Gig Reviews: Gig Review of Radiate, Renton & Strobe 45 @ The Plantation Café, Guildford (27th February 2004)

by Gordon Tebbutt

First of all, The Plantation Café is small. Its very small. Its small, noisy and cramped. I love it! Never would you normally get so close to such great unsigned bands as you could tonight.

In the line-up tonight, are Strobe 45, a thrash-jazz-metal band (for want of a better description), Renton, the darlings of the punk world, god only knows why they haven't been snapped up by a record label, and Radiate, a band that seems to keep on getting better and better. Only real downer. no alcohol. so I can only put it down to the performance that kept me on a high! Apologies for not having piccies as well. I brought my camera, took some pictures but somehow my new pc wont upload them. Such is life!

First up was Strobe 45. Launching into a wall of noise, they pounded guitars in a way that I've certainly failing to compare anything to. A thrashing funk laden noise hit me with the velocity of a velociraptor, and equally stunned a crowd who lapped it up! A failing in the sound was my only complaint, the balance between vocals and guitar was biased towards the guitars. That said, I would love to see these guys performing on a larger stage, as there was real talent on show. Talent oozing through this band. Oh yes.

Next up after a lengthy set-up (small venue remember?) Renton hit the stage. This was the highlight of the night for me. Playing from a catalogue of their two outstanding EPs, Renton rocked. They don't take themselves too seriously, but they certainly take their music seriously and performed like pros. Music like this won't keep on being played for too long before the awesome Renton are picked up by a label. I honestly believe that. Renton Playing from their debut EP 'Beautiful Youth' they played Beautiful Youth and babies (I think that was theirs), and also some really mature and crackingly loud and enthusiastic from their 'Thumb Print' EP (correct me if I'm wrong boys). Aerosol being a stunningly well put together and memorable song. 'Cuppa cuppa' everyone will be mumbling on their way home.

Last on and with a fantastic performance and crowd response was Radiate. Starting with 'Question', Radiate showed talent, versatility and originality with astounding success. Every time I see these guys I keep on being surprised by their professionalism and most of all their music! They put together, not what I would describe as just a performance. It was more of a well structured and flowing rendition of original and pumping music! A mix of soft and hard, Radiate are definately on eto keep one eye on!. They seemed to jam on stage, merging one song into the next the way that only the most talented bands seem to be able to pull off. Who could fail to be impressed when they announced that they have been booked to play at the Shepherds Bush Empire? Its great to follow bands and see them grow and get more successful. Radiate deserve this, and if I can I'll certainly be popping along to see them at the empire.