Freebutt, 2nd December 2009
These days, it seems unsigned bands require colossal force to ‘break’ into the music industry; opening doors to a more prolific and profitable career. Yet, the astounding amplitude of immense progressive rock Exit Ten propel into their fans faces at live shows still has not been enough to smash through the professional barrier. Tonight’s gig was a further example of this frustration.
After a number of years constructing a fan base down South, I was very surprised the Reading quintet was not headlining a greater, more reputable venue. The Freebutt, although wholesome and satisfying in sound, could not be located in a more obscure place; cooped in a corner by residential buildings and flats. Thus, the lack-lustre turnout was no revelation. However, to the support bands this would not have been noticeable; primarily due to an irritatingly immense pillar positioned in front of the stage.
Thoughts Collide, together with Burn the Fleet, had good intensions trying to ignite the small winter-wet audience standing before them, but frankly all their wicks were worn. Both bands’ unintentional conformity to half-time ‘emo’ guitar picking patterns, cyclical crash cymbal hits, and archetypal vocal chants, made it difficult to decipher one song from another. It was the classic case of acts trying to portray something ‘different’, except all of which was being exuberated sounded much the same. Nevertheless, the support elucidated the headliners superior stage presence and proficient persona.
At a time when the future existence of the human race is being considered as a result of climate change, I was more fretful of the ferocious noise being polluted from Exit Ten’s instruments. With amps turned to maximum gage, a wall of epic divergent sound immediately battered and bruised ear drums in their entirety. Heavy gauze of electric guitar and bass were supported by thuds of double-kick drum as the band powered into an all out metalcore battering. What become clear, however, was the importance and contrasting facet of front man Ryan Redman. His harmonious vocal technique and tonal talent over such strenuous instrumentation made Exit Ten markedly diverse from their musical counterparts. The focal point of the group was most certainly recognized.
As they ripped through tracks from their 2008 debut album ‘Remember The Day’, Redman’s cry for crowd contribution spotlighted the pockets of loyal fans around the Freebutt. However, I found myself considering whether these fans will be sufficient enough? Like Redman emphatically emphasised, “If 2009 wasn’t our year, 2010 has to be, surely?” Having a preview of material from their upcoming third album, it has to be seen if Exit Ten make or break by the latter of next year…
Words by Laurence Woollard
myspace.com/exitten
