Artrocker Festival, 02 Academy Islington

The fearful strains of a jarring sampler signals a ghoulish start to KASMs set, which is an energetic affair centred upon the dyed-red-haired frontwoman Rachel Mary Callaghan whose vigorous and violent onstage presence not only strikes fear but also immensely entertains the audience. It does not take long at all for her to jump into the thronged masses, causing more than a few pints to hit the floor. Their sound, a mix of punk and goth or their own self-proclaimed ‘Shriekbeat’, comes across vibrantly on stage. Each four members are visibly highly talented musicians and their performance at Artrocker Magazine’s festival is certainly evidence of this. ‘Bone You,’ which is being released as a single in February, is definitely a highlight amongst a fantastic set that receives a rapturous reception.

Another band that has been in many a sentence together with KASMs is An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump whose pounding, volatile tendencies draw a large crowd to their set in the O2 Islington Bar Academy. Taking their name from a 1768 painting by Joseph Wright, they are certainly not the most conventional of bands in any way. The all-drumming 3-piece rush through countless songs, many of which last about a minute each. These sound snippets, such as recent single ‘Lights Out’, are delightful yet crushing to the ear, a post-punk racket that is a thrill to hear yet is near horrifying at the same time. Their startling set certainly seems to impress the hordes, including the likes of Lightspeed Champion, Fred from Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man. as well as members of Ipso Facto.

Ipso Facto play the larger of the two rooms at the O2 Academy Islington and they definitely do not disappoint. Their monochrome appearance and highly controlled calm performance match the potential of their songs well. Their set includes a brilliant cover of Lesley Gore’s ‘You Don’t Own Me’ as well as recent singles ‘Harmonise’, ‘Six and Three Quarters’ and ‘Ears and Eyes’. These easily win over a willing crowd. They exude a chilly presence, almost too impeccable to play. Ipso Facto is very different to the majority of the other bands on the bill at the Artrocker Festival. Keeping themselves to themselves, they cut a crystalline image. They possess a show, reputation and a sound to be envious of. They are stunningly talented and this performance just shows how they are progressing rapidly.