65daysofstatic @ Oran Mor 3/5/10

Just a year ago 65daysofstatic would just be another post-rock act that melded into the scene like so many others, brilliant technically but no real reason why lyrics could not be added to improve the tracks as a whole. Now the Sheffield four-piece find themselves turning heads with a new more electronic, almost drum n’ bass style. New album ‘We Were Exploding Away’ has provided on record the exciting sound we had been hearing live since last summer.

Support tonight comes from London based electronic trio Nedry, who treat us to a delightful set branching across a variety of different electronic genres. The comparisons Nedry have received to acts such as Björk and Mogwai just go to demonstrate how diverse a sound these guys have and tonight certainly showed signs that they could be an attractive prospect for the future.

After the mellow wonder expelled by Nedry, 65dos provide a powerful alternative as all four members emerge full of energy and blast through a set comprised mainly from their new full length. Shrewbury, Wolinski and Wright throw themselves at the front of the stage almost the entire set whether playing with synths or slamming against guitars or bass. Even drummer Rob Jones adds to the band’s awesome presence appearing centre stage from time to time hammering down a beat.

While individual tracks prove hard to label, due to lack of lyrics, in your average 65dos set their songs still have solid structure and the new tracks carry enough strength that could see them inserted into the set of many a top DJ without anyone being left upset.

Tonight Oran Mor is buzzing with all varieties of people, over enthusiastic slam dancing and crowd surfing don’t seem fitting to some but throwing post rockers in the mixing pot with those looking for some hard electronic edge you are never going to keep everyone happy. Despite this mixed crowd the band successfully deliver managing to impress on all fronts. Even those who have been with them from the start are treated with ‘Radio Protector’ providing a delightful standout in an encore of post-rock gems prize picked from their previous three albums.