GiggingNI.com

Continuous Battle of Order

With Before Machines; Heliopause;

One of Belfast's most reputatable club nights is the glorious TwoStep who, in the past, has played host to so many of Northern Ireland's greatest bands such as Oppenheimer, Panama Kings, Fighting with Wire, And So I Watch You from Afar, In Case of Fire...need I go on anymore? Not only do the most established bands in the country play but it's great to see the refreshing sight of newer bands who, maybe without TwoStep, would find it much harder breaking into venues such as the Limelight, Spring and Airbrake etc to shred their musical skins. I was very much looking forward to this month's TwoStep with one of my favourite bands in Before Machines sandwiched between two bands that I never seen before - Heliopause and Continuous Battle of Order.

Stepping up onto the Limelight stage first were Heliopause who delicately introduced everyone into their Thursday night, even though people were trying to convince themselves that it was a Friday night, so they wouldn't have to think about their work in the morning. The Limelight steadily built up its crowd to watch the three-piece, fronted by Richard Davis, beautifully carve their way through a great set with occasional shreddings from Chris McCorry on the guitar and great brushed drumming from Niall Harden. Despite taking a little time out from performing to try and find a lost capo, the band swung back into their groove even giving an opportunity for the lovely Grace McMacken from Cutaways to join them onstage for a nice little number. With a new EP out and radio sessions to come, keep an eye and ear out for these guys.

Before Machines are next to take the stage with the Limelight crowd gathering to behold a truly fantastic band. On top form, the band stormed through an exciting set with a mix of new and old songs such as 'There Was a Grand Alliance', 'We Were Stayed' and one everyone has to be familiar with - 'Silence You Win'. With the addition of Chris McCorry, who joined less than half a year ago, it adds so much more depth to the music and lifts some weight off frontman Andy Melville to perform, giving it his all. Less than a year ago, I saw this band perform at their EP launch in Auntie Annies and they really have developed into one of the best live acts I've seen in the country, demanding the attention of their audience. I'll say this again - if you haven't seen them, get down to one of their shows. They won't disappoint.

Certainly ready to challenge the mighty performance of Before Machines, Continuous Battle of Order take to the stage after a major reshuffle, leaving only the drum kit (viewed side-on) and a lonely stool - was this the apocalypse? Easing us into it (in the easiest possible way for CBoO), intense riffs starting building and building as you feel the atmosphere getting ready to take off. With a glimpse to each other on stage, the explosion comes and you think the roof on the Limelight just flew off into space. An incredible sight is to behold with both members shaking their heads violently to the music whilst keeping unthinkable precision to their music somehow. Dare I say this but as far as instrumental goes in Northern Ireland, ASIWYFA seem to be top of the bill but Continuous Battle of Order are certainly top contenders and are ready to take over the throne if the opportunity arises.