Billed as the South’s best alternative music event, Takedown had a fair old bit to live up to, and it certainly did! There was so much going on that it wasn’t actually possible to get to have a look at everything, so this review will cover some of the gems of the day. Feel free to write in with any photos of yourselves rocking out and whatnot!
Deadlines – Hailing from Southampton, metal/hardcore mob Deadlines were given the task of opening Guitar Central stage, the second largest at the show. They didn’t disappoint either, even with no drummer (He was ill I’ve been told), getting at least a bit of crowd reaction (and some of the funniest ‘2-step’ I’ve ever seen. They have the potential to go pretty far. Keep an eye on them (7/10) Desolated – Next on guitar central are hardcore troop Desolated. They certainly look the part with their matching camo gear and long hair, and sound promising in soundcheck with ridiculously downtuned guitar and bass and fat sounding drums. The crowd are impressed and jump around
and swing their arms appropriately to the breakdowns. That’s the problem though. Breakdown. After Breakdown. After Breakdown. Pretty boring after a few songs. If you like fighting, you’ll love them. If you don’t… possibly not… (6/10)
Mallory Knox – Something a bit calmer for the post lunch slot, Mallory Knox are, simply, really good. It’s hard to dislike something when it’s this upbeat and catchy, and the bands energy is infectious. They’re clearly pleased to be playing at todays show, and this is reflected in their top class performance. Only the lacklustre crowd detract from what is otherwise, a really good show. Sweet! (8/10)
Polar – I’ll keep this short. If you like the hardcore scene, you’ll love Polar. If you don’t… Probably steer clear of this lot. There isn’t a lot of variation in how the songs sound, but if all you want is something to move to – it’s perfectly serviceable. I imagine this band will
grow a fair bit. Arm swinging hardcore fans, check it out. (7/10) Feed The Rhino – FTR are awesome. Fact. They’re one of the finest bands to go and leap around to in an energetic, lunatic fashion, their vocalist has an EPIC beard, and drummer Chris always looks unbelievably happy when playing on stage. A joy to watch. A joy to listen to. AND a new album out soon too. Can’t beat that really now can ya’. (8/10)
Unknown band – If someone can help me find out who this lot are, I’ll be very happy with you! They played dubstep and other such electronic stuff like that. Their set was incredibly tight, and it was really refreshing to see something different like this being performed live. AND an electric double bass? That’s seriously cool. Really good show, if only I knew who you were! (8/10)
Lower Than Atlantis – One of the highlights of the day for sure, LTA are extremely tight live, and get their fans pumped up like something else. They managed to pack out the monster energy stage before Deaf Havana or Skindred even got to play, and that’s impressive in itself. More impressive is the energy the band have, and a clear love for playing live. With little games like drinking contests in the crowd, and commanding circle pits, they’re good fun to watch, and the big sing-alongs they get going are always a great indicator that this kind of music is actually on the up. Keep an eye on these boys. They will be huge. (8.5/10)
Bleed From Within – Scotland’s best band? Check. The UK’s best metal band? Check. Sorry everyone else, but BFW are looking pretty unstoppable right now. No other band blends