Scar Symmetry feat. Bobby McFerrin

The vast majority of us will know Bobby McFerrin for being pushed down a flight of stairs by Stewie Griffin in an episode of Family Guy, but I can't lie, he's done a wonderful job on this. One of the best theme tunes on the planet and he deserves a medal for what he's done.

On the subject of music, on Friday I went to a gig at the O2 Academy. Or rather, The O2 Academy 2. I've never had a gig in the upstairs room before: the capacity is less than a quarter of the main room and the stage is in one corner - there are two sides of a square to for the audience to stand around. It's actually quite a nice venue, but DAMN it was loud. My ears have usually stopped ringing the morning I wake up after a gig - this time it wasn't until midday. I would like to say thank you to Jay and Katt for getting me on the guestlist for this event - a free concert is always welcoming.

Anyway, the bands! Openers Deal's Death [6] got a bit of a rum deal as far as this review goes - I turned up half an hour late and after sorting myself out only caught the very last song. Nevertheless, they made me bang my head and were good - I will have to catch them again. Betraeus [7] brought together a fine blend of prog and death metal, clearly inspired by Gojira. Main support Xerath [7] continued the trend with gusto and strength. But everyone was here for one band, and one band only, and despite the abscence of guitaris Jonas Kjellgren, Scar Symmetry [8] proceeded to play 13 songs in the space of an hour with pace and aplomb so great I didn't want it to end. They didn't let up from the opening strains of 'The Anomaly' to the closing notes of 'The Illusionist'. Roberth Karlsson and Lars Palmqvist make a formidable vocal assault, Roberth's growls perfectly complementing Lars' cleaner tones, and when Lars re-appears in a Union Jack shirt the small yet dedicated audience roars in approval. Through tunes such as 'Pitch Black Progress' and the brilliantly-titled 'Rise of the Reptilian Regime, the band give us songs from each of their five albums. And despite the curfew of 10pm so the Academy can prepare for the club night at 11:30, the band proceed to hang out with us for a bit and sign my setlist, written on a paper plate. All in all, a very fun night!

Today I got an essay back which leave me four marks outstanding before I know everything about Year 2. That said, the 62 I received today meant I am now averaging 59.1 for the year as opposed to 58, which I'm very happy about - 4 big scores in the last 4 assessments and I could push this up to a 60/61, which is massive if I want a 2:1 at the end of university as a degree. I also have been cast as the 'Director' in the Drama Society Original Writing Showcase on May 30th/31st, in a play by the wonderful James Bonser called 'Noir', an absurdist piece. I am very much looking forward to this as acting roles have been few and far between this year, so I'm pleased I have something to really get my teeth into.

Mumford and Sons are brilliant for writing these posts - they really help me reflect and bring back all I need. Seems a bit weird that I should listen to them, considering my usual music taste, but they're incredibly calming and I think they're excellent. Seeing them live would be brilliant

And with that, this post is done. In a bit people.

Laters xx

UPDATE: I've just noticed this is my 69th post. I couldn't help but giggle. Wow, I'm so mature.