Last night Tallis and I went to the great hall, a venue on the Exeter University campus, to see Pendulum. They were performing as a band, rather than DJing their music, which I was a bit hesitant about seeing – but after the support DJs cleared the stage and they started playing, it was fantastic.

It’s very surprising actually, if you listen to the roots of their music before the keyboard player and the various other synth effects kick in, how influenced they are by progressive metal. Towards the end of the gig, they began one of their songs with just the two guitarists, bassist and drummer – and most people in the crowd were giving the horns and had a bit of a mosh.

Actually, if you spend a lot of time listening to their music, or any dance music, you realise how very simple it is, yet comes together so beautifully. I’m not usually one for dance/club music, but honestly, they were amazing. Their lighting technician, although he only had a small setup to play with, did a truly fantastic job, and all in all the show was amazing.

I think the thing I like most about the atmosphere though, is the fact that most people simply enjoy themselves and dance. When you go to see a heavy band, you have to be wary of the people around you, unless you’re really keen on getting involved with the fight pits. I think that sort of occurance spoils a performance for people who don’t enjoy that sort of activity, because they’re spending more time focused on their surroundings and not on the band. At the beginning, when the DJs were playing, a few kids were pushing each other around, and it looked as if it was going to be irritating, but when the place filled up it didn’t seem to happen again.

The Great Hall got absurdly hot, and the humidity was so thick you probably could have cut slices out of it with a glow stick, but it was a great night, and I think I lost half a stone through sweating and dancing.

Unfortunately I couldn’t afford to buy a t-shirt, which goes against my goal of getting t-shrits from every band I see, but hopefully I’ll be able to get one online.

I’m looking forward to seeing Pendulum again at Download festival, but right now I’m sitting here with stage envy.

Skindred on Sunday!