Reuben, Kill Kenada, Enjoy Destroy

Spring & Airbrake, Belfast

Back in 2002, there was a controlled explosion of British post-rock, exposing bands like Hundred Reasons to an impressionable set of MTV2 viewers. Among the bands caught in the maelstrom were Kill Kenada and Reuben. Five years on, and Darwin’s survival theory is starting to look a bit shaky as Kill Kenada take the stage. Their sound was once full of excitement and fervour, but now the band evoke the early the styles of Nirvana, minus the presence, as the crowd look on confused and disappointed. It’s only rock and roll, and Mick Jagger can keep it.

After that, the only way is skyward. Reuben absolutely set the stage on fire. The three-piece are united by their A, B, and C t-shirts, and the crowd just cannot get enough. What’s strange about it is that Reuben are living on the cusp of the mainstream, perched pretty steadily in the territory Biffy Clyro occupied around two years ago. Tonight they are on top form, unleashing blistering cuts that have the crowd eating out of their hands. Part of the appeal comes from their behaviour between songs, in which grounded singer Jamie Lenman is full of humourous anecdotes, including musings on the infamous pillar that obscures the audience from at least one band member each gig in the Spring and Airbrake. The band are eager to please, and seem genuinely appreciative that people have come to see them, as if their music wasn’t encouragement enough. And it most definitely is.

Words_Chris Floyd

Issue #52 - Very Bro-some

Featuring Panama Kings, ASIWYFA, an investigation into DIY touring, details of what over 25 of the finest NI bands are up to in 2009 and much more.