27th June Shindigg Le Shed Franks and Khi at Piper Club (2/4) By Michelle Dee

(1/4), (2/4), (3/4), (4/4).

Photograph Gallery   Khi Gallery,   Franks Gallery,   Le Shed Gallery,   Shindigg Gallery.

The last time I saw the next band was at the Sesh on a night where not many metal fans were in. Franks Right Hand Trouser or Franks as they are now known appear to have a refreshing approach to their creativity. The first number is an instrumental with a slow gradual build up that tops out with a cymbal break followed by guitar deep and slow.

The result is a rather experimental atmospheric introduction to our second band of the evening.

Franks continue with Wrongside; repeated guitar with drum patterns punctuate the filmic song. Again we move from soft and loud as the vocal breathes and shouts its way out. At times it's a bit punky, at times a slice of anthemic rock; all the while energy and passion from the borrowed bass player. The song concludes with a high pitched scream of guitar; strong stuff. As I snap away by the stage I look around to see the numbers have swelled to nigh on a hundred maybe more?

I attempt to capture the Tom's fingers fret tapping on U.V. Races or pods of sun, a song about the strange desire to risk the early onset of skin cancer and frequent tanning booths.

They continue with Machine another slow burner with a bass line thrusting thrashing over the lead. There are some good ideas in this one variation again in song construct long sections of guitar and duo vocals. The synchronisation on the vocals repeat then change to shout out loud as the guitar lifts to a climax. Tom then takes over sole vocal responsibility for new song Burning Bridges.

Sweeping guitar after the first minute or so falls away to effects laden energy. The vocal needs work though particularly during the verses which came across a bit flat.

I stole a moment to go to the bar and bump into an old friend. Funny who you see, what can happen, when you break from routine. Whilst catching up on news and gossip more of Franks caught my ear. Dark lyrics, I scribble, mixed with equally dark sounds. Floating guitars juxtaposed with heavier sections announcing drop out doped up lazy drawl lyric, then frenzy to tentative thrash. I like the experimental stuff it challenges the usual metal forte; they mess around with effects and reverb till a shattering of cymbals closes the set. I caught a few words with Tom afterwards and we touched upon the nature of the Franks sound.

The band has something of an organic ideal; they try and let the songs more or less write themselves. By not having strict shapes and rigid frameworks they allow different textures of light and dark, shade and shadow to sustain the audience's attention.

Continued..... Next Page (3/4).

Photograph Gallery   Khi Gallery,   Franks Gallery,   Le Shed Gallery,   Shindigg Gallery.

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