The None
The nights may be growing darker and colder as we are deep into spooky season, but ‘The Blue Basement’ of Jack White owned Third Man Records it is hot as it is cramped as 60 lucky people come together with the avant-punk quartet The None. A looming intro track fills the tight quarters, building anticipation, as if a spaceship from a far off land is descending to bring the message of its crew. And yes, The None is here to present their communiqué around the topics of “poverty, identity, and substance misuse.” Ploughing their way into ‘Plow’ vocalist Kai Whyte and Co. demand the attention of the underground box of a room. Gordon Moakes’ bass punching through the innards of every gut. Alongside Jim Beck’s harsh guitar licks and Chris Francombe’s rhythmic beats, this is a train that is steaming towards the ear drums of those in attendance at speed.
Not letting up as they kick into the glorious pounding of ‘My People’, this is an impassioned performance of what they have put together in quite a short timeline, yet they are delivering it like they are four musicians who have been around for quite some time and know what they are doing (funny that). Bringing in added details to up their live show, such as Kai’s use of two differing mics, adding a rawness and a second voice when needed.
Announcing this was their fourth show in three days, you would not have known as they barrel through their standalone single ‘At Hope’ alongside the EP tracks and excitingly two new tracks. Both of which may appear on an incoming album they “are furiously writing” Kai announces. ‘Daddy Doesn’t Make Mistakes’ is The None dialled up to 11 on heaviness and a rousing preview of the development of their sound.
The foursome is a well oiled machine already and rightfully receiving high praise. Every cog and feature of the band gets an opportunity to shine through, yet everything is essential to the overall sound and unified. Barrelling into the penultimate song of the night ‘Pigs Need Feeding’ the physical tension breaks in the front of the crowd as a small pit somehow erupts considering everyone is cheek to cheek like sardines and rightfully so. The None should be on everyone’s radar and list of must-sees.