Vodun, Scarfoot & Mammoth Toe, The Old England, Bristol
Delivered by Wizzarding Productions, the return of London psychedelic power outfit Vodun (9) to Bristol, this time at The Old England was an event not to be missed. We’ve eulogised enough about this band on these pages, but once again Vodun proved that when they are in town, they should not be missed. Despite singer Chantal Brown (Oya) clearly suffering from a cold, she demonstrated that her inclusion in the recent Bandcamp top ten vocalists to watch was well merited. Fiery, soulful and full of passion, her incredible voice once again took away the breath as she soared through the band’s slightly truncated set. Tracks from both albums resonated with the audience, prompting several outbreaks of dancing and even some frenzied head banging from those in the front row. New drummer Lorena Chachito (Sobo), like those who have gone before displayed no fear and is a natural, her wild, high tempo skin pounding catching the eye. With the the usual fluid and groove ridden guitar once more laid down by guitarist Linz Eel (The Marassa) and the addition of some hearty baritone saxophone, Vodun shined like a diamond. A healthy crowd cheered their approval from start to finish. It was excellent stuff as we have come to expect from one of the most consistently exciting bands around.
Travelling from Liverpool to Bristol for a gig in front of 50 or so people can only be for those with a true love of music. Scarfoot (7), for it was they, did just that. The three-piece from the Wirral certainly cut an imposing sight with Oliver Carins 12 string/lap steel and quite unexpected vocal delivery blending with the sonic driving bass of Rhys Jones and the solid drums and vocals of Phil Eakins. Musically the band possess an unique style, Cairns’ roaring vocals combined with a raging yet measured approach, the mix of semi-acoustic and raging rock providing a heavy combination. Johnny Cash meets Nine Inch Nails with the industrial rage of Fear Factory. Shame And Blame and Blood And Gold were amongst the tracks that stood out. All this with a Black Stone Cherry t-shirt making it an incongruous sight. Still, Scarfoot were decent value, and a band I’d see again.
Opening the evening at a later than advertised time was the instrumental stoner psychedelic rock of Mammoth Toe (8) whose set allowed all present to drift off on a sonic journey. Songs about apples (Pink Lady) and cheese (Gorgonzilla) absorbed the crammed room, (essentially making a musical Ploughman's? - Ed) the band’s local support cheered their every note, demanding an extra song at the end of their set which was duly agreed to much joy. Mammoth Toe are Marcus Gee, Ben Gee and Ben Hooper. They move in a sonic cosmos which few can penetrate but if you find them near you, ensure you check them out.
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