For a band being hailed by many as ‘one to watch for the future’, performing one of your first UK gigs at a venue so small could do one of two things for your reputation.

Either your sound will get lost and distorted amongst the low ceilings and crowded masses, resulting in an intolerable racket and disillusioned fans, or you’ll pull off a triumphant performance, whilst building up a healthy rapport with your suitably impressed followers amid the intimate surroundings.

Fortunately for Californian-based, Incubus-related four-piece Audiovent, tonight they are determined to make sure that the latter is achieved. Led by singer Jason Boyd the band take to the stage at just after 10pm and launch straight into ‘Back And Forth ‘. After a brief problem with the vocal levels the soundman gets it right and Boyd’s voice rings out with sheer passion and determination. It’s clear right from the off that these lads are here to enjoy themselves and doing their best to ensure that everyone else does too.

The band continue to belt out pretty much every song from the newly released Dirty Sexy Nights In Paris album, with ‘Rain’ and a particularly storming version of the single ‘The Energy’ being among the best of the early numbers. The latter of which encourages moshing aplenty from those nearer the front who seem to know all the words.

At this point there are two things that have surprised me. Firstly, just how good the band sound, perfect timing, tightness throughout and crystal clear, solid vocals (something almost unheard of at small venues). The second is the stage mannerisms of Mr Boyd. Unlike his brother’s slightly more contained movements, reserved for only the most energetic numbers, Jason goes for the full on dancing white boy thing. Air guitar, fists punching the air, head banging and even the whole swinging of the microphone a la Brett Anderson.

“You’re fucking brilliant Camden, I think we’re in love”, shouts Jason towards the end of the set, which finishes with the adrenaline fuelled ‘Gravity’. “I’m not the enemy / so don’t you let me die” he screams to the enthralled fans, who certainly wouldn’t let that happen to their new hero. After a few minutes break Jason and guitarist Ben Einziger return to the stage, alongside a couple of stools, for the obligatory acoustic number (‘Sweet Frustration’), before ending the show with the autobiographical ‘Stalker’.

The Monarch may only have a capacity of 250 people, but judging by the reaction of tonight’s crowd that’s 250 satisfied customers, all suitably impressed by a band on the verge of something very big.
(4˝/5)

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