The Answer - Thekla Bristol, 24/03/15

As part of their current UK tour ahead of America, Irish rockers The Answer rocked the boat at Bristol’s Thekla tonight.

Supported by The Picturebooks and Bad Touch, the short but mighty set was a heavy dose of new songs from their fifth album ‘Raise A Little Hell’, along with some old.

The new single ‘Red’ - a ‘cheeky little blues rocker’ as described by bass player Micky Waters was featured three songs in, getting the crowd warmed up nicely. 

Lead singer Cormac Neeson does a great job of getting the crowd to join in, but you’d have a hard job to keep up with his psychedelic mad-man, mane-shaking moves; it’s his energy that is just a joy to watch.

Cormac really infuses with his audience during ’Demon Eyes’, leaning in and locking his gaze with individuals. Sung with such intensity and passion it’s dripping over the front row. 

Later in the set, Cormac invites the crowd to ‘get down’ with him. Literally. On the floor. He strides into the crowd like a lion stalking pray, as everyone around him lowers to the ground as one. All eyes are on him as he chants for them to follow his lead, then he slinks back towards the stage as everyone rises back to their feet as if they were the snake to his charmer. 

A Bristol exclusive tonight was a beautiful acoustic version of ‘Strange Kinda Nothin’’. It’s at moments like this thatCormac’s distinctive vocal shines. Unique yet a huge nod to Robert Plant, it’s perfect for this bluesy, riff heavy, attitude-filled sound. He could sing a nursery rhyme and make it rock.

The show is full of traditional classic rock values that the band exudes. The expected drum solo (James Heatley), plenty of rock pauses followed by powerful bursts of thunderous bass (Micky Waters) and a frenzy of finger to fret (Paul Mahon) with bags of electric energy. No wonder they can include David Coverdale and Jimmy Page as their fans. 

They finish with an encore of ‘Nowhere Freeway’ to which the crowd knows every word. There’s a feeling of unadulterated warm fuzziness in the air as they know as well as the band that this is the song they all heard on a rock radio station and thought – ‘wow, who are these guys?!’ Well now you know The Answer.

Tonight was a showcase of honed talent and mutual respect blended expertly to create 
contemporary, solid rock music. An unmissable live experience and an absolute pleasure to watch.

5/5


http://www.bristollivemagazine.com/the-answer-live-review-thekla-bristol-24-03-15/

Black Star Riders / Europe - Bristol 02 Academy, 16/03/15

Bristol’s 02 Academy was rocked Live and Loud tonight by a double-header show from Black Star Riders and Europe.

Ricky Warwick and co storm on stage to a roaring crowd and plunge straight into Bound For Glory from their previous album, that leads straight into a rendition of Thin Lizzy’s Jailbreak. Scott Gorham’s proud smiling face as he looks to the crowd says it all. The crowd are loving it.

The set isn’t shy of a few more Lizzy classics either such as Emerald and The Boys Are Back In Town, mixed in nicely with their newer stuff too. All Hells Breaks Loose, Through The Motions and Bloodshot are sounding great, plus Finest Hour - quite apt as Ricky points out that it’s actually being played on the radio and real rock ‘n’ roll is being recognised due to fans’ request.

Next up Europe build excitement and atmosphere in their signature thunderous intro and strobe flashing way. Warming the crowd with their riff-laden heavier sounding new album title track War Of Kings. These days the band isn’t all about that song and have established a different side to themselves, firmly rooted in the heavier side. Superstitious and Last Look At Eden confirm this. Firebox fills the room with an orchestral burst laced with juicy chords, surrounding the crowd with a spectacle of lights, smoke and echoing vocals. A great example of today’s Europe.

Joey Tempest is full of energy, running and mic-twirling throughout while showing he still has the powerful voice. Praise You from the new album sounds great and has real potential to shine as much as an older classic. Not aggressive but not too mellow, maintaining that chunky-riff feel. 

They finish up the only way they can with The Final Countdown. You can see this never gets old for them and the crowd are jumping and singing along. Cheesy? Yes. Enjoyable? Definitely.

http://southsonic.co.uk/post/114314216511/black-star-riders-europe-02-academy-bristol

Europe - Bag of Bones album review

5/5

Europe have always been pinned with the stigma of '80's pop-metal band, big hair, big ego's and famous for 'that song'. With the release of their previous album 'Last Look at Eden' and now their current offering 'Bag of Bones', Europe have successfully shaken off that branding and have transitioned into a respected rock band of today.

There’s no mistaking that this band have always been influential, having had hits such as 'Carrie' and 'Rock the Night'. But with this album comes something inspiring: a new direction, while sticking firmly to their roots of rock.

Europe have never been afraid of showing their true colours as a pure rock outfit and this album is affirming that in a very sure way. The title track is bluesy and full of soul, then rockets into a powerful, guitar laden chorus. Just to confirm how rock we are talking here, it features Joe Bonamassa, one of the hottest guitar players gracing the earth at the moment. ‘Riches To Rags’ is the perfect kick off, instantly making you turn up the volume. The song makes you feel like it's one of your all time favourites after the first listen. Joey's unique high toned vocals laced with rhythmic, chugging guitar (courtesy of John Norum) to back him up cement this in Europe's true style. This is them showing us that they're still rocking 30 years into their career. 'Not Supposed To Sing The Blues' has been a radio hit from the release - Kevin Shirley has stamped his style all over this with the aggressive blues swagger of Black Country Communion.

'My Woman My Friend' is much more of a gentle track with melancholic and passion felt lyrics, another thing that Europe do well. As with the last album, the beautiful track 'In My Time' told a tragic story of love and loss. It would be interesting to see if there is a similar story here. Europe are keeping up the good work, showing us what they're capable of. Bluesy, punchy, intense rock with unique vocals and a heady mix of guitars, grit and gravel. 'Eden' wasn't a one off success, thankfully we have another one to add to the collection of favourites. Here's to the next.

You can also view this and other album/live reviews here.