Having moved round the corner from the original venue of Brighton’s Coalition, the basement at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar provided a great venue for experimental Japanese act Boris… however support from the mellow Joe Volk seemed an odd pairing, although having discovered the two released a split album recently it all becomes clear.
The influences of Nick Drake came through in Joe Volks natural and haunting voice, however without anyone else on stage his minimal guitar work and sparse vocals were unfortunately lost in too many conversations elsewhere in the room to fully appreciate the beauty of his work – I will be sure to check the album “Derwent Waters Saint” though whilst in the comfort of my own home.
Having released an impressive 17 studio albums, Boris have a wealth of material to choose from, and as such it was a mind blowing performance. Taking to the stage in a cloud of dry ice and with an array of pedals, Boris start with a doom filled number which then blends into a couple that are slightly more song based.
These tracks come from Boris’ most recent album, the 2011 cunningly titled “New Album” which having been deliberately produced with a more accessible edge provide a good balance against the experimental and Sabbath-esque numbers.
With frontman Takeshi switching bass to rhythm on his double necked guitar, Atsu on drums providing the occasional screaming backing vocals and two guitarists adding even more layers to their sound, Boris are both mesmerizing to watch and hypnotic to listen to as you get lost in the music and enjoy every moment of it.
