Live review: H.E.A.T / Art Nat / Chez Kane - Fleece Bristol, 28/01/25

 

Photo credit: Richard Bolwell

A triple threat of ‘80’s inspired rock hit the Fleece in Bristol tonight, starting with Welsh rocklet Chez Kane, she is bringing the Cher vibes with her impressive outfit and with vocals ten times her own size. Song after song of inspired by the decade of decadence, she is really getting things started.

The already heaving crowd are now treated to some melodic rock from Gothenburg’s Art Nation, showing the Swede’s really know how to do it right. Having played with Europe, Twisted Sister and Dokken, they have some experience under their winged shoulders. They’re putting on a great show and whetting the appetite for what’s coming.

H.E.A.T arrive on stage shortly after, bringing nostalgic rock vibes in spades – it’s a full sensory overload with dry ice, lasers and one powerful rock screech from lead singer Kenny Leckremo.

They’ve understood the assignment – they know the audience wants something more than the everyday and what they’re offering is beyond spectacular. Kenny’s childlike playfulness adds a sense of wholesomeness to proceedings. He’s beaming throughout but with a devilish twinkle in his eye. This is like a green musical smoothie that’s been spiked with rock ‘n’ roll tequila.

They are absolutely keeping rock alive and well, as cliched as it is to say. This is honed talent, years of experience equalling a live show that stands up as good as any recording.

The set list ranges from ‘Dangerous Ground’ and ‘Disaster’ just crying out to be stadium-bound, to ‘Back to the Rhythm’ and ‘Beg, Beg, Beg’ that have the crowd chanting along.

In the words of drummer Don crash – “this ain’t no disco man, this is rock n roll. Turned all the way up to 11.” 

EP review: Tremendous - ‘Transcendence on the Cheap

 

Birmingham rock band Tremendous have just released their latest EP ‘Transcendence on the cheap’, which is a stripped, down acoustic 6-track box of delight.

This is elemental British rock to its core (even their name suggests that, surely?!) Being an acoustic offering allows a gritty, rawness that adds to the purity of the bands vibe. You could happily jaunt through Camden (or ‘Innocent Soho’ as one of the tracks suggests) with this in your ears and feel every bit the bonafide dandy of the underworld. 

A softer-set sample then their previous release, but all the more makes you want to investigate what they’re capable of when they let loose. 

This EP is a beautiful listen, perfectly put together with thoughtful lyrics. In some parts it has a little bit of U2 about it. Ideal for a long and contemplating relaxation session.

Ugly Kid Joe - The Fleece Bristol, 10/3/24

 

Photo credit: @ashleybarrymedia

Is there anything better than stepping into a stalwart music venue, the familiar smell of stale beer and the warmth from fellow music fans packing in like sardines, to watch a band that you know are just going to be amazing? 

 

Ugly Kid Joe have come back to Bristol and they do not disappoint on any front. With support from The Virginmary’s, who are giving us a heady slice of northern rock mixed with stories from back home. Considering their duo status, they really pack a punch and the crowd is revved up and ready.

 

Greeting fans as they make their way to the stage (via behind the bar), vocalist Whitfield Crane, followed by his band mates including long-time guitarist Klaus Eichstadt, get straight into things with V.I.P from 1995 album Menace to Sobriety.

 

This is followed with Neighbor and a perfectly curated jukebox of UKJ favourites like So Damn Cool, Milkman’s Son and of course, Cats in the Cradle. There’s also an outing for a new song Kill The Pain, which is performed with ease and seems an instant hit.

 

There is an obvious bass-shaped hole that’s been left by Cordell Crockett’s absence, but the guys are having fun on stage and the audience is lapping it up. Especially during the banter between Whit and Klaus when he steals lead vocals for Another Beer and Mr. Recordman.

 

With an encore of Black Sabbath’s Symptom of the Universe and Motorhead’s Ace of Spades, the night is confirmed as one for the books for any rock purist.

 

Filled with the joys of 90’s rock and teenage angst – in a good way – the evening comes to a close with the ever expected ‘I Hate Everything About You’, sounding pretty well exactly the same as it did when it was released. If it’s all the same UKJ, we feel the opposite and can’t wait for next time.

Philip Sayce - The Fleece Bristol, 19/11/23

 

Photo credit: @neodraconian

Words: Alaina Henderson 

The Fleece and Firkin in Bristol should change its name to the Funk and Firkin tonight, as the sold out crowd gets a high voltage injection of blues-groove from the fret-fumbling guitar mastermind Philip Sayce.

 

Up first to warm proceedings is Troy Redfern, a singer, songwriter and guitarist who knows his way around a slide. Acknowledging the fact that the room is filled with guitar nerds, he keeps the chat short and the music coming. This really is a quick masterclass in raw technique, influences worn-on-sleeve mixed with a uniqueness that is the heartbeat of the performance.

 

Philip is up next and dives straight in with his signature moves on his well-worn Fender – including employing the structural pillar on stage to help with his strumming. There’s no denying he is in any doubt that his shows are all about the guitar, so he lets it do all the talking. Judging by the sounds of absolute awe that are audible all around, it’s working.  Anecdotes in between songs include the fact that he has Aberystwyth on his passport as his place of birth – not that far from Bristol – and then launches into the namesake song from his album Steamroller.

He mixes old and new, with tracks from his upcoming release The Wolves Are Coming like Oh! That Bitches Brew, allowing his Hendrix / Stevie Ray styles to shine through.  Sometimes abandoning the microphone altogether, favouring letting his euphonious tones work their magic by projection alone – it’s a magical thing to witness. 

 

A highlight of the set includes a rare cover from Albert King As The Years Go Passing By, which is mesmerising. Speaking of which, it’s been too many years since Philip last played in this city; and while that only added to the excitement in anticipation of the evening, here’s hoping for another show very soon.

Live review: Glenn Hughes - Tramshed Cardiff, 18/07/23

 

So not all of us we’re there the first time around, but tonight gives everyone a chance to re-live the glorious days of 70s rock with Glenn Hughes as he plays Deep Purple.

 

The Tramshed in Cardiff is packed and there’s an air of eagerness in anticipation of ‘the voice of rock’ hitting the stage. Setting things up nicely is Dead Sea Skulls from Birmingham, led by Glenn’s current drummer Ash Sheehan, who has all the energy of a toddler with a sugar rush. They’re bringing fast-paced excitement as Ash not only plays drums, but sings and does the frontman thing at the same time – incredible. The crowd is loving it.

 

Glenn and the band - made up of Soren Andersen (guitar), Bob Fridzema (keyboard) and Ash Sheehan (drums) - are next up to delight and amaze and that’s just what they do.

 

A surprisingly short set list of hits, but long in duration so we’re getting more than our money’s worth. Witnessing the band in action, recreating such time-honoured classics as Stormbringer, Mistreated and Might Just Take Your Life, with such precision, is a joy to watch. Glenn clearly agrees as he beams his signature smile and tells the crowd how happy and grateful he is. We’re also treated to some of the many stories he has, including days with Tommy Bolin. Finishing with Highway Star and then Burn, it really is a step back in time and an honour to witness the magic still happening.

 

Thanks Glenn and the boys for the trip.

Live review: Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real - SWX Bristol, 17/06/23

 

Words by Alaina Henderson 

The summer air in Bristol tonight is as dry as the Texas Plains, which is the perfect set up for watching Austin’s own Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real.

Opening up with some stomping country Every Time I Drink and Fool Me Once really sets the tone. Lukas leaps from this into the song he has recently been performing with country star Lainey Wilson, More Than Friends, and seeing as she’s not here tonight he takes on both male and female vocals – much to the amusement of the Stetson-donning crowd.

Lukas is breezing through his performance with ease. He wears his guitar on his hip and it seems like they’re attached; one and the same. He’s creating sounds that send a shiver down the spine.

With Magnatone amps, well-worn guitars (lap steel or otherwise), harmonica and Hammond, this band does things like no other, such as Logan Metz starting Just Outside ofAustin, a tale of living the simple life, with a classical-style piano solo.

This show is giving us laughs, tears and awe. Things really get going when during Find Yourself Lukas asks the crowd to sing along acapella-style, which feels like it could carry on all night. It’s a beautiful moment –much like watching Lukas himself close his eyes and really feel this song. You can tell this is from the heart.

Midway through he gives an emotional Father’s Day tribute to his father Willy Nelson with a moving version of his song Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground and an equally emotive solo spot on the piano for Smile.

Alcohallelujah brings the pace back up and after a funky drum and bongo solo, the band re-join on stage as bassist Corey McCormick leaps into the air with astounding energy.

It’s encore time and a goose bump moment as they finish with Set Me Down On A Cloud – a beautiful song with enchanting lyrics.

Live review: The Commoners with Troy Redfern - The Bodega, 29/04/23

Words by Adrian Ball

Tonight, at The Bodega Nottingham, it’s the final night of a 15-date tour around the UK for the roots rockers The Commoners, with support from guitarist and singer Troy Redfern. 

The venue is compact but seriously punches above its weight with both quality of acts it puts on and the atmosphere created; and tonight’s line-up is no exception. 

 

Humming with excitement from the get-go, the crowd is buzzing in  anticipation of a real rock show. Troy is immediately out of the gates and has the crowd in a frenzy, opening with a new song All Night Long before moving on to Planet Rock favourite Sweet Carolina and the rocking Come on. 

Slide guitar is in abundance, showing the magical skills of Troy’s playing.  The bass player (Kiera Kenworthy) and drummer (Finn McAuley) definitely need a mention, working as a seriously tight unit and allowing Troy freedom at the front and centre. 

 

The Commoners make their way to the stage and are greeted with an enthusiastic cheer as they start off with More than Mistakes then Find a Better Way. The performance really was off the charts - an stellar performance to deliver to an expectant crowd, which is truly being lapped up.  

The Commoners have a 60’s and 70’s big blues-rock band feel, but it feels fresh. They’re walking with giants rather than standing on their shoulders.

 

The band is tight and obviously enjoying the tour, with comments throughout the set and every member standing tall and shining in their own right. 

Superb performance and an electric night. Go and catch them in October when they are back in the UK.