My Vitriol / The Cinematics / Pure Reason Revolution

Playing only one European tour date this year, high hopes were held for the comeback of My Vitriol and their special one off gig in London last night. Remaining absent from the UK music scene in recent years, the band have kept a low profile whilst writing and producing their follow up album after the phenomenal success of 2002’s “Fine Lines” which spread across the underground Indie scene like wildfire, creating such anthems like “Always Your Way.” With new tracks leaking onto the internet, My Vitriol are slowly integrating themselves back into where they belong; At the top.

Camdem’s Koko was the venue chosen for such a special show. Boasting three floors, balconies and elegance, it soon packed out with fans old and new. The diversity in age and taste was evident, showing that My Vitriol can still hide away and reel in the fans.

Pure Reason revolution opened the show. On record they sound tight, but for the first band of the night the sound was poor. Duo Jon and Chloe’s vocals were lost amongst the prog music and sounded neither impressive nor strong. The short 20 minute set did not allow enough time for them to grow and get into the set, and therefore it felt rather short lived.

The Cinematics were a more upbeat band who managed to obtain a better reaction from the crowd, sounding like a less practiced version of The Editors. “Break” is a funky and catchy tune, but yet again none of the material sounded especially new or fresh and I couldn’t help but conjure up a long list of bands in my head that have done this better and bigger than them.

My Vitriol graced the stage to a deafening roar from the crowd. With a new bassist and a slightly more sassy looking Som on lead, a green strobe light ripped through the crowd as the band took their positions. With the new album yet to be released and the material on a tight downloading leash, I wondered how the crowd would reciprocate to totally new tracks against the older and more adored songs. Due to the reactions, I would say Som could have played ABC on his guitar and the crowd would have still lapped it up with admiration and enthusiasm. Practically all of “Fine Lines” was incorporated into the set, particular favourites being that of “Grounded” and “Cemented Shoes” on which the vocals were slightly drowned out as everyone sang along and screamed.

My Vitriol have a certain aura on stage, an energy that is transfused into the crowd and somehow gives you the ability to feel on an absolute high. For many fans, I can imagine watching My Vitriol for the first time is on a par with meeting a childhood hero. The band were around at a time when grunge Indie was popular amongst the teens, and taking a different stance on music was encouraged. Live they are immense, and just as powerful and emotive as they come across on record. The new records are a little less intense or memorable but still have the vitriol-esque stamp mark on them and are definitely worth a listen. “Always your way” was a perfect ending to a near enough perfect set, wrapping up the buzzing atmosphere of the night.

No encores, no fuss. My Vitriol are back with a bite and hopefully ready to show how Indie can be glamorous and grungey, as well as original. For me, this really is one of the best bands of the decade, and I sincerely hope their comeback is welcomed with opened ears.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.