Bossk @ Henry's Cellar Bar

Sprawling post-metal epics with crushing, searing heavy crescendos? They'd heard it all before, I'm sure. I'm equally sure that the crowd couldn't care less because this was special music played by a criminally underexposed band in a venue whose size accommodates this sound so tightly it could almost have been designed to house the likes of Bossk. An hour-long, three track set from the touring Kent lads built its momentum around a weighty selection of effects pedals, Spartan, low-key lighting and the whiff of burning incense - oh, and some incredible playing. It's by no means disparaging to say that Bossk's sound innovates little on the likes of Cult of Luna or Isis, because the length of the tracks dictates that the variances on structure and on the shape of the layered guitars allows for a familiar newness each time you listen. And with the inevitability of the distorted climax always just around the corner, it reminds you that for all its merits this style just doesn't have enough bands attempting it. At least, not many as good as Bossk. [Jamie Borthwick]