The Dead Eyes Of Quint @ Cockpit
By Kate ZezulkaIt's Wednesday and that can only mean one thing: making the hour-long journey from work to the Cockpit in just a little under thirty minutes. Unfortunately, I am not, as it stands, The Wolf from Pulp Fiction, so I miss A Lot Like Eskimos' set. This is somewhat of a disappointment for me, as I am curious to see how their upbeat pop translates into a live context, but I'll warrant that the crowd was easily won over by their hook-centric sound and boyish exuberance.
The Dead Eyes Of Quint are perhaps not given the best opportunity to showcase themselves. Due to a few little hitches with equipment, there are instances where it suddenly seems a little like a house of cards; additionally the PA doesn't favour them this evening, the usual sound affliction of the smaller room certainly noticeable throughout their set and, as such, the often elaborate guitar parts are overpowered by most other lines. Regardless of the little blips, the often challenging natures of the instrumental lines add a lot of interest to what could otherwise be a very standard metal set. Metalheads will find plenty to get excited about here.
Edging slightly more towards the post rock, or even progressive, side of things, Solus Locus truly shine live. They are perceptibly well-rehearsed and sturdy musicians; the choice of keys to be largely the leading instrument adds originality to the basic premise, and its melodic material's loveliness is a great bonus. Samples are also used to good effect here, never taking precedence over musical merit but carefully enhancing the whole soundscape. On the strength of this evening, we will all be waiting with bated breath for what comes next from this remarkably dewy-eyed but talented band.
