Chasm / Milque 
Derby Victoria
September 2 1998 



You know, there's a definite trend developing to some of my reviews. Trend is 
not good when it becomes regular pattern, because it can mean lack of 
creativity. But when it's the truth, then it doesn't matter. And the truth here 
was a gig featuring two excellent new, young UK bands for a quid. A quid. What's 
that, half a pint. It doesn't cost you the earth to go out and see young talent. 
You know, there'll hopefully be a day when some people, myself included, can 
look back and say, with some honesty, I Saw Them When It Was Only a Quid to Get 
In.
Milque you'll have already read about a few times in YAZ. And you'll continue to 
do so. The reason being they're an excellent band. Simple as that. And this six 
song set proved it again. Their first time in Derby, and hopefully after this 
showing it won't be the last. Opening with a new track, which despite Zoe giving 
it's title, I've managed to forget, they gradually won people over. Deal With It 
helps further, complete with its new, non Faith No More like intro, before one 
of the best songs of the year, Target. Dynamo is one of the three non-demo songs 
aired, bass driven, and once more showing another side to the band, before the 
double of Nightmare and Shifter finish things. Quieter moments in the set, with 
Colin removing his guitar as Zoe finishes the song alone. And it seems that most 
people here have been won over, with a fair few demos shifting hands at the end 
of it. Quite right as well. Like I said, I know I seem to say it all the time 
with UK bands, "we do have bands as good as the States." It's because I 
sincerely mean it. And Milque, if they are given the right breaks, can be right 
up there with the best of them.
And so it's time for local band Chasm, whom I've seen once before here 
supporting the mighty Gorilla. i have a live tape, but as far as I'm aware there 
isn't a demo at the moment. Once there is, expect to read more about them in 
YAZ. A contrast to Milque, yet both bands complement each other. Chasm go for 
more lighter moments, in a definite Far / Deftones / Emo style. New song, 54 
"about a train seat, I don't know why" sees people eventually venturing to the 
front, for a relatively frenzied bit of dancing / moshing. Helmet may be the 
title for a song, but it's also quite possibly a hint towards an influence. 
Thankfully Cold isn't. Thought there were some Incubus like riffs in there as 
well. Mixing effectively between heavy and light, things get chaotic towards the 
end, to the extent that the band repeat the track 54, which I guess could quite 
possibly be seen as an encore. Something both bands deserve. Something they 
don't deserve is for dire zine writers to get things wrong and say they did a 
FAR cover instead. Shows how little the fools know. Now who could've done that 
do you think?
Judging from the words said at the end, there should be a return bout in Leeds 
some time, with the roles reversed. This is what it's about. Good bands helping 
each other out, and putting on a great gig at the same time. And for a quid. The 
UK does have a talent. A decent turnout tonight, will have learnt that. Now 
spread the word, so that next time it's even better. It's on your doorsteps, it 
doesn't cost the earth and it does deserve your respect and support. Two bands 
for the future.
You know, I've got this idea of YAZ putting on a gig. Can you imagine if this 
could be the line-up, no particular order. Chasm, Milque, Gorilla, King Prawn, 
Medulla Nocte, Earthtone 9, Noisegate, Sack Trick. Varied, all quality acts. And 
all British. I'll put that lineup against any of your Kerrang! sponsored US band 
fests. See, some patterns are worth repeating.