A LARGE crowd crammed into and extremely hot and humid Crown for another night of guitar-based ear-bashing courtesy of Crisis Promotions.

Malvern punkers King Monkey began the evening with a short but sharp set, the highlight of which was a six-minute punk-Elton-John-medley-epic to celebrate singer Matt Hodges' birthday.

The entire band appeared to be wilting somewhat in the brain-cooking heat, but nevertheless went down a treat with the masses.

Then onto the stage strode Brighton-based rockers My Deaf Audio.

A great rapport with the crowd and amusing on-stage banter, combined with some tight original riffs and harmonies made for a great show. Comparisons with a melodic Deftones would not be entirely inaccurate, but there were all sorts of influences within their set.

The ridiculous heat meant that this reviewer felt compelled to abandon the gig before the appearance of The Foamers, to my disappointment.

Judging by the support acts, the night continued to rock, but the management at The Crown needs to give some serious consideration to air conditioning before the summer heat really starts to kick in.

Phill Tromans