Paint Nothing, The Portland Arms, 21 September 2013

With the unexpected split of the Chapman Family, their legacy has loomed large over the last of the summer days. Haunted by every mp3 shuffle that brings back 'Kids', 'Summer Song' or 'Sound of the Radio' back to the conscious, it's like being trapped in a recurring Sandra Bollock film where the inevitable break up scene is replayed again and again.

In short, it was time to get out and see some noise. 

Step forward the Portland Arms, one of Cambridge's premier venues featuring a beautiful array, nay cornucopia of rooms adjoined by what seems to be a striking loft extension that's had it's floor knocked through to create a space Kevin McCloud would be proud of - not least as it features it's very own painted curtains complete with plug socket.

Still, in today's relentless 'X-Factor' campaign to unshackle every member of the population into thinking we too can be the next big thing, regardless of talent, teeth or dignity, it's a recurring surprise that there are local promoters, bands and venues that even attempt to break back. Such is the popular age in which we live with 'celebrity' obsession, banality and drudgery dominating every newspaper, every advert, every screen, turning us into docile narcissist wannabes hanging on the every word of jumped up morons, it's a welcome relief you can feel like you're smashing the system simply by turning off the TV and seeing a gig that exists simply to exist.

Post-punk reality mash up.
Paint Nothing are a band charged with escaping banality as it's manifest, and want to take you with them. They deliver by making loud post-punk noise that kicks you into the middle of next week, giving you plenty to think about, not least about getting out in/of the way of the frontman who abandons the stage and paces around the room with an added ferocity that is rarely seen in today's identikit stage arrangement. Their first gig was a 17 minute force to be reckoned with, waking the 40 odd assembled crowd up with a musical equivalent of a punch to the face.

Kicking off with the snarling 'Smiling at Strangers' before running through their debut EP 'Glass Weapons' it was a short, furious set that delivered the kind of wake up call this generation needs. It's time to stop following the masses whilst sitting at home with your antisocial media and get out. Do something. Make something happen. 

Don't watch your life go down the sink.
Turn off the T.V. and join them: www.paintnothing.co.uk 

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