Extreme Measures at the Side Café

To make a non-musical comparison, an Extreme Measures' arrangement is rather like tracing the path of the River Tyne. Five tributaries, starting out near the Scottish Borders or in the Cumbrian foothills, flowing gently eastwards. Each taking its own meandering path until, one by one they meet up and become stronger with the alliance. Eventually, just before Hexham, they merge and the five streams become a river that grows in intensity as it deepens, becomes louder, in its relentless search for the freedom of the sea. Finally it reaches South Shields/Tynemouth and, between the wave lashed piers, makes contact with the raging torrent. The passengers - in this case the audience - hang on in there the adrenalin coursing through their veins until, just when it seems time to man the lifeboats, the tempestuous water subsides and they float, emotionally drained, into calmer seas. We breath again - for awhile. Not many gigs cause me to wax quite so eloquently but an Extreme Measures gig is no ordinary gig.

From Gary Turner's sheets of sound, to Mark Williams' wild thrashes, to Ben Gilbert's quest for modal supremacy, to David Carnegie's power drums to Stuart Davies' work below deck, the end result is an experience that stays with you; trust me.

Special mention must be made of Mark Williams who not only has had his hair cut but performed superbly as a last minute dep for Jamie McRedie who was being detained at HM Pleasure in the Guildhall School of Music.

Great gig.