MUSIC IN MANCHESTER

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Band side projects are often typified as being the self indulgent excesses that would normally be reigned in and avoided within the main band. Frequently the only person satisfied with the resultant output is the solo member responsible for the exercise

Yet tonight's debut gig of progeny belonging to the sonic noisesmiths, the Sonar Yen and "Thee Virus House" combusts into something more altogether refreshing and welcome.

Loose limbed Gareth House lights his first cigarette whilst clenching a soon to be flung mic. stand as Tim Yen, moving from his normal position behind the drum kit to guitar, nonchalantly opens the set with scuzzy fretwork that demonstrates his musical virtuosity.

When the black garbed Gareth delivers the vocals, he does it with a style and threatening menace that forces you to pay attention OR ELSE. The mic. stand is clenched with an intensity that will test it to breaking point, until it is eventually dispatched into the crowd.

Alternating between intense electronic beats and nagging guitars, an intriguing combination of dark intensity and light relief is provided, matching the subterranean atmosphere of the venue The uniqueness of each performance is enhanced as a radio is switched onto radio station Capitol Gold, intermeshing with the ever increasing vehemence

Even a broken string allows the event to progress, as Tim generates feedback by propping the defunct unit against the speaker stack, whilst smoothly unpacking a replacement and segueing into the final number as if it's an inherent part of the performance.

Darkly pleasing

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