Perfectly Formed!

The Anglo Form

‘I feel quite fresh seems how I’ve been up for 48 hours’ confesses The Anglo Form’s front man and former Sunderland University fine art student Andrew Holder, wandering around in his usual attire of specs, skinny jeans and brogues. Its in stark contrast to lead guitarist, Gary Taylor, who according to his girlfriend, spent the previous night listening to the first five seconds of all of The Smiths songs he owns for reasons completely unbeknown to anyone but himself.

It’s Sunday night at Sunderland’s White Room and a healthy crowd is gathering to see Holder and Taylor’s latest musical incarnation in action.

Previous outfit The Floral Riots attracted ample crowds and were warmly received in the local music press but fizzled out after only a handful of gigs. They did however pave the way for current line up of Holder on vocals and guitar, Taylor on lead and interestingly, up and coming local DJ Ross Cockton on percussion duties.

It’s this unorthodox band line up which from the outset enraptures the crowd. Set opener ‘Silo’ showcases Taylor’s angular, frenetic guitars and Holders idiosyncratic vocals which, if likened to anyone, have at times an air of the intense, corybantic sound of Ian Curtis. ‘SESSIONISM IN SILO’ he spit’s the lyrics with acidity.

The sentiment could not be more apt as he crosses the 50 hour mark with no sleep. New addition, Cockton, stands over his laptop and synthesizer mercurially controlling the industrial beats and bringing with him added depth to bands sound.

The six song set is rattled through with a new found sense of urgency and focus, with audience interaction kept to a minimum. This lends itself well to Holders, dark and at times menacing lyrics ‘Corpse to let/Knives digest’ goes ‘Revolt in Paris. ‘Sark’, ‘Wolves’ and ‘Anglophillia’ all feel purposeful, believable and are delivered with venom.

Set finale ’Archiketure’ is the nights highlight. Cocktons synths rise into Taylors razor sharp, punk, coloured riff. ‘The fear came again/And ripped through like disease/Take one of these’ erupts the vocals to culminate an impressive live display.

There are innumerable second rate pub-rock and Fugazi rip off outfits orbiting the Sunderland music scene but there is also a wealth of forward thinking and creative bands. The Anglo form on tonight’s form are a shining example of the latter.

The can see them next play at:

Independent, Sunderland, 28/1//08

Dog and Parrot, Newcastle, 6/12/08

Visit: www.myspace.com.theanglofrommusic