neurosisCelebrating a rich and extensive 30 years of musical history, post-metal/sludge heavyweights Neurosis put on two special anniversary shows, back to back, at Koko to celebrate. The first night is a focused more on the ambient, post metal span of their discography, accompanied by support from Earth. Tonight hones in on the heavier leaning side of their back catalogue, bolstered by hardcore punk legends Discharge and Subhumans.

A particularly rowdy crowd member can be heard screaming the lyrics to a Subhumans song before the band have even started playing. “Nice job, mate, you’re hired!” jests frontman, Dick Lucas, before launching into ‘Apathy’ – the lyrics “Bombs? War? Famine? Death? An apathetic public couldn’t care less” seem particularly poignant, given that it’s the eve of the U.S presidential election. Despite forming 36 years ago, they sound every bit as volatile as they did back in 1980, giving the crowd an experience of what genuine punk should look and sound like. Lucas’ swagger purveys a commanding stage presence, as the rest of the band play with heartfelt ferocity. It’s clear from the crowd’s eager enthusiasm that they’re having every bit as much fun as Subhumans are.

Keeping with this evening’s theme of British punk rock, Discharge erupt onto the stage and vocalist J.J proceeds to irritate every photographer present by refusing to keep still – prowling the stage like a madman. Despite only having provided vocals for a couple of years, his voice fits naturally with the angry pummelling of the drums and guitar. Of course, some backing is provided by Tezz, so some of the original Discharge spirit is still very much present throughout the set. It’s everything you’d want from this type of performance; it’s brash, pissed off, high tempo and absolutely relentless. It’s marred slightly by a sloppy job on behalf of the soundman – rather than the razor sharp edge you’d want the sound to have, it sounds a little murky. No one really seems to notice, however, as the crowd goes absolutely bonkers for them.

While many may be hoping for revisit of the hardcore period of Neurosis, tonight is not the case. Instead of giving material as far back as ‘Pain of Mind’ or ‘The Word as Law’ an airing, the crowd is treated to the heavier songs from the likes of ‘Souls at Zero’ and ‘Enemy of the Sun’ as well as material from newest release ‘Fires Within Fires’. The Oakland five piece are on flawless form this evening, creating a sonic experience that enraptures as it crushes. They are a formidable presence, shifting from one song to another with machine like precision. A set stripped of the band’s more ambient soundscapes highlights just how skilled Neurosis are within their craft. Most bands would crumble under the pressure of having one of their key elements taken away, however, Neurosis prove that they are able to deliver no matter what the circumstances, and that every dynamic of their sound is expertly executed. Closing with classic ‘Through Silver in Blood’, tonight has been a truly humbling experience and proof that, after three decades, Neurosis are still very much at the top of their game.

Review by Angela Davey