Thanks to Rachel for this latest music review. Guest opinion articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication. Ed
Do you know that Ryde has an incredible alternative live rock and metal scene?
Going to the mainland to see bands is so expensive, but we are lucky to have a scene right on our doorstep. Many of these nights are free entry or a couple of quid at the most. Cash which helps these events to continue.
With two major festivals and a rich musical heritage on our Island, we must support our local gigging bands and artists and maybe one day we’ll have one of our own headlining the Festival or Bestival!
Boiler Room at Coburgs
So if you missed February’s Boiler Room at Coburgs in Ryde last week, you missed out!
First up was Seb Sebotage Clark who’s creating a big name for himself on the Island and as the buzz around him grows, so does his fan base.
With his loop pedal, guitar and powerful yet tender vocals, he fills the stage with the charisma and noise of an entire band.
The humble musician with the big voice
Sebotage is a musical project where Seb Clark single handedly challenges your perceptions on how your favourite song should sound, by completely reworking and rearranging rock and alternative classics with a few surprises and great humour for good measure.
The humble musician with the big voice is constantly adding to his repertoire and adding a few of his own self penned tracks into his set which are going down really well.
His latest was a unique interpretation of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’. The laughter from the crowd showing this wasn’t a straight cover of the beautiful original. This is a classic example of the cheeky Seb Clark sense of humour which is a fun and important part of the Sebotage experience.
Painless collabs
Further hilarity ensues when Boiler Room legend and organiser Nick Painless joins Clark for a poignant version of Foo Fighters’ ‘Everlong’ – a song personal to both of them, with Painless singing along pitch perfectly with rockstar swagger despite insisting he can’t sing! He can! The banter between them is far too rude for a family publication, but it’s very funny!
Clark also brings Painless back on stage against his will, but much to the crowd’s delight, for a Sebotage fans’ favourite, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ with everyone in the room singing along.
The gifted musicianship of Clark should never be underestimated, so when a major part of his brand new, original song, ‘Snow’ features him rapping, one really shouldn’t be surprised. Is there no end to this guy’s talents? It seems not! Metal, rock, pop and now rapping without a single stumble. Look forward with interest to how Sebotage evolves this year!
A big Bowie fan, he ends his set with an exquisite rendition of ‘Life on Mars’.
King Kuna
Also playing tonight is King Kuna. 
These guys are heavy – wow!
With hints of early Black Sabbath, Marilyn Manson and Nirvana, they have an immense sound drawing everybody in the room in. They have intelligent and perceptive lyrics and are technically gifted. If you love your music loud and heavy, definitely check them out.
Boiler Room is a free entry, monthly event held at Coburgs in Ryde. Run by Nick Painless with live bands and Painless himself DJing the best in new and classic rock and metal.
The next Boiler Room is on Thursday 3 March. It’s sure to be a lively affair with the irrepressible Will Camm and his majestically metal vocals and wonderful sense of humour. Put it in your diary now!
