Stoner Rock has been one of my favourite genres for a long time now. Bristol has been spoiled over the past few years having seen bands like Fu Manchu, Slomosa, Mondo Generator, Nebula and Yawning Man all pass through. There are a couple of bands who have still eluded me though who knows what’s around the next corner…
Strange Brew has become the home of the weird and wonderful and on a chilly Sunday night, things were about to heat up. The Scottish rockers Earl Of Hell (9) opened the proceedings and I’ve been keeping a keen eye on them after they played with Alain Johannes at Exchange last year and they impressed then so I was excited to see them this time as well.
They opened their set with a bang, having both technical prowess and an ear for the hook, something that everyone would enjoy. Combining classical influences like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin with a modern flair, reminding me of Made Of Teeth at times. This really makes me excited for the release of their self-titled debut album which comes out in April. I have to give massive credit to the sound technician for their set as well as for a five piece band, I could hear each individual element as clear as day, very well balanced.
Then at 9pm sharp, the room erupted as the Brant Bjork Trio (10) took to the stage consisting of absolute legends including the aforementioned Brant, Mario Lalli and Mike Amster. Starting smooth with the Cream inspired jam, Sunshine Is Making Love To Your Mind.
I was caught in a trance from the beginning, dancing and head banging like a fool. I’ve seen so many gigs recently where bands were so intense and gritty but the Brant Bjork Trio gave me a different feeling which was just about having fun! The songs were upbeat and strung-out, it painted thoughts of lazy hot beach days but the playing was so not that way.
The band were on top form throughout, Mario especially looked like he was hitting every single note the bass had to offer to him, it was a beautiful sight. With Brant stretching the notes on his guitar as far as they could go, I always forget about how great of a player he is, massively underrated and Mike, he’s the master behind the kit and one of the heaviest hitters around.
The band were on top form throughout, Mario especially looked like he was hitting every single note the bass had to offer to him, it was a beautiful sight. With Brant stretching the notes on his guitar as far as they could go, I always forget about how great of a player he is, massively underrated and Mike, he’s the master behind the kit and one of the heaviest hitters around.
It’s disappointing in a way that Ryan Gut, the drummer who played on the album that the band was touring, Once Upon A Time In The Desert and with Stoner, couldn’t make this tour as he’s a brilliant musician but Mike is the perfect person to step in and make an impact.
My favourite song of the night was when the band played Low Desert Punk off of one of Brant’s solo albums, Jalamanta. It’s an anthem of the scene and one of the best songs that has ever been written in it. Played with all the style and grace of a king, it made me jump in the air with joy!
Overall, I was so glad that I finally got to see Brant Bjork in person for the very first time as well as Stoner Rock icons Mario Lalli and Mike Amster again. The thing that is always a worry about gigs like this is the level of expectancy. People who only came to see the band because of the Kyuss connection and only want to see Kyuss songs being played can ruin experiences because of their anger but we never got any of that.
My favourite song of the night was when the band played Low Desert Punk off of one of Brant’s solo albums, Jalamanta. It’s an anthem of the scene and one of the best songs that has ever been written in it. Played with all the style and grace of a king, it made me jump in the air with joy!
Overall, I was so glad that I finally got to see Brant Bjork in person for the very first time as well as Stoner Rock icons Mario Lalli and Mike Amster again. The thing that is always a worry about gigs like this is the level of expectancy. People who only came to see the band because of the Kyuss connection and only want to see Kyuss songs being played can ruin experiences because of their anger but we never got any of that.
Everyone in the crowd was cool and polite and no unpleasantries were exchanged, it just goes to show that songs that are this good can stand on their own merits. Get a load of this man!
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