Rap-metal outfit Tung were one of the few local bands that looked like breaking through York's glass ceiling. They toured, they supported the established bands, they even got a demo track on the cover of a national metal magazine. At the peak of their success it was rumoured Sony Records were interested. Then suddenly the band imploded.
The desire to make brutal and unforgiving noise lived on, and it has recently manifested itself in the exeptionally hard metallic grind of RSJ, featuring the ex-Tung singer and guitarist. Frontman Dan has a great confrontational stage presence, riding the crowd barrier, barking at the stunned audience.
Objecivity now comes into play (Shock! In a music review!). This band are excellent, but I hated them. There was little if no respite from the battering horror of noise. Theyare exceptionally proficient and dynamic at their moderm metal onslaught. The punters were left ravaged, staring into space, exhausted and overwhelmed. The rock kids will love them. I didn't like it, but I am wrong.
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Fellow York metallers NERVE HARVEST provided support, combining punk guitars and electronic beats with their metal attack. This was music surely made for East German stadiums, but it translated well into the hot Fibbers moshpit. They were preceded by fresh-faced local rock band THE STRAITJACKETS, with their more retro '70s hard blues vibe, breaking up the power chords with wah-wah solos and rock organ. Together they provided an eclectic edge to the night.
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