Having made a bit of a cock up by getting the dates wrong I have turned up at the wrong night for The Tunbridge Wells Forum's rock weekend. I was supposed to be seeing Ex Prodigy's Giz's band Janus Stark. So you can imagine my surprise to arrive on the hardcore metal night. Oh well these things happen so it's best just to dive right in and make the best of it. I arrived a little late so only saw the tail end of Labrat's set so it would be unfair of me to comment on them. It seemed like the usual shout as loud as you can down a microphone type thing but musically they seemed kind of interesting in some strange hardcore thrash type of way.

Subvert go for it!

Next up was Subvert. This seemed to be more to my liking. Same type of shout down microphone music but a lot better-constructed and some pretty good tunes to boot. The singer cut between tonsil bashing and harmonious verses with ease and wasn't afraid to show where his convictions were. I was informed that he was once in a band called Earshot so his roots are well spoken for. But knowing that my facts are usually wrong, I could be incorrect. The bass player also looked very familiar to some one I knew at University, but that really is irrelevant.

Careful Breakneck, you may choke!

Up next was Breakneck. These guys visually confused the hell out of me. The singer looked like the school geek and someone who usually was the butt of someone else's jokes. Anything but, a front man for a hardcore metal band. This illusion was soon dispelled once he had opened his gob mind you. He jumped and through himself around his set like the songs was personal old friends of his. I don't know, maybe he was the butt of people's jokes and needed to take out all that negative energy. Musically they seemed similar to Labrat to me. Although, if I had to choose between the two of them, Labrat would have the edge on it.

Snub! Assume the position!

Finally we come to the headline act of the evening Snub. It's easy to see why Choff and his cast of dysfunctional misfits take pole position. They are just very good at what they do. Yeah, they're older than the competition but it's clear to see and hear where this experience lies. Choff greets his audience with a sense of respect and admiration for all those before him. He is also not afraid to comment on the trials of trying to find a shirt that fits. Their set rips through relentlessly with Simon Smith on guitar, Martin Jeffery on bass and Vincent Edwards keeping it all moving on the drums. The crowd don't need telling what to do and respond with the usual mosh pit and stage diving antics. In fact it all goes down so well that an encore is required before anyone will go home. If you would like to hear and see more about these bands check out the music and video pages.

Martin Jeffery, gives it some!