I’ve seen venues come and go in Brighton over the years. I suppose it is the natural evolution of things, a sub-plot in the wider story of the city or by-product of changing tastes and trends. The Green Door Store is no longer the new kid on the block, and being here tonight reinforces that in a positive way – after countless gigs with bands of all shapes, sizes and sounds, they’ve figured out how to make the cave sound, well, un-cavernous. The sound was deep, rich and fruity – like a fine Christmas pudding (I had to shoehorn one Christmas reference in on what was a particularly un-festive night). Silliness aside, it makes a massive difference – the audience being the main beneficiaries – but it also works in the bands’ favour, helping them get their songs across better, which in turn gives them confidence.
 
This was definitely in evidence for Pink Lizard, who – after a lightning-quick set up – caught everyone by surprise by exclaiming, “We’re good to go!” and launching into a dark, fizzing groove. The small audience rapidly grew as the first number rocked hard and it rocked loud – the latecomers were rightly drawn in to check out the dirty, gnarly blues rock that was pulverising the room.
 
Over the course of a relatively short set, Pink Lizards displayed control of dynamic and pace with slowly rolling verses and fast and filthy choruses. For a three-piece, they have power in abundance, and my, was it fun to experience it! In amongst the sheer hard-rocking nature of the band, there are hooks to be found, solos to enjoy and a youthful abandon/contagious joy in the playing. Throw in a frontwoman who performs like Janis Joplin on crack and can shred with the best of them, and you’ve got a band who may be destined for great things. It was enormous fun – alive and electric, amplified to 11 and very entertaining for it.
 
Headliners, FVNERALS, provided an altogether different experience. Their introduction was slow drone that built at a glacial pace – nothing wrong with that, but after the high-octane thrills of Pink Lizards, this was almost jarring. A bit more thought in the billing or ordering of the evening might have been useful.
 
Listeners prepared to stick with what FVNERALS offer will be rewarded, however. The austere nature of the music becomes enveloping, and the starkness serves to highlight the slightest of changes in the music. When elements of jazz and syncopation were introduced to the songs, it was a genuine treat.
 
I have to take my hat off to them – such commitment to an aesthetic that is so spare takes huge discipline and belief, and through this devotion to their form, they’ve created something that stands out as unique. I suspect its darkness will mean that they won’t be hitting the Radio 2 airwaves any time soon, but I don’t think that is part of the master plan.
Adam Luke Atkins
Website: fvnerals.com