Sikth show again, they are more than just a metal band
I have always wondered what Sikth would be like as a live band. After reviewing their latest album, 'Death of a Dead Day' I was particulary keen to hear how the tracks off the new album would sound. Academy 3 is quite full tonight. Indeed, it was a sell-out show, as have been almost all of Sikth's shows this year.
Opening up for Sikth was a band called the Architects. Generally, couldnt't quite figure out what they were saying, in classic cookie-monster style, but their cover of an Artic Monkeys track was somewhat interesting. Sikth take the stage and open up with 'Bland Street Bloom'. Instantly there's a pit forming, with the crowd going pretty wild. The sound is great, although not quite as clear as the record. Nonetheless, Sikth are already warming the crowd up.
During the night, Sikth play through 'Part of the Friction', 'Pussyfoot', 'Flogging the Horses', 'Another Sinking Ship' and 'How May I Help You?'. At around this point, the band manage to get the entire venue to split down the middle, as a prelude to a large circle pit. Clearly. they have the crowd eating out of their hands. The second half of the set head-banged through 'Scent of the Obscene', 'Sanguine Seas', 'When Will the Forest Speak?' , 'What For Something', 'Way Beyond the Fond Old River', finishing with 'Skies Of The Millenium Night'. It seems they were keen to promote the new album. This was somewhat strange. Although we were treated to some poetry half way through, Sikth didn't seem to show their random, melodic side. Despite the new album being quite varied, this gig didn't seem to be at all.
Yet again, in Gonzo style, I had to launch into the pits in the spirit of media journalism. That and the fact that Sikth were putting in a great deal of effort that came across really well. It felt not quite so emotional; only a few hardcore fans were making it into the pits. Still, for Academy 3, the crowd were certainly pleased. In all, a good gig though most likely, not their best.