Last night I went to see a band with a friend. I'm not normally a great one for going to see bands (unless you can jive or salsa to them), as I would rather spend the evening dancing or rolling dice. But a change is good [usually, but not always].

Skindred at the megacomplex known as the Phoenix Arts Centre in Exeter. Fits 300 at least . Lots of tattoos, piercings and black clothing on display.

There were three warm-up acts, which got progressively better. The lead-singer of the second band actually had a fairly good voice, at least when she stopped screaming. The third was an Exeter band, Idiom, which I quite liked too.

And then Skindred came on. I hadn't heard any of their stuff until I borrowed their albums, and they are definately better live than through an ipod. The change in atmosphere was quite noticable, with everyone up and jumping but sadly ruined by some fool setting off the fire alarm half an hour into the set. But a quarter hour later we were back on track and they finished off a good night in style.

Enjoyed it a surprising amount!