Standing directly in front of the wildly impressive Zoe Allen as Cardiff’s powerhouse outfit Ravenbreed nailed their set superbly, I reflected on what it was that makes a gig ‘good’, ‘special’ or ‘exceptional’. Is it huge lighting rigs, lashings of special effects and more pyrotechnics than the US Army used in the Gulf War? Is it the quality of the sound, the size of the venue or the flash merchandise at exorbitant prices? No, I realised that what makes a gig really stand out is heart and honesty from all those involved. And that is what this evening had in spades. Heart and honesty.
Once again, the unstoppable bulldozer that is King Kraken (9) opened the evening. They may have only played a 30-minute set, but these boys are steadily building and maintaining the momentum that they have worked so hard to set in train during 2019. War Machine kicked things off, a huge song which deserves worldwide airplay. Thunderous riffs, powerful drumming and the roar of the caged beast Mark Donoghue. It’s simply massive. The sinister Kidnap followed. A brilliant track that rightly leaves you a little uncomfortable was enhanced when Donoghue slipped his leash to prowl the pit, his howling of “Gonna make you learn to love me” sending chills down the spine. Tight and professional, Kraken are gelling superbly these days and in Adam Kowalski Healey possess one of the most fluid and fantastic guitarists on the circuit. His effortless playing makes the difficult things look so easy and the solid backing of the rest of the band allows him opportunity to express himself. Castle Of Bones brought a criminally short set to a conclusion, the roar of the appreciative audience was the least Kraken deserved.
I’d not seen Tribeless (8) before but they grew on me and more importantly Mrs H, who spent the entire set dancing away in front of the stage. A three-piece from RCT, Tribeless focus on a less metal and more alternative rock style which isn’t my usual thing, but which had sufficient edge to keep me watching. Drummer Max Rhead held everything together tightly with guitarist Latif Bryant riffing away. This left vocalist Lydia McDonald plenty of scope to hold the room which she did comfortably, her crisp clean vocals adding neatly to the band’s delivery. The band rely on a fair bit of digital backing music to flesh out their sound but that didn’t distract from their energy and genuine enthusiasm. The Journey and Glass Souls bookended a nine-song set which also featured their debut single Angels and they look to have a bright future.
The future looks increasingly bright for Cardiff’s Ravenbreed (9) who are impressing more on every viewing. Whilst the focus is rightly on Zoe Emelia Allen, it’s the flanking support of bassist Ross Formosa and guitarist Mikey Watkins that provides the essential materials for Allen to work with, allowing her to deliver in flamboyant style. Anchoring the whole machine, drummer Oli Watkins doesn’t miss a beat. A set crammed with anthemic songs, Ravenbreed’s sound veers from Pantera to Foo Fighters, from Guns N Roses to Alice in Chains, and that is one of their selling points. Like King Kraken, the band offer something a little different and their live set is unique and quite compelling. Indeed, it was impossible not to move and clap along as their set progressed, their sheer heaviness combined with just the right amount of dirty sleaze. Some fabulous audience participation on Falling Away topped another great set and a raucous cover of Ace Of Spades to close saw Le Pub bouncing with sheer enjoyment. And there you have it. An evening full of energy, passion and smiles. Just how music is meant to be. And long may it remain this way.
I’d not seen Tribeless (8) before but they grew on me and more importantly Mrs H, who spent the entire set dancing away in front of the stage. A three-piece from RCT, Tribeless focus on a less metal and more alternative rock style which isn’t my usual thing, but which had sufficient edge to keep me watching. Drummer Max Rhead held everything together tightly with guitarist Latif Bryant riffing away. This left vocalist Lydia McDonald plenty of scope to hold the room which she did comfortably, her crisp clean vocals adding neatly to the band’s delivery. The band rely on a fair bit of digital backing music to flesh out their sound but that didn’t distract from their energy and genuine enthusiasm. The Journey and Glass Souls bookended a nine-song set which also featured their debut single Angels and they look to have a bright future.
The future looks increasingly bright for Cardiff’s Ravenbreed (9) who are impressing more on every viewing. Whilst the focus is rightly on Zoe Emelia Allen, it’s the flanking support of bassist Ross Formosa and guitarist Mikey Watkins that provides the essential materials for Allen to work with, allowing her to deliver in flamboyant style. Anchoring the whole machine, drummer Oli Watkins doesn’t miss a beat. A set crammed with anthemic songs, Ravenbreed’s sound veers from Pantera to Foo Fighters, from Guns N Roses to Alice in Chains, and that is one of their selling points. Like King Kraken, the band offer something a little different and their live set is unique and quite compelling. Indeed, it was impossible not to move and clap along as their set progressed, their sheer heaviness combined with just the right amount of dirty sleaze. Some fabulous audience participation on Falling Away topped another great set and a raucous cover of Ace Of Spades to close saw Le Pub bouncing with sheer enjoyment. And there you have it. An evening full of energy, passion and smiles. Just how music is meant to be. And long may it remain this way.
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