Kevin Drumm. Click here to view flickr.

Upset The Rhythm
Tuesday 29th January 2008
Bardens Boudoir, Stoke Newington Road, London

The smell of lemon-scented cologne and cooked meats of Stoke Newington High Road instantly threw me back to the streets of Istanbul where I had been a few weeks earlier. From the wedding planners to the furniture stores, everything a startup Turkish family needs is all here. Located below one such emporium is Bardens Boudoir: home to the youth of Dalston and tonight home to another one of Upset The Rhythm's excellent showcases.

Cheapmachines sounded interesting, but the clatter of drinks and background chat put paid to any intensity he may have been trying to put across and Beach Fuzz I missed altogether. Prurient is always good value for money and mildly entertaining. His singular angry young man dressed in black antics are pure theatre. I still remain unconvinced by the records though.

Kevin Drumm's reputation was sealed the moment he unleashed 'Sheer Hellish Miasma' way back in 2002. This recording has attained almost legendary status, its popularity confirmed by the recent re-issue. Sadly his brief (20 minute) live emission failed to measure up. In his defence the appalling sonics at Bardens and the fact that he might have had technical problems resulted in a deeply unsatisfying end to tonight's aggression.