The beginning of The Ultimate End

When you hit the stage for the first time as a newly formed band, regardless of the months spent writing and hours meticulously rehearsing your set, it’s always a big ask to expect a performance of confidence and continuity delivered with a swagger, however, it can happen, and tonight was a case in point for Reading’s latest band The Ultimate End. It has to be said the band are comprised of musicians and singers who have their own individual track records, but even so, this was a great first gig. If my expectations prior to the gig were high then they are now raised somewhat more for any future gigs.

Front man James Histed led the way, it’s the first time I’ve seen him play without a low slung guitar over his shoulder, he moved, he swayed, he even leapt around the stage, in-spite of the rather heavy looking shoe wear, cool flares and velvet jacket trying to drag him back down to earth. I know James is a great admirer of Jarvis Cocker, and some of his moves owe much to his idol, but vocally he puts me in mind of a modern day incarnation of Peter Perrett crossed with Howard Devoto, he has great vibrato quality to his vocal and an ability to go from spitting out words to an almost operatic squeal. But the vocals truly hit the highs when the backing of Maija comes into play at key points in the songs. On bass, hiding under the peak of his cap Zac Yeo beats out the sort of bass lines any bass player would love to get their hands on. In the left corner, caged behind amps, keyboards and PA speakers was Raji, belting out some snarling guitar riffs, I see now why he’s been hemmed in. If I new the drummers name it would be here too as he managed to hit rhythms that both complimented and were an integral part each song, without trying to dominate, drumming as it should be.

Musically the band well and truly deliver a slice of classic eighties alternative rock. As they move through this short introductory set various references spring to mind Magazine, The Cure and Japan are top of the list. That’s not go say they directly sound like those bands but there is a definite sense of inspiration, luckily, unlike so many eighties inspired bands I’ve heard of late where, having lived through that decade, I can see where they have lifted their tunes, The Ultimate End are very much their own band.

There were several stand out moments for me, I loved the tracks ‘The final Breakdown’ and ‘It’s all over for you’ but the two songs that linger in the memory are ‘Speciesism’ which has got one hell of a fuck off bass line, I didn’t want it to stop, particularly when the aggressive distorted keyboard solo kicked in followed by a Stylophone, Rolf never played it like that when I was a kid, if only I’d have realised its potential back then, this is a song to end a show with if ever there was one. Hard on it’s heals was the truly beautiful song 4 Steps, a song I have heard Maija perform solo in the past, but played here with more edge and angst, another tune that has a captivating melody.

When the end to The Ultimate End’s set arrives there is great appreciation from the audience and a demand for more, but they leave us… wanting more… the ultimate beginning for The Ultimate End. If you get the chance sometime soon, I would recommend checking out a live performance by this band, unfortunately they’re such a new band they don’t have any web pages of any sort, so we’ll keep you posted on any gigs we hear about.