Halloween fright night @ The Mill

Walking into The Mill last night (Oct 29) brought you face-to-face with a black sea of ghosts, ghouls, demons and other lurid members of the undead. Eerie cobwebs hung from the rafters to tickle the spines of those who drifted beneath, as the club's Halloween extravaganza pulled one of the biggest crowds of the year so far.

The packed out venue was treated to four bands that brought together a fantastic array of music from Forgotten Hopefuls and Manchester Brit blues-rockers The Black Velvets to erratic madcap mayhemists The Jackpot Golden Boys and spine-chilling, sinister gothic metal extremists Asylum.

Non-deathly

Running frighteningly behind schedule, The Jackpot Golden Boys took to the stage just after ten, as a huge, loyal crowd gathered in front of the stage. Jackpot Alex sporting a surprisingly non-deathly army jacket while keys man Dan and drummer Jim gave in to tradition with suitably chilling make-up.

Having not played for a good few months the Jackpots have had time to hone their sound and rack up some new material to add to their unique stage-show. Fresh songs were on offer throughout the set, starting from the top as the band kicked-off with a characteristically diverse, electronic dance tune that would seem out of place was it not for the Jackpot's tendency to provide the unexpected - highlighted at the end of second song 'Jackpot' as singer and bassist down their instruments and burst into a well-rehearsed yet haphazard dance routine.

Formula

The set was not all sugar and spice however, as sound problems dogged the band throughout, with Jackpot Dan complaining of monitor troubles, unable to hear himself for part of the performance. Newcombe High, a newer number in the Jackpot stage show, suffered from an offensively loud keyboard melody, and the extensive set showed signs of the Jackpot's writing beginning to hit a formula rather than the risky, unpredictable style we are used to.

With all manner of randomness mixed into the show, such as guest appearances and throwing sweets to the audience, the band managed to ensure they were cut short and unable to play their two most topical songs 'Halloween nights' and 'Sneaky'. The set ended amidst complete confusion between audience and band, unsure whether or not the set was over, meaning the Jackpots failed to get the rapturous reception they deserved for proving that, despite a few minor reservations, they are still one of the hottest, most entertaining musical prospects in the city.

Asylum (the following is written by Liam Pennington)

Headliners, as ever, Asylum are the six-piece Gothic-influenced metal band with a following of hundreds. It's theatre as much as music; as much a show of strength than anything like a standard gig. It is difficult to fully appriciate the actual material when you're looking at the symbols and paradigms ; women chained to the mic stand; make up and costume. Asylum are one of the few credible bands of their ilk around here, and they do not rest when they blast out songs for the "Asylumites" in the pits below, but it is not always that enjoyable for everyone else.

Always walking the line of cliché and theatre, Asylum are much more than just a metal band pounding out the chords. They have depth and character, but will always be difficult to fully appreciate.

Jackpot Golden Boys review by: Dan Jeoffroy
Asylum Review by: Liam Pennington (Doktorb)

Photography: Dan Jeoffroy