Heights / Porshyne / Valerian Swing / Toska [Live Review – The Hope & Ruin, Brighton, 4/4/2015]
This was not a good night to be a drum kit.
Featuring four progressively-oriented acts backed up by seriously accomplished skin-beaters, this show was a must-see for fans of complex, labyrinthine sonic structures and alternately brutal and nuanced beats. The crowd fit the bill, each individual bumping shoulders with likeminded music lovers and staring stageward as Toska belted out the first set of the night.
Toska are a very new progressive prospect, but they’re already making waves on the back of virtuosic talent, Read more…
On an average Friday night, the most challenging music you’re likely to encounter will involve a four-to-the-floor kick drum, some cheesy synths, and the chart topping pop puppet of the day warbling over the top. Prog fans on a night out often find themselves hitting a wall beyond which they either choose to go home, or encounter a sudden urge to 
On the way to this show, I was propositioned by a prostitute; had a guy try to sell me a bible; and was challenged to a fight by a homeless man.
According to the press info which accompanied this album’s descent into the depths of TMMP’s black hole-like inbox, this album’s title is “…longer than one of Kim Kardashian’s marriages.” No argument there. As for the music itself, Heights’ latest opus comes close to equalling anything Kardashian-related in terms of sheer drama and excess, while simultaneously being infinitely more interesting.
If it takes 3o years for a genre to be considered “Classic,” then mathcore is more than halfway to grey-hair territory. Considering that Calculating Infinity has been around for 16 years – and mathcore itself can be traced back through Deftones-style alt-metal, seventies prog and fusion bands, odd-meter-loving jazz maestros, and…well…heroin – it’s amazing that 
The first thing that needs to be said is this: Takedown Festival 2015 was really well-run. Organising an event that takes in over 40 bands across five stages, runs to schedule, and delivers a smooth, hassle-free and fun experience for punters is a serious ask – but the Takedown crew rose to the challenge and did an awesome job. Even the security were nice guys. Or maybe paid actors.
As a long-time Eschar fan, I’ve been looking forward to hearing new music from said band since 2012, when their epic mini-album