F.I.N.K. (Review) Underpass @ Crauford Arms 9th May 08 Milton Keynes

Stonebreaker

The first band that kicked off at 8:45pm was Stonebreaker from Milton Keynes who sounded a little like a cross between Metallica, Sabbath and Zeppelin, whose style is described by Matt D, the lead singer and guitarist as what he'd call Stoner-Rock. The band have been going since April 2005 and were knocking-out only original material, Yes! I'm not much of a covers fan. The other band members are Matt G on guitar Danny on drums and Fuzzy Dave on bass. Dave showed us all just how easy it is to mosh wildly an play guitar at the same time (Skillz). Matt said they've got new material on the way, I'm not sure when they'll show us this new stuff but I'm sure we'll hear it at up-coming gigs. Check out Stonebreaker at www.myspace.com/stonebreakeruk

Device

Next up again was a local act from MK. This was Device another four-piece unit falling under the genre of Progressive Rock. They got together in the summer of 2005 and like Stonebreaker have a lot of experience in their craft. They have an album out called 'Obstacles and Playgrounds' which was recorded in February 2007 at the Sawmills Studio in Cornwall, then in January 2008 Device got themselves signed up to Lockjaw Records. Speaking to Nick the guitarist / backing vocalist I get the sense that they were not all-together happy with the gig. Someone said that maybe Stonebroke (who also weren't entirely happy) and Device had cranked their guitars a little too high. Hopefully next time they'll have it the way they want it. But whatever the technical problems were with the first two acts, this didn't seem to be the case with the next two. Listen to Device on www.myspace.com/deviceuk

Casino Drive

Next up was Casino Drive, a Melodic Rock outfit from out of town. They're from Bath and like the other bands, were knocking out only original material, (quality). Casino Drive formed in the summer of 2007 soon releasing a debut 4 track EP titled 'Spin The Truth.' They haven't been going that long but even so they were a tight little unit and well organized. What's good about all the bands tonight is that they are really young. So as good as they are now, imagine what they'll be like in five years or so. I spoke briefly with Dave who was nice enough to give me a Casino Drive CD. I asked him the names of the other three lads and he said that they're all called James. So he's thinking about converting his name to James just to fit in. Check-em out on Myspace - www.myspace.com/casinodrive

F.I.N.K

Last but not least the band I'd been waiting for.... F.I.N.K. I wanted to see these after talking and having an interview with Simon a week earlier. He'd played here on the 2nd May as a duo with his pal Beef. I was so impressed with his performance which was just him on guitar and Beef on bongos. They should of called themselves Simon and Beef's-Uncle but they didn't. Anyway I was curious to see him in action again, this time in a three-piece unit. Simon's joined forces with a two piece outfit called F.I.N.K. Last week with Beef, Simon played Country Funk, this week with F.I.N.K. Funk Rock. They were great especially this being their first gig. They're more Funk than Rock which is good. There's so much Rock in MK right now, It's refreshing to hear other genres. They all looked the part, the bass player jiving along to the intricate sound they'd made, the drummer wearing cool shades knocking-out awesome beats and Simon who fitted in nicely as his animated self. The music was amazing, always changing unless they hit on an exceptional melody which they'd loop. There was no singing. It was just all about the music. They had myself and the crowd at full attention. I think as headliners they were in their rightful place which was a bit strange this being their first gig. Bands like this need to be told they're on the right path and if there is any way I can encourage and support local acts like this I will. As long as they carry on playing and practicing regularly F.I.N.K. like a summers flower will grow and blossom fast. So take your girlfriend or whatever to see and support these coz I reckon they could go all the way. Anyway look out for them. I think they will be performing at the County Arms in Newport Pagnell and I know they will be at the Pitz, If anyone knows exactly when and where please let me know, thanx. I'll be looking forward in the future on finding out and telling you more about em.

Click on photos for enlargement

All bands played for around 30-45 mins.

Buy your favorite music at 'CD WOW!'

For reviews contact Gef