Review: Canterbury at The Sugarmill
A SMALL but appreciative audience at the Sugarmill were treated to a diverse array of up-and-coming bands on the latest date of Canterbury's UK tour.
The anthemic five-piece from Surrey - who are currently following Radiohead's example in releasing their debut album Thank You for free through their website - were joined by two rather contrasting support acts on Friday.
First up were Crewe's very own Sgt Wolfbanger, who, despite suffering the misfortune of breaking every spare guitar string in the venue during their set, gave a very polished performance.
The local lads specialise in emotionally charged, Fray-esque material, which would not sound out of place fading in over a particularly dramatic moment in The OC or One Tree Hill.
Next on stage were nu-rave duo Lights Go Blue, who made an incredible amount of noise for just two people.
While their relentless aural assault may not be everyone's cup of tea, you could not help but admire Raj Dheansa's pneumatically high-tempo drumming, which he juggled with singing duties and electronic jiggery pokery.
The headliners, who followed quickly on Lights Go Blue's heels, were undoubtedly the highlight of the night.
With two guitarists and a keyboard player, Canterbury produced a rich and textured sound during their refreshingly varied set.
But while many similar bands suffer from weak vocals, which can get lost amid the wall of sound, Canterbury boast not one, but two strong singers, who alternate and combine seamlessly on most of their songs.
If their album giveaway gambit pays off, we may be hearing a lot more from Canterbury in the future.
Phil Corrigan
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