(This is the first of a series of reviews of Ashli Spillers‘ nutty last weekend. The other two will be posted over the next couple of days, enjoy! Saesneg)

Buffalo is not the ideal setting for live music since the shape of the room doesn’t make the essential part of seeing very easy. Luckily I made it close enough to the front in time to take in Il Goblini in all their ferocious and menacing glory. These Bristolians are a Goblin covers band and since I’ve not delved in to the realms of Goblin this seemed a good introduction as any. The playing was tight and held together with an intuitive dynamic between band members and put some context to acts I am more familiar with like Electrelane and Stereolab who seem to owe a debt to these so called ‘Prog’ bands. The stellar intensity and repeating themes of the set kept me hooked while the running video of ‘Spirited Away’ just added to the mesmerising effect of the experience.

Truckers at this moment can do no wrong, but believe me, this is not hype. With an eagerly anticipated and well received EP under their belt they’re expected to do great things. They’ve built this following on the strength of their hard hitting and relentless live shows which generally leave the audience gasping for breath and always wanting more. On this occasion they fail to fully impact, through no fault of their own, but through the constraints of the venue layout. Having seen them around a dozen times I can vouch that you need to see the skill of the playing which is as vital as the sound. Though they treat us with some new tracks that sound promising I leave in anticipation of their next gig, in a venue where I can fully appreciate their talents and in search of some Goblin back catalogue.