Gig Reviews: Skindred +Fony, PDHM, Insaniac and Draven @ The Agincourt Rock Venue

by Steph Gallon

For The Agincourt in Camberly to be hosting such prestigious names should certainly bring in the masses tonight, as Skindred, Fony and PDHM descend on Surrey. Not renown so much for their gigs as holding the longest running rock night in the UK, The Agincourt certainly have the size, reputation and backing to pull it off, they just need the bands to pull out all the stops.

Out of the three main bands tonight, first to tread the boards, or rather, stomp all over them, is PDHM. This hardcore metal band brings with them a strong following but enough enthusiasm to initiate some new members into their stronghold. Diving straight into the music, PDHM show themselves to be natural showmen, strong in performance, vocals and style. The band look stunning and leave the crowd riveted, whilst the screaming and singing send ripples through the room straight into the audiences heads, where they stay, not soon to be forgotten.

Turning the tables on tonight's lineup are Fony, a band that look good on paper, crediting Ozzy Osbourne as a fan, yet fail to deliver in performance. Fony are a credible band, but that's not good enough when you follow a band such as PDHM who failed to let the audience out of the palm of their hands. They deliver their songs with conviction but not enough strength and passion to convince the audience that they really mean what they're singing about. Fony have the backing of any successful band, they just lack that 'x factor' that could distinguish them from the crowd.

From the moment Skindred enter the stage they instantly bring the Agincourt back to life. This band is diverse, confident, and full of energy. With their thrashing metal strongly influenced by reggae they don't resemble any other band around, which is far from a negative attribute. The crowd displays their obvious appreciation by being whipped up into frenzy from start to finish, assisted by the vocalist and his bantering between songs. His threatening tones can at times be menacing but meant in the best of faith and received by the crowd as just part of the show. This entertainment, on top of the quality of Skindred's songs and the willing showmanship of the band's ensemble make for a worthwhile Sunday night, and a deserving headline spot.