A variation of this review can be found on rockflesh.com.
This is the first time I've been to Holy Diver, a new rock club just off Stockport's main shopping thoroughfare which has been open for eighteen months. On first impressions, it looks pretty impressive with a good sized stage, decent decor, plenty of space and a lot of rock memorabilia including a huge Ozzy Osbourne stained glass window style artwork.
It's been another blazing hot day and there is a rather important football match taking place later but there is still a decent crowd for the return of hardcore punk/crossover veterans D.R.I.
Yorkshire's Under The Influence open with 'Pipebomb' which is a basic slice of punk but it does have a driving rhythm and a bit of character. The slower part of 'Dead Babies' is a bit hackneyed but it shows its teeth when it changes gears. The singer's voice is shrill and aggressive and she has some terrifying screams in her arsenal too. She has a great stage presence and shows real attitude.
The more percussive moments give them a Dead Kennedys edge although musically they're much closer to Black Flag. They get better as the set progresses and it is rather enjoyable by the time they reach the end of the set. The crowd doesn't move too much but they do seem appreciative.
D.R.I. start off at a relentless pace with the pounding 'All For Nothing'. The guitars sound thick and full bodied whilst the rhythm section is as tight as can be. The ripping, snarling crossover thrash of 'Manifest Destiny' continues with the same intent. The blazing harcore punk of 'Id Rather Be Sleeping' gets the pit moving. When they play fast, it's at a pace that few can match which is amazing considering they arguably invented this blasting style of playing over forty years ago. Frontman Kurt Brecht looks in good health and sounds great with his bratty punk style with slacker undertones.
Each song merges into the next and the set moves along at breathless pace. The signature 'Who Am I' is still a memorable blur. The hard thrashing 'Hooked' sounds tar thick. It's so intense it's almost overwhelming, which probably isn't helped by the 30 plus degree temperature outside.
The thrashing 'Acid Rain' is absolutely punishing and the guitars have a Leeway feel to them. The guitars keep going super loud for no discernable reason but it doesn't make any difference to the show. They play over thirty songs but it isn't at all boring becuase of all the little variations which help to punctuate the otherwise relentless pace. The sludgy stomp of 'Syringes In the Sandbox' has an awesome groove reminiscent of Crowbar or maybe even Exhorder.
The band are incredibly tight, playing with military precision. The stamina of the band, especially the drummer Danny Walker, is unbelievable considering the sheer pace of tracks such as 'Mad Man' even though they've been playing for nearly a hour at this point. 'I Don't Need Society' ups the speed and energy even more. The revenge anthem 'Five Year Plan' is the final chance for people to dance and the crowd responds to the furious thashing energy whilst Kurt repeatedly hollers "I win". Fantastic.
D.R.I. *****
Under The Influence ***
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