Hollywood Tease / Betrayal / The Innocent Kill @ The Underground Friday 11th February 2011

Review by Jake Carter

Photo by Martin Kaluza

I knew that reviewing last night’s gig at the Underground would be a little different than usual for me. I’m not really into heavy rock, or metal or however you want to label it, and I haven’t listened to or heard these bands before. So, with that being said, I decided that the best thing would be to turn up with an open mind and let the night’s music corrupt my innocent little brain.


The Innocent Kill were a great start to the night and certainly know how to demand everybody’s attention. They were solid and the singer was fantastic; whilst screaming down the mic I thought if Axl Rose was from Stoke, maybe, just maybe this is how he would sound. The use of a megaphone also provided a lovely touch and added to the dynamics of the music quite nicely. This is the kind of band you need to get a good gig off the ground, with every member competently playing their part. I’d like to see this newish band move up the musical ranks a little more, as they’re certainly tight enough to do so.


Next up were Betrayal who were a little less cheerful than their predecessors and the sound was more or less a constant drone. I found my attention wondering off to other places during their set and I think I just stared at the wall, or the floor, or maybe it was the band after all I was looking at. Either way, it wouldn’t have made much difference to be honest and the highlight of their set was a cover of Slipknot’s ‘Duality’, which was alright. I appreciate that some people like finding themselves in a loud hazy state, but for me Betrayal didn’t do enough to keep me focused on their performance.


Now then, like I mentioned earlier I decided to go last night’s gig with an open mind considering this kind of music doesn’t usually tickle my fancy, and I didn’t really know how I’d be left feeling if I’m honest. But, as soon as I heard Samuel L Jackson’s “The path of the righteous man” speech from Pulp Fiction crackling over the speakers, I knew Hollywood Tease were going to make my night.


Right from the very first song these boys were in your face demanding your attention, whether it was from the way they looked, the way they sounded or the way every member totally owned the stage, stomping around pushing themselves and their instruments as far as they possibly could. This is how bands should be. This is how bands should work. It doesn’t matter what genre you’re into: a band with this much vigour sets the bar for everyone.


Obviously, stage presence is a big part of Hollywood Tease, but it takes more than just stage presence to provide a great show. Luckily for us they know their way around their instruments too. Each member provided his own distinct and essential part to the sound and singer, Ashe Masters, has one hell of a voice; no muffling or pops, just pure power cutting above the mix which was especially apparent on ‘Let Go’.


It was great to see such a powerful and exhilarating performance from a band, and to see the members feeding from each other’s gleaming energy. It was also great to experience one of the most amazing mid-set drum solos ever. I mean, I was impressed with the drum solo anyway, but halfway through the drummer’s owner seemed to seamlessly change, with the original solo starter standing next to the kit whilst another member carried on banging the drums. How? I don’t know. I was confused. Very confused.


The sound and performance that came from Hollywood Tease last night was non other than top notch. The atmosphere at the Underground was good and I doubt there was anybody in there who wasn’t excited by their blistering sound. Even for the non-rock/metal heads out there, I’d recommend this band, and as for the actual metal heads, well, you have no excuse. Drop by next time they’re around.


Final verdict: brain corrupted.

Tom Lockett / Fools Paradise / The Lamps Expire / Vellocet @ The Underground 5th February 2011

Review by John West

Photo by Martin Kaluza

It’s another cold blustery night as I make my way down to the venue. Last week it was Jack Frost who was biting at my feet, tonight it’s Hurricane Hanley who whips up a storm around the city centre twirling the debris amongst the night time revellers. The Underground is buzzing and very full as Tom Lockett and accompanying guitarist Nick Simpson were on stage tonight. Tom did a good job of warming the crowd but came across as being rather apologetic at times stating that a full band will be with him next time, no need Tom you did well. His sound was something akin to the now defunct cult band The Chameleons but with a hint of John Otway on vocals. I’d be interested to see how the new band will develop particularly liking ‘I’m a psycho’ with its swampy reverb effect which would certainly come to the fore with a full band.

Next up are Fools Paradise who take to the stage with swagger as they jam out an interesting intro acknowledging each other across the stage. Front man Rob Deacon coolly announces that “we’re Fools Paradise” as they surge into a set which offers more than I expected. Yes there is an Oasis aura about their sound but they have the ability to transform this and take it further, I ‘m particularly impressed by young guitarist Brad Mills who has an ability to evoke a number of indie guitar heroes. Their sound filled the venue and was received extremely well by the crowd which was more diverse than usual. I was really impressed by ‘No such thing as twilight?’ if that’s the title, with its wah wah guitar effects. Rob appeared very confident as he switched from rhythm to tambourine a la Liam raising it above his head getting into his groove. Their last song of the night ‘No salvation’ had a punkier edge about it and if the band can perhaps bring more of these influences to the fore their sound will develop, just mix it up more and see what happens lads; as I’m sure the Pistols and the Stooges are in their somewhere.

It seemed that there were great expectations for The Lamps Expire who were making there debut here tonight. They comprise vocalist Jamie Gordon and drummer Andrew Shaw (formerly of Alfa 9) guitarist Jim Mould, bassist Mark Norcup. Hitting the stage they take the audience to another level with a violin led intro ‘Calendar’ with the flamboyant playing of Gareth Copeland. I immediately think of the Gang of Four meeting the Velvet Underground with a psychedelic dance twist as they weave their sound. I hear the influence of John Cale with an injection and interplay of sound and technicolour. ‘Wedding gown’ is quite mesmerising with the violin, guitars and keyboard weaving together creating a kaleidoscopic wall of sound with its funk driven almost avante garde soundscape.

This band have been three years in the making and tonight they did not fail to impress, and from the murmurings it was heard that their were comparisons to Arcade Fire and a nod to Interpol, fair praise indeed to giving them a modern twist on the influence front. With their musical virtuosity they continued with ‘Glorious’ and set finale ‘Pull’. The Lamps Expire are certainly one for Stoke music fans to be keeping their eyes and ears on in the future. They are dynamic stuff indeed and may need a couple of listens to fully appreciate them, therefore I would urge you to keep their light burning.

Before Vellocet take to the stage I manage to grab a few moments with vocalist Ryan Barker. He’s as impressed with the Lamps as I was, finding their set inspiring, uplifting and creative. He’s extremely sincere and genuine in this appraisal tonight. “What the fuck was that about?” simply mind blowing we both concur. I comment that he’s seems really fired up tonight and he confides that something has got to him earlier. He is passionate about his band; they’re a gang fighting against the odds, think The Roses and Primal Scream - true rock ’n’ roll musical pirates. Rock ‘n’ Roll was originally the outsider so let’s not forget that people.

As they take to the stage with the epic intro of 'Animals' Mr Barker shuffles, messing up his hair as if to blow away the cobwebs. There is the implication that they’re going to take you on a journey, be with us be part of it, don’t just talk amongst yourselves. The audience welcomes their hero’s, and he hits his stride in ‘Messiah’ oozing confidence, urging the band forward with their tribal, rhythmic and hypnotic pulse. The audience enthusiastically lap this up, welcoming the band as they begin the year with their first headliner.

Prior to the announcement of a new song ‘Keep dreaming’ he plugs a Douglas Macmillan benefit gig Vellocet are doing on 25th February along with a new band called O.K. Corral, just up the road at Fat Cat (a bit of free advertising never goes amiss). Said song is about the coalition government getting the rich richer and the poor poorer. The synth led ‘Set us free’ features a pulsing rhythm from bassist Lew Wilson and a primary vocal from rhythm guitarist Jordan Gifford. Throughout the set there is evocative guitar playing from Ash Simpson as he conjures up his hypnotic spacey riffs taking the band into the inner consciousness of the listener. There are new songs to be played tonight which is a treat for those who have seen Vellocet before, as is the imminent release of material.

The eastern tinged ‘Suicide Eyes’ with its raga feel certainly impressed me and showed just how far the band are developing their sound soaking up a number of influences, reinterpreting and making them their own. There’s some heavy rock ‘n’ roll in the form of ‘Riverside’ and as they bring the night to a close Ryan urges the crowd to “have a fuckin dance” as they conclude their set with ‘K.I.L.L.’ which has a MC5 feel about it; very much in your face and assaulting the senses.
It’s been a great night for music tonight and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Each band had something to the offer the audience, and whoever you came for I hope you had a great night too.

Postscript; as I finish this I’ve just heard that the legendary ex Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore has died. R.I.P Gary you were a terrific rock/blues guitarist you will be sadly missed by fans and guitarists alike.

Devil Sold His Soul / Feed the Rhino / Betrayal within the Ranks @ The Sugarmill 4th February 2011

Review by James Winter Samuel

Photo by Kevin Percival

I walk in halfway through Betrayal within the Ranks set of sub-standard metal-core fare that about 1000 bands are doing right now, and immediately I can tell that these guys have just listened to their favourite As I Lay Dying album and just regurgitated it out in their own Stoke style! I can cut them slack because they are all about 16 and are trying their best, clearly enjoying being onstage and playing before a sizeable crowd. They are tight and technically gifted but I was just wishing they had more originality. I’ll put that down to youth and finding their feet. In two – three years time these guys will probably be well worth checking out, and if you like your tech metal-core, please do so!

If it was five or six years ago when the UK underground metal scene was alive and the healthy beast that it was back then, Feed the Rhino would be as big as Gallows are now. Unfortunately, the scene has stagnated somewhat, leaving bands like FTR to forge their own path and take charge of a new breed of promising underground bands. An excellent combination of high and mid tempo hardcore with a heavy dose of bruising powerful riffs and passionate vocals. To sum it up, they do exactly what it says on their flyer, “crushing, balls out rock and roll hardcore.” I cannot put it better than that really. Brilliant stuff!!

Coming on to the soundtrack from Inception, Devil Sold His Soul start with the usual slow, drawn out build up before kicking into the most epic of riffs. This is heavy stuff but not in the way that Feed the Rhino bulldoze you over, more like being swept along in a stream of massive riffola. The set is tight and their reputation for impeccable live shows certainly holds true tonight. When they veer off into ambient territory, the parts are interesting and didn’t linger around too long because those huge riffs that they seem to do so well were just around the corner. The lead singers vocals ranged from throat shredding cookie monster to impressive clean sung in the blink of an eye and all this whilst the band are throwing themselves around the stage like some progressive hardcore Nureyev’s! All in all, a good show, and a show that proves that the UK underground metal scene is still alive and kicking.

The Vaccines @ The Sugarmill 1st February 2011

Review by Sian Eardley

Photo by Tish Scripps

‘Hey- Ho! Vacc-ines!’ The powerful London pop-punk rockers certainly raised the bar last night at The Sugarmill, living up to the title of Britain’s music pioneers for the sound of 2011 – tipped by radio one’s Zane Lowe and Fearne Cotton. Their performance transcended a multitude of reasons why, which led me to the definite conclusion that I would have no problem whatsoever if they were to carry the torch for this side of the Atlantic’s alternatives music. Saying that, they resonate the air of coolness of the early days of Julian Casablancas’ gang, the forlorn yet fascinating longing of Interpol’s Paul Banks’ vocals, and lie in the same exciting league of America’s ‘Mona’, for breaking new ground in sound, whilst holding the same punk heart of The Ramones. Tonight, music lovers and Sugarmill virgins alike, were aghast as to how polished their sound was, they’re clearly not just mucking about nor in it for the money and image, but the pure soul and revelry.

Their infectious bass punching sound got those feet-a-going and pit-a-thriving, from the very first strum to the very last drum kick, a truly vigorous set without the lethargic lag that often follows the big numbers thrown out first by so many bands, but The Vaccines exhumed more energy than a night of red bull, followed by morning caffeine, and pro-plus top-ups. Highlights included The opener ‘Wreckin Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’, a miniscule length of excellence, to be compared to the feel-good, shout out vibes of The Ramones, or Dog’s “London Bridge’, mixed with the cool front of Best Coast, along with ‘If you Wanna’ and ‘Post Break-up Sex’.

I expected it to be good, but not this good; nor did many others, but it was understandably a well-deserved full house night. Not being able to move for bodies on the dance floor or the balconies, peering through the arms and legs of the young flesh tonight just to get a glimpse of this smokin’ foursome, made it all the more sweet. This was as close to perfection as the Sugarmill has seen for a long time, even more luscious than the Joy Formidable’s NME visit last year, and I’m pretty sure the band must have swooned off stage knowing it.

Stellar sound, delectable vocals and upbeat tunes; not heavy or sad or completely off-the-chain, but taking us forward in our times, they would get a pretty solid 9/10 for their performance. Imagine how fresh, invigorating, and prevailing those four Liverpudlian lads playing to The Cavern crowds must have come across; well The Vaccines are putting such musical motions in force for 2011. Superb.

The only things and I mean the only things that could have improved this soaring night into one of absolute bliss, was: A) if I could have picked up a copy of their album to enjoy all night long, to carry on my sonic high (yet we can’t get our mitts on it until March 31^st!), and B) an encore. But…that’s not always a bad thing – The Vaccines definitely left their Stoke crowd in want of more ;).

Check out tunes 'Post break-up sex' for lovers of Interpol and 'Slow Hands' and 'Wreckin bar (ra ra ra)' to get you moving!