Shiver @ The Central Bar, Gateshead. October 23

Chris Sharkey (guitar), Andy Champion (electric bass) & Joost Hendrickx (drums)

(Review by Russell/photo by Ken Drew).

Gateshead’s Central Bar hosted the debut performance of Shiver. Two Gateshead lads, mates since school days, have been working hard with drummer Joost Hendrickx on their new sound. What to expect? Elements of Spelk and trio VD? The obvious parallels are there – the trio format, the chimerical Sharkey, the driven, focused Champion. Drummer Hendrickx, of the new wave with astounding technique, would surely bring something to the table. The keen and the curious filled the upstairs room of the Head of Steam's Gateshead hostelry . Signed, limited edition CDs Shiver #1 (numbered CDs - fifty only, number 10 of #1 is in the possession of this reviewer), badges and other freebies were available on the night.

Loud, electric, tight, inventive. Admissions of ‘prog rock’ influences would, no doubt, send shivers down the spine of some (pun intended), be it of eager anticipation or utter horror. If you are of the latter persuasion, perhaps the assurance that bombast was largely absent will come as something of a relief. Echoes of the tasteful guitar playing of Dave Gilmour and early Peter Green were evident, so too (bizarrely) the Duane Eddy twang brought into the twenty first century. Sharkey demonstrated remarkable command of his instrument, the same could be said of Champion and Hendrickx. Pedal boards covered the floor and at times wave upon wave of programmed, looped, distorted sound filled the room. Champion was ‘in the zone’ as pulsating riffs bounced off the walls, Hendrickx’s myriad patterns all but impossible to conceive let alone execute. The opening number – New Fashioned was, of course, resolutely Old Skool (prog rock, you know), followed by a tune so new it didn’t have a title, then Ankles – huge bass attack, strange drone (Hari Krishna etc). Night School, then another tune with no name (did Sharkey suggest You Can Call Me, Al?). Now this one made it all worthwhile. Astonishing group interplay beyond words. Some indication of what it was like? Sorry, can’t help. Inadequate descriptive powers. Those who have heard ACV go out on Without Bones will have some idea. Interval, head buzzing, refuge sought in the lounge. Second set, one long piece, different to the first set, at times mesmerising. Quite a debut for Shiver. Where they go from here remains to be seen. Selected dates are in the diary and for north easterners one of those gigs will be at next year’s Gateshead International Jazz Festival (April 4-6). www.shiver3.com

Russell.