The Skramz Will Take Over Us

• 20th Jul 2006

Amidst the modern manner of tight-tees, swept black hair and converse shoes is an inception that appears to have been lost somewhere between the CD:UK appearances, and the posters pinned up on the rooms of fourteen year old girls; a regurgitated influence that re-surfaces when it's deemed sellable by the media and 'hip' with the kids.

Alright, I'm talking about 'emo', and it's the modern popularity of a term that was, originally, nothing more than incipient shorthand for 'emotional', that is nothing short of remarkable – especially considering its roots (which I shan't go into, for lack of time). Even the most arduous music enthusiast is inclined to agree that this parallel mainstream resurgence has provided the underground with some sort of exposure, be it leading to nothing more than a handful more people attending shows, or a slight increase in 'record sales'.

An example of this sort of revolution can be found in the small dwelling of the Packhorse, in Leeds, this coming Friday, where five 'emotionally' charged groups of folk will come together from across the country to share, and show, their influences, joys, despairs and thoughts in a manner that could only be found if one borrowed Marty McFlys DeLorean and headed over to the USA, anywhere between Long Island and San Diego, circa 1995. What Price, Wonderland? Montana, The Machines Will Take Over, Jupiter Lander and Silhouettes of Soldiers share similar influences, ranging from the Machines' forceful gruff-punk, found more commonly on No Idea records, to the On The Might Of Princes-esque quiet-loud duelling of Mansfield's SOS. And for a mere FOUR POUNDS, which also includes a free cd of the aforementioned bands and more, it's a show that will hopefully not fall similarly down the metaphorical wayside that hinders bands like these from continuing to do something that they love.