City band make impact at album launch
By Margaret Chrystall

Published: 08 July, 2010

IT’S not every local band that get the chance to make an impact with an album launch the way SHUTTER did on Saturday with Pillars.

But with a special raised stage in the centre of the venue complete with dramatic lighting, glitter-chains reflecting adding sparkle and a changing skyscape projection up above their heads, the band finally had the grand setting their music has always deserved.

With each changing track from the album, the lights shifted through the spectrum.

And reflecting the changing moods, guitarists Pete Macdonald, Matt Campbell and bassist James Roberts either turned to face a different section of the audience ranged on three of the four sides of the stage. Or they turned in to each other.

It had all the drama the music demands.

And though the album tracks worked as a suite of music, some stood out – such as The Others with its earthquake of rumbling bassline.

You couldn’t help wondering whether they’ve even invented a creature up to the powerful theme of Superhero Movie Music.

While the best-that quote the guys now use on their promotion – “Wagner with a touch of feedback” is good.

When it comes to describing the sound now coming from a band that has always had a clear idea of how it’s temple to post-rock should look, you probably can’t beat the verdict of one almost over-enthusiastic bouncing punter on Saturday night.

“Melt the walls!”