The Way / Likely Lads / Translucid @ The Sugarmill April 28th 2012

Review by Kirsty Underwood 

Any half decent music fan knows that we owe a lot to the 1950’s and this shouldn’t just be from watching the odd rock-umentary. Stoke’s The Way revel in this musical past and wear it on their sleeves, which happen to belong to T-bird style leather jackets. Their influences read like a school of rock history lesson, checking off the best genres to have popped out of each decade from the fifties onwards. As the first band to take to the stage on a Saturday night at The Sugarmill, The Way began educating the audience by smashing together old and new. Not to be ignored by those for whom this may have been wasted on, vocalist and rhythm guitarist Stef Smith requested enthusiasm with a few simple words; “Come on you f***ers!”. Single One Time Round harked back to the heyday of The Jam and no doubt touched a chord with more than a few audience members with its down-to-earth lyrics “I only work because they tell me to…you shelf stacker…you only get one time round”. The realism almost hurts. Cracking on through a set encompassing a cover of Ed Sheeran’s The A Team and something that sounded suspiciously like a Ramones mash up, The Way’s unique energy visibly spread across the room. 

York based band Likely Lads were the northern filling in this Stoke sandwich of a gig. They may have only been together a relatively short time, little over a year, but time wasting has not been on the agenda. September 2011 saw the release of Likely Lads first untitled EP which was followed up in February of this year with an album entitled Melrose Yard Demos. Their debut single Observations is due for release on May 7th on Right Track Records and the band has supported Chingford’s best output of late The Rifles. Good effort! Likely Lads set comprised a reel of tracks that told it like it is, and they certainly had a lot to say about the need to get away from a mundane existence in “a little city”. Their upbeat indie rhythms, not a million miles away from that of The Kooks, coupled with insightful lyrics were received with more than ample appreciation from an audience potentially hearing these tracks for the first time. Get yer sens back to Stoke soon boys! 

Translucid, a mysterious name suggesting everything is not quite as it seems and they were just that. Their talent spoke for itself from the beginning. Formerly known as The Riots, who have seen a few line up changes since their creation in 2007, the band on the stage were electrifying. Front man Dan Watkin, with his Parka and tambourine, was completely at home giving us all something to marvel at. Guitarist Steve Pye was implausibly mind blowing and let’s be honest, with a Hendrix tattoo and a Dylan t-shirt he would have been taking the Michael just a smidge if he hadn’t have been. Translucid’s classic rock influences showed through in Pye’s bluesy strings and you can’t say no to a bit of wa-wa. There was so much going on in terms of influences from classic rock right up to Kasabian in the present that their set, including tracks Tripping Lilly, The Mind is a Temple and personal favourite Blow Out, was impossible not to appeal on some level. The band also had excellent support from what were assumed to be family members; you don’t see enough air guitaring these days. All in all, a delectable array of talent and style; definitely worth witnessing at The Full Moon on May 11th if you had the misfortune to miss this gig.

Sleep In Promotions presents The English / Holy-esque / Camp Stag @ Fat Cat, Hanley 26th April 2012

Review by Charlotte Lunt

Photo's by Robert Egan

Opening with their current single, The English are instantly reminiscent of Echo and the Bunnymen, whether this is just an influence of theirs or a deliberate move, in my book it isn't a bad thing.

As their set progresses it is a little pedestrian in places but as the lads have clearly put the hours in to produce a solid performance this could easily be attributed to  nerves. 

I have to admit that I'm not as familiar with The English's music as perhaps I should be, and in fact was looking forward to their set tonight on the basis of their current single alone. They don't follow the well trodden route of so many bands in Stoke and they clearly know what they're about, confidently striding in to a Ramones-esque cover of 'Be my Baby' which has saw a number of the audience prick up their ears. 

Clearly there is much use of effects pedals, but there is an over arching simplicity to their approach and this shines through on a 'take it or leave it' kind of way rather than with an arrogance that is oft' too familiar. 

Admittedly I'd not heard great things about this band before tonight, but there is something about their music and approach that really appeals to me - even if I can't quite put my finger on it.

Holy-esque, a four piece from Glasgow have come hotly tipped for this evenings show. Again (a small cheer here) they have a slightly retro sound, this time bringing us closer to the end of the 80's with leads from both synth and drums. There is a familiarity to their music, perhaps the obvious Glaswegan link to Glasvegas, although I'm inclined to believe it is something more subtle.

For me, their set never quite took off, which was a shame, however this isn't to say they'll disappear from my radar.

The headline tonight was the first performance from the hugely anticipated Camp Stag. Benefiting from having a number of members who have already made their names on the local scene, the troops were out in force to support Dan, Rich Chris and Ade. 

Instantly bringing us crashing into the 21st Century, not only with their sound but with their political observations, they introduced their third number as 'Big Society' - with tongue firmly in cheek. Punchy delivery and swaths of synth and guitars is definitely what Camp Stag are all about, as they move effortlessly to their current single Sirens. This has a more moody and driven sound than previous songs, and coupled with a understated desperation really has a strength about it.

Introducing their last track, which came far too quickly, the keys lift a song that lyrically comes from a far darker place. Looking round the assembled audience they really have people in the palm of their hands, and hopefully this is just a taste of things to come.

This is definitely a muso's crowd here tonight, which is hopefully a reflection of Camp Stags promise of things to come. This was a brief set that left you wanting more. 

Catching up with the band after the set, they said that tonight was about keeping it simple, and following a recent line up change was about powering through their set with confidence, which they undoubtedly did.

I'd make a note in your diary of the next few gigs for all the local guys on tonight's bill and see for yourselves, and keep an eye on Sleep In Promotions as they appear to be a step ahead.

Stray from the path / Rolo Tomassi / Architects @ The Underground 17th April 2012

Review by Liam Kerin

Taking my place at the back of an unusually long queue at the Underground in Stoke, the sense of excitement of those around me is all too apparent to see. 

Even the heavens opening can’t dampen the atmosphere as fans gear up to see one of the anticipated metal gigs of the year.

Brighton Tech metallers Architects, supported by Rolo Tomassi and Stray from the Path are here for the last date on their successful UK tour.

Surprisingly, even at ten to eight, at least half an hour before the openers are due to take to the stage the venue is already close to its capacity, with many more still queuing outside.

By twenty past eight, Stray from the path enter our view, and do so with immediate effect.

With little prior warning, vocalist Drew York bellows we should all ‘wake the **** up’ to kick off their set, to a still slightly perplexed audience.

The four piece, who have also played a number of headline shows on their days off on this tour waste little time in getting things moving, launching into a set full of aggressive hardcore songs which are in a similar vein to Gallows.

Although their songs lack any particularly memorable moments, they are well crafted and are perfect for tonight’s bill – with vocalist York even managing to perform a flip from the speakers into the crowd.

Next up is the much hyped Rolo Tomassi; playing a blend of music which is not to dissimilar to The Dillinger Escape Plan, albeit with less technicality, the quintet from Sheffield are quick to pick up from where Stray from the path left off.

Vocalist Eva Spence bounds around the stage, whilst never seeming to break into a sweat, managing to look both feminine and sexy whilst performing impressive screaming vocals which would be the envy of many her male metal counterparts.

The band also manage to debut two of the new songs off their album which is due out this year, which showcase a heavier side to the experimental band.

Their music however is clearly not everyone’s cup of tea and whilst the majority of the room are well into their set, many are also heading outside as their experimental hardcore throws the listener into a number of different genre’s in a short space of time. Going from ridiculously heavy one minute to unusual jazz complexities the next, it is certainly something you either love or hate.

 By now the venue is packed, and the anticipation for Architects, who have just announced that this will be guitarist Tim Hillier-Brook’s last UK show with the band, has reached boiling point.

Opening with the excellent Devil’s Island, a song with the line ‘You want a voice, but your voices sound like violence’ in clear reference to last year’s riots, the whole room explodes.

The next hour and a bit becomes a mass of flailing arms and limbs, with vocalist Sam Carter exuding his usual natural energy around the stage,  and easily controls what is a raucous crowd.

Drummer Dan Searle, despite the complexities of his rhythms, never misses a beat, and is just one component in making their performance seem effortless.

At one point, a young fan manages to get onto the stage – as many of the crowd have been doing all night with Carter’s encouragement, right at the end of a song. Instead of jumping back into the crowd straight away, the frontman gets him – who we now know to be called Scott, to stay on the stage with them until they start the next song, much to his clear excitement – and slight embarrassment.

The band, who have 4 studio albums to date, with a fifth – Daybreaker to be released on 28 May, only play material tonight from their 3 latest album, which is a disappointment to many of their older fans, as there are some genuine classics in their back catalogue which have been missed out. However, the awesome, delete:rewind, new track these colours don’t run and follow the water all get an airing.

We also get to see Rolo Tomassi’s synth player James Spence – brother of Eva, make an unexpected re-appearance during the song ‘We’re all alone’ as he dives into the crowd from one of the speakers – a popular theme for the night.

As the set nears its climax, Carter announces that instead of doing ‘the thing that most bands do where they go off stage for a bit then come back on, they’re going to play straight through’ much to the pleasure of the crowd, who are clearly eager for more – especially as he had previously said that this would be their last song.

Surprisingly slowing things down with the epic ‘Hollow Crown’ the title track of their third album, they have the audience in the palm of their hand, so by the time their final song, Early Grave kicks in, the whole room is moving, people are getting clattered into in the pit but nobody cares, they’re having a good time and that’s all that matters.

As the set ends and people begin to filter out, the realisation dawns that it may be some time until we see them back here, especially at such a small venue , this is a band who deserve to be playing at the top.

On tonight’s evidence, they are well on their way to getting there.

Arthurs Vision / The Escape / Kadence @ The Full Moon Friday 9th March 2012

Review by Robert Egan

Rolling on down to the Full Moon for a three band evening, it’s a nice surprise to see so many here early on in the proceedings and giving some support to the first band for tonight, Kadence.

I must admit that I’ve never heard these lads previously and was really impressed with their indie rock sound which offers a hint merseybeat and psychedelia at times and also possibly a bit of 70’s glam/punk about them, especially from the main vox which a belted out at levels which could make the throat surgeon ready his operating table, or make you take notice that this lad at the front has got something to say. He’s got a powerful voice which accentuates the music well. 

‘2012’ was of particular note with an anthemic intro and driving bass and rhythm guitars. It has a well thought out composition; certainly not your ‘rock by numbers’ and offers a hint of how good these lads could be.

I heard from a fan that this was their 2^nd gig since a new bassist and you can’t tell, so that says a lot about their dedication and drive. ‘Judgement day’ I’m sure had the drummer knocking out a double bass pedal?!-in an indie band! which I really liked the novelty of and hints at their creativity and ideas. They certainly had a small crowd throwing some moves in the pit and that’s no small feat in the Moon; most crowds tend to shy away at the back and leave the pit as an empty void waiting to be filled. I really enjoyed listening to their sound and I reckon you could do a lot worse than catch them if you can.

The second band up tonight is The Escape, whom I’ve had the pleasure of watching previously and they didn’t disappoint. They opened up with a sharp sounding intro and really grabbed the crowds’ attention, ready to unleash the set.

I think they have a slightly ska sound to them at times and certainly a post-rock feel, I can see why they appeal to an audience, especially from the energy that their front man throws off. He’s got a definite presence and articulation about him, devoid of any instrument to hold back his mannerisms which help to convey the mood of the lyrics. The whole band are certainly not about to just sit/stand there and play and this draws the crowd into the pit to try and absorb some of their energy.

A few of their tracks have hints of grunge/grind, but certainly are not to be pigeonholed as such as they always maintain their contemporary feel. I heard some tracks that I’d not encountered previously and some familiar ones-sorry lads, I did not catch any of their names.

The last track of their set was outstanding. Subtly rousing and extremely uplifting with a definite 80’s tinge to it-you can hear hints of the early Cure with these lads. They hail from Crewe so don’t necessarily play around Newcastle/Stoke too much, so I would definitely make the effort to give them a listen if you’re able.

Last and by no means least is tonight’s headliners Arthur’s Vision. Again, I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Arthur’s a couple of times before and been suitably impressed with their repertoire, so after hearing that they’d been gigging around the country a little of recent, I was glad to hear how they have developed their sound. 

Their set was opened to much applause from a now sizable crowd with a suitably driving number (in fact it’s nice to see such an eclectic crowd for this band, proof that their music has appeal to many ages and palates), heavy in guitars with a gorgeous rhythm section, holding the track together. Their sound is a nice breath of fresh air for tonight’s proceedings.

‘Feel the moment’ has a taste of Fleetwood Mac about it in my view, especially for the intro, with a country undertone. It’s a melancholic number and the keys help with a suitable accompaniment, yet it is driven and accessible with a very well thought out composition and by this point-which is quite early in their set-they have a pretty full pit of people absorbing their energy and releasing it with some interesting dance techniques. I wonder how you can be moved so much by the sound of the lead guitar, but you are and it’s an extremely uplifting experience. Fact is that they have toured around a bit and the experience shows, both in stage presence and sound quality.

The keys play a significant part in their sound and the parts are worked into the overall compositions very well almost substituting for the lead guitar in a sense rather than accompaniment, which is interesting. The vocals are expressive and inviting, driven at times and their front guy has an impressive range with a damn powerful sound when he wants to let it go. The harmonies are very well rehearsed and are presented spot on (something a lot of bands seem to leave as a secondary thought). You can tell that this band has spent a lot of time honing their skills and making sure that everything is just right.

There’s something about these lads, it’s almost like rather than happening across each other and developing a sound, they were simply meant to be. Very slick sounding and professional and I hope that they go far. Catch them if you can and you’ll not be disappointed...