Pattern Pusher are a multi-genre band who hail from Exeter, they've been working on their debut E.P P.S, which was recorded in mainly bedrooms and lounges around Devon as they couldn't afford much studio time.

Tonight was the launch party for the EP, the Phoenix was the venue and by the looks of things, it was going to be a good night as many folk had arrived early to socialise over a few beers ahead of the evening's entertainment unfolding.

We were to be treated to 4 acts this evening, quite a rare site and something that can often curdle the blood of sound engineers across the land but being the consummate professionals that they are, the Phoenix team took it well in their stride and managed to keep a lid on any technical issues that occured.

Opening up proceedings was North Devon based ambient rock 5 piece Trip to Tori, their set was full of lush soundscapes, at times quite intense whilst keeping a gentle melodic undertone which made for a great experience. If you get the chance to see these guys live, I guarantee they will delight.

Devon 5 piece K-Lanta really bought the funk to the party. Their opening offering launched you right back to the 80s with the heavy keyboard and impressive guitar over bass and drums which were tighter than a gnats chuff, brilliant stuff indeed. This was their first ever gig which was hard to believe as they sounded incredible, when they launched into a cover of Jamiroquai's "Love Fool" it was hard to stop the canned heat in your heels transporting you to the floor for a bit of a shuffle!

Torquay based 5 piece Tourists took me way back to the heady days of reverb drenched dream pop, bands such as Chapterhouse, Ride and the works of the early JAMC sprung to mind but with a more pop orientated keyboard twist in their arsenal. The auditorium remained minimally lit, these guys didn't need a pyrotechnics show to get their message across, the music and atmospheric soundscapes did this beautifully. A lengthy keyboard section midway through the set allowed the rest of the band a breather and the chance to tune before they sprung back into action, more upbeat than before, driving bass, haunting guitar whilst the drummer laid down the double quicktime beat. The music was layered, it grew, building in intensity the guitar becoming more melodic as the train travelled it's journey....

From their minimal, ethereal opener, Pattern Pusher quickly established their right to be the headline act of the evening, the incessant drums, the driving bass complemented by the keys and the vocoder distorted voice of Alex fused beautifully to create a three headed beast that roared in unison. Some heavy breaks complimented by soaring soundscapes accentuated with beautiful detail proved that these guys were more than capable of creating some captivating music that drew you in, demanding your attention.

Switching between bass and keys, Ben demonstrated his multi-instrumentalist abilities to the capacity crowd that had congregated to celebrate the release of their new EP P.S. which was selling well at the merchandise table along with prints and other goodies related to the band. From an early attack on the senses to an almost classical piano interlude and ending with a full on rousing track that had the audience bobbing along nicely to the catchy melodies, these sonic chameleons dazzled and delighted the Exeter Phoenix tonight.

Review by Steve Muscutt

Photography by Rhodri Cooper