The Park might be squeaky clean and profanity free but they rock - plain and simple. Those in attendance at the heaving Brixton Academy tonight no doubt agree.

It's an odd state of affairs these days that we're constantly questioning the authenticity of bands. It's an equally odd state of affairs that those under the microscope are constantly out to prove that they are most certainly for real. Which brings us conveniently on to Linkin Park.

Numerous accusations have been hurled the way of nu metal's latest prodigies but to date they've dodged them all without breaking a sweat.

Fortunately there's little repeat of their frankly poor showing the last time they graced a UK stage supporting the Deftones. That night they were treading water and looking hopelessly sunk. Tonight they've thankfully resurfaced.

The show is a mark of how far they have come, the dual attack of Chester and Mike huffing and puffing relentlessly as they steer their comrades through a thrilling set delivered at breakneck speed. Like the album, the sound is crisp although at times maybe lacking a bit of bite.

There's no time to grab your breath as new single 'Papercut', and 'Crawling' are dispatched to deafening approval. The vast steamy pit sways in unison and you'd be forgiven for feeling like you're at a stadium show; arms aloft and united in appreciation.

Few in the audience need convincing that the Park are the real deal. Tonight is a celebration of their 'Hybrid Theory' album (now quite rightly nestling in the Top 10) because they don't have that much else - excusable for a band in their infancy.

We do get a sneak preview of a few new tracks that are, well, exactly the same as the old ones. No surprises there then but did you expect any less? It will be interesting to see where they take it from here. Maybe the rather bewildering sight of Chester armed with an acoustic guitar to do a Stars In Your Eyes-type solo number is a sign. If it is it's a bad one.

'One Step Closer' narrowly makes the set highlight although the band should definitely be applauded for creating a tangible buzz and then surpassing expectations. No mean feat. At the moment rock rules and Linkin Park are leaders of the pack.

Words: Chris Heath
Photographer: Steve Gillett



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