I'm not sure that it would have won Attrition any new fans ,but I'm pretty sure that is totally irrelevant anyhow. As ever, Martin Bowes' grumblings vied for space with the operatic live diva voice, keyboards and backing 'tapes' - filling our ears to full. The music is a odd jumble of influences, sounds and styles. The 'gothic' tag is understandable but inaccurate. Almost traumatic to listen to sometimes and certainly cerebral, it is also uplifting and dance-inducing.
Attrition are genuinely unique and strongly recommended.
On CD, Covenant have the chance to display the subtle reasons why they are moving this musical niche onward. Live, however, much of that is lost in, to quote one of their songs titles, a 'wall of sound'. Whilst I still find that a little disappointing, this band know well what most in this London audience want, and that is to dance their socks off. I can't help being envious of their relative success. When I first saw them live it was a shock to discover that all three look as though they only left school a few years ago.