Band Review

Even Atlas live at the Actress and Bishop

Anyone that has had the pleasure of seeing Even Atlas live will understand the chaotic intensity involved. Although a slightly unorthodox band for the English music scene, you instantly appreciate the energy they put into their music. Looking around, lots people have the 'what’s going on' look on their face, but once the initial shock has passed, it’s absorbing and you find yourself wanting more.

The band kicks off with a bang, hitting their stride from the off, playing personal favourites 'Sultans' and 'Tells tells'. With only a 30 minute set it's important that they get off to a good start. They then get into some new songs – yet to be named – they have only performed once before; they momentarily lose their typical outlandish style. But 20 seconds in they hit their form once again and the crowd gives an approving roar.

Talking amongst the crowd after the gig, the band gets a mixed reception, like any unconventional band. But a majority of the feedback seemed good. Emily Porter, 21, a student at Staffordshire University and die hard Even Atlas fan said: “It was the best gig they have ever played” which was echoed around the crowd with agreement. Some spectators on the other hand simply said: “It’s not my kind of thing”.

You have to attend an Even Atlas gig to fully appreciate their unique style and engaging performances. Shaun, lead guitarist, brings out a cello bow to play his guitar temporarily, while Paul, Guitarist/lead singer grabs a table and stands on it to rub his guitar on the ceiling midway through the last song of the evening.

Speaking to the band after the gig, I ask them about future aspirations. They say: “Obviously it would be nice to be signed, but at the end of the day we are out to have some fun.” If you were going to try and categorise the genre of their music it would be post rock/post hardcore, it’s something that is quite big in America and does not have a very large following in Britain. The guys, Tim, Rory, Paul and Shaun all want to try and bring this music to a British audience. One person in the crowd, Gary Causton, 23, having seen them for the first time that night, said: “If they were playing in America they would have already been signed.”