Gig Reviews: Skindred, PDHM & Aphid @ The Peel, Kingston (21st June 2003)

by Gordon Tebbutt

This was a Saturday night I won't forget in a hurry! At The Peel in Kingston on Thames, a noise extravaganza hit the people right where it hurts. All three bands produced the kind of performance that bands that pack out Brixton Academy quite often seem to lack. Aphid, PDHM and Skindred are names that you should pay attention to in the future! There was so much energy flying around that it seemed like there was a small nuclear generator powering both the bands and the crowd!

Aphid

Aphid kicked off the proceedings with a hardcore set, thrown along by the lead singers fantastic vocal screaming abilities. My only criticism would be that there wasn't enough melody, but I know from experience that there are plenty of people out there that wouldn't find that a problem! The songs they did punch out did seem to catch the crowd, and a seemingly loyal following (as well as most of the crowd) certainly enjoyed an exciting and powerful performance.

PDHM

I love PDHM. I really really love them. I think you should love them too. I think your mum; your dad and your long lost auntie should get off their fat asses and enjoy this PDHM explosion. Because that is what going to a PDHM gig is like. Its like standing in front of a jet engine. You come out from hearing PDHM with a feeling somewhat similar to shellshock, or at least as close as I can imagine to it. You can only describe PDHM as extreme. Their music is a classic hardcore composition of heavy riffs, screaming and a bit of melody thrown in for good measure. They wowed an enthusiastic crowd with new unreleased material, and tracks off their new EP 'The New Black' such as 'Let It Slide', Closure, and 'Changing Times'. They also threw in a few of the gems that have helped PDHM grow into what they have become, 'Standing' being a prime example. With new management in tow, expect to hear more of PDHM!

Skindred

Skindred are something new. Skindred are something fresh and new. Skindred are something fresh, new and exciting! If that isn't enough to make you read on then you can go jump on the Nu Metal bandwagon as far as I'm concerned! With a unique blend of reggae and heavy metal Skindred captured the audience from the moment they walked on stage, and didn't let them go until a rather battered but happy crowd went home. The main attraction I should point out about Skindred is Benji. Benji has the most stage presence of any band I think I have ever seen. He toys with the audience and they just seem to play along loving every minute of it. What surprises me is that Skindred are still playing the venues that they are. I firmly belive that big things lie ahead for them, and I will be eagerly anticipating anything that comes from the direction of the Skindred studios!