Canford Heath Community Centre, Poole
So, a gig that was a long time in preparation and organisation finally came around. One of our own, namely Ayriss have put on this showcase-style event in what to some might seem unfamiliar territory. Wanting to capture the whole of the local scenesters and fans alike they have plumped for Canford Heath Community Centre. A large room with a decent-sized stage and acoustics to match. It’s a balmy hot night as the room sees fans trickle in throughout the performance. First up are a new act to me, a Post/Noise duo named No Big Deal. I’m guessing with such a moniker their aspirations are still fairly low? However, everyone has to start somewhere.
With song titles in short supply, we are instead offered vocal hollering’s over a precise but constant drumbeat. The guitars and overall sound are disjointed at best and while I accept this may be the point, it’s all rather predictable. Make your lyrics at a minimum decipherable and you’re half way there. Their musical “style” seems stuck somewhere in a Post/Hardcore re-tread but is crying out for a melody. However, their last offering is what I was hoping for during their entire set – a song! And while I don’t want to diss (to my ears) A new band, everyone has to start somewhere. They remind me of the first time I saw Biffy Clyro – I thought, they will never go anywhere…..
Next up are another duo, the confident Terminal Days. (Please note after this gig Terminal Days Changed their name to “Velour”). This pairing has it all – presence, stagecraft and a clutch of great songs. They set out their stall early with some accomplished “Dark/Wave Electronica”. Opener “Last Night At The Paradise Lost” sets the mood. Both Joe (keys) and Brandon (vox) are decked out in all black and are reminiscent of a broodier Soft Cell. Brandon is chief shapeshifter while Joe takes the Davil Ball role on keys. “Lucia” is heartfelt and delivered with a vocal power that could suggest the lyrics are personal? “Mirrors” and “The Rain” follow before a cover of Tears For Fears “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” is given a Terminal Days makeover. The trick sometimes with a cover is to make it your own – they succeed. Penultimate track “Testament” is an upbeat highlight where Brandon goes walkabout into the crowd, before they depart us on the wonderful “Falling From Great Height”. I begin to wonder why I have never come across Terminal Days before. The trajectory of this band (IMO) can only go one way, and it won’t be downwards…
And so to the main event. The brothers Ayriss are no strangers to me or many of this audience. They have booked this space and it’s “their” big gig. With the room really filling they make their entrance. I always worry when a band open with a cover, but I’m guessing this is a nerve-settler to breeze their way in. Admittedly Royal Blood’s “Figure It Out” would be a great opener for a covers set, but latterly I understand their choice. Either way, this hometown crowd are on their side early doors. “Adrift” and “On My Side” show us what Jordan Ayriss’s compositions are all about. And let’s not forget the powerhouse that is Damian Ayriss on all things percussive. Again the musical slant is Post/Electro Dark/Wave with some clever sampling and some neat percussive notes. “The Grigori” is decent enough but “Control Your Breathing” seems to test Jordan’s vocal layering. “Biblical” works well with the stage theatre and the ever-present videography going on behind them on the projector screen. There’s a good mix of flashing lyrics and assorted images – the one that sticks out is all their musical heroes shot in split-second flashes. I have to admit, only a few of these songs are known to me but the way Jordan orchestrates this crowd is a sight to behold. Ok; so there’s an element of choreography going on here, but everyone is reading from the same page. “The Best Times” I guess is what the band feel they are living while I’m guessing “It’s All OK” is more a take on modern life.
With their grand soundscapes, I guess another cover was to be expected. Muse’s “Hysteria” is given the Ayriss treatment and this fine young audience respond with a head-banging session! “Relax” is offered with encouragement; it’s Poppy with a driving beat and a Summery 80’s feel, preceding another cover “Can You Feel My Heart” (Bring Me the Horizon). The chimes and soundscapes perfectly encapsulate the sound that Jordan seems to be striving for. After almost an hour they depart us on “I’m a Fraud” which they are anything but. And right on queue they return reprising “Figure It Out”. While tonight had the feel of a hometown show with a hometown audience, I feel there’s room for improvement in certain areas. Maybe a slight detour here and there and some genre-crossing, but otherwise a decent rounded performance. Working daily in a music facility has clearly rubbed off on this pairing, and I hope for more of the same going forward.
Set List
Ayriss
Figure it Out (Royal Blood)
Adrift
On My Side
The Grigori
Control Your Breathing
Biblical
Voices
S.O.S
Feel It
Catch Me
The Best Times
It’s All Okay
Hysteria (Muse)
I’m Fine
Down and Out
Relax
Can You Feel my Heart (Bring Me The Horizon)
I’m a Fraud
Figure It Out – Reprise (Royal Blood)
Terminal Days
Last Night at The Paradise Lost
Lucia
Mirrors
The Rain
(To Die) As Lovers May
Everybody Wants to Rule the world (Tears For Fears cover)
I Gave You Everything (The Lover Speaks cover)
Testament
Falling From Great Heights
Video
Links
https://www.facebook.com/ayrissmusic
https://ayrissmusic.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/terminaldays
Words by Ross A. Ferrone
Media by David Chinery (Chinners)
