As is becoming increasingly common with the intense noise merchants, both Japanther and Mindflayer chose to set up on the floor rather than the stage, and ignore the PA system entirely. Japanther's vocals went through amplified and effected phone handsets, while mindflayer were enigmatically mute. The setting meant there was virtually no light, hence the total murkiness of the vid.

I'd seen Japanther once last year but was unprepared for just how hot they have become. Passionate lyrics, collaged sound, driving rhythms, hard bass, singalong hooks, all add up to an intensely enjoyable band. 25 Suaves, from Michigan, are possibly Bulb Recs biggest act after Andrew WK. I'd heard tales of chaos and outrage at shows on their cross country tour and expected noise damage. But I was wrong. While loud, they came off distinctly Motorheadesque and were thoroughly musical. Mindflayer, on the other hand, are distinctly N-D oriented. Weird electronics and a kick-ass drummer wearing funny hoods. They whacked out 6 long improvisations. To get the shots of the drummer I had my head practically in the bass drum and ruined my hearing for a day or so after. The drummer broke quite a few sticks.

The clips are the first two songs from Japanther, and then the second song from each of the other's sets.

And yes i have knocked up a VCD of the show, 7 songs from Japanther, 8 from The Suaves, and 5 from Mindflayer (one tune missing = ran out of space), which until I receive a cease and desist from the bands, you can get from the pinstand for $4 inc. mail ($5 foreign) - if interested email orders@pinstand.com with the subject=VCD262, and I'll let you know the process, or just paypal into that same address.