Hyena / Groaner @ Bar Bloc
Like an Apache hovering overhead, waiting for clearance to land
| 09 Aug 2007
Groaner, a two-piece sporting guitar and laptop, fill the room with eerie electronic drones and sporadic, understated screeches. The sound is quite compelling, but perhaps not suited to the pub gig atmosphere, lacking any accessible progression. The persistent reverberation sounds like an Apache hovering overhead, waiting for clearance to land on the roof - and there are some nice controlled feedback squeals, which leave the crowd in a daze after the short set is over. A longer, more varied set might do Groaner justice.
Four-piece Hyena close the night with an explosive and fun set, but their passionate performance aside, the sum total doesn't quite cohere. The occasional catchy riff or funky bassline emerges from a more or less indistinct sound, and frontman Jack's voice soon starts to grate. At best, they are less than successful; at worst, less than interesting. [Adam Ketterer]
Four-piece Hyena close the night with an explosive and fun set, but their passionate performance aside, the sum total doesn't quite cohere. The occasional catchy riff or funky bassline emerges from a more or less indistinct sound, and frontman Jack's voice soon starts to grate. At best, they are less than successful; at worst, less than interesting. [Adam Ketterer]