clark a few times I expected to see…well, exactly what I'd seen before, but he surpassed that. And gives my now thawed ears the aural onslaught they were waiting for. I'll definitely be getting into his new album when it's released later this year, but for now his new EP, 'Throttle Furniture', only available on www.warprecords.com, should tie me over.

Well, as much as I didn't want Clark to end, onwards and upwards, to the headliners, 65daysofstatic. Opening with the excellent 'Another Code Against The Gone', the intro from 'The Fall of Math'. Feeling the crowd's anticipation growing with every kick of the sharp industrial Breakbeat, they surge into action. If you haven't heard these guys, imagine Mogwai being gang raped by Aphex Twin's harshest beats and the deep cogitated atmospherics of Pan Sonic. I'm sorry, what's that?? Sounds interesting?? You're damn right it does, and is.

Working in perfect unison with the thought-provoking visuals, 65's sound managed to work on as many levels live as it does straight off the CD. Despite being initially a little disappointed that all the electronic elements are simply played on a track, this disappointment quickly fades as the band onstage persona reaches fever pitch. Their energy surpassed only by that of a kid with ADHD and a bag full of E number laden treats, these guys really enjoy the live experience. The band bounce and bound around the stage, working very tightly together to recreate their grandiose tech-metal noise-scapes. Carving them ever deeper into their well-scribed niche.
The set builds seamlessly from track to track, band members occasionally switching instruments from guitar or bass to synths or keys. The show reaching a new high when two members, drummer and guitarist, of the opening act The Miramar Disaster (yeah, ok I was late, and missed them.) pile onstage to help out. Here we see them play an inspired and totally live version '23kid', abandoning all electronic elements. This is a treat to see, not that the rest of the night hasn't been.

Their set is topped off by the incredible '65 Doesn't Understand You' from their amazing second album 'One Time For All Time'. In anticipation for this gig I spent many times wondering how the 65 sound would translate onto stage. How would they balance the heavy overpowering rock with the intricate complicated splendour of their electronic beats. Well it works. They play tightly together like bands that have been around for four times as long as they have. If you have the means, I highly recommend investing in someway in this band and their post-apocalyptic soundtrack for the tomorrowland.

Get on it if you haven't already done so.

-Thom Holmes