To say I'd been excited for this gig was an understatement, one of my favourite local bands playing a gig to celebrate the release of their stellar new album supported by some high quality talent, playing at one of my favourite local venues
Well at least it was, as while I always love the sound, lights and general feels of Clwb Ifor Bach, on this rainy Friday, and I'm talking torrential rain, their security left much to be desired. Two events running simultaneously but one queue, constantly being stopped due to the overflow in the bottom room which didn't in anyway effect the top room.
This meant that some of use with photography equipment were at risk of having it all soaking by the time we got in the venue. Two queues would have been easier to manage and would have probably led to less stress on the one guard who manhandled my wife's lenses and camera before speaking to her very rudely.
Anyway I've had my little rant, but what I will say is that this organisation issue meant that the room was nowhere near as full as it should have been for Cemetery Dogs (8) who get better every time I see them. A loud riff slinging trio, they've got riffs that draw influence from the biggest in the genre, plenty of groove and rabid punk attitude too that always brings movement.
They've been road dogging (oh you didn't know!) all over the place lately and for a band who are about a year old they're now a tight, taut, unit that have worn in their material (featured on their recent demo release) the future is looking bright for them. So keep an eye out!
Next up we're a band celebrating 15 years of weirdness, thankfully the room had filled as Trevor's Head (8) took to the stage and started to bash out some abrasive, psychedelic oddness where no two songs are quite the same and aggressive dual vocal shouts are met with angular riffs.
Another trio, Trevor's Head have been treading the boards across the country for 15 years and this experience shows from the time they step on stage (and remove a shirt) until the time the last note rang out. It's psych, stoner, punk and lots more quirkiness that's seen them have this kind of longevity.
As with all Trevor's Head gigs, they win over the crowd with every song they play and once you get it, you get it good.
So with the room pretty much full and the crowd warm, dry and suitably lubricated conquering home town heroes Lacertilila (10) took to the stage. Matt (vocals), Lucas (guitar), Mike (guitar), Ed (bass) and Carl (drums) have poured their heart and soul into their new, third in total, album Transcend and with a few welcomes and thank you's they began with Archaic Oscillations, Matt taking some acoustic guitars to bring the folksy, build of the intro to life on stage.
It's an album release show so they're going to play the album in full and Transcend plays with dynamics more than any of their music previously, the idea of "quiet" clearly lost on a few people who talked all the way through the atmospheric Intro, Transcending and Cerulean Sky, the three movements where acoustics rule and things aren't as loud and in your face. It's called creating an atmosphere and while Lacertilila always have a party vibe to them, on Transcend it all feels a bit more grown up.
They can still kick out the jams, though as the riffs come out loud and proud for We Go Here, Listen Close, Over & Out, Lucas and Mike trading off crunchy riffs and slinky leads, as the crowd get dragged into head banging rockers, punky stomps and more slow burning psych courtesy of Nothing's Sacred. The latter showing the noodling bass lines of Ed who undercuts everything with more than groove while in Carl they have a drummer that has technique and toughness.
Matt meanwhile is the quintessential frontman, his between song banter always honest and appreciative while his paint covered, frenzied delivery on Deviate From The Plan and Weird Scenes, grabs your attention in a band where all of the players fight for it. Closing with their epic, tribal, single The Sun Is The Key, Transcend sounds just as good live as it does on record and Lacertilila should be very proud of what they've accomplished on album three.
With most of the album dished out, those in attendance thanked, there was time for one more and made their last noise with the propulsive oldy Engine Of God. Hands were shook, drinks were consumed, merch was bought and there was a collective feeling of warmth in the room, friends, family and fans in a joyous harmony with a band showcasing their strongest music yet.
Ten years into this ride and Lacertilila are firing on all cylinders, strap a rocket to them, they deserve it.
Well at least it was, as while I always love the sound, lights and general feels of Clwb Ifor Bach, on this rainy Friday, and I'm talking torrential rain, their security left much to be desired. Two events running simultaneously but one queue, constantly being stopped due to the overflow in the bottom room which didn't in anyway effect the top room.
This meant that some of use with photography equipment were at risk of having it all soaking by the time we got in the venue. Two queues would have been easier to manage and would have probably led to less stress on the one guard who manhandled my wife's lenses and camera before speaking to her very rudely.
Anyway I've had my little rant, but what I will say is that this organisation issue meant that the room was nowhere near as full as it should have been for Cemetery Dogs (8) who get better every time I see them. A loud riff slinging trio, they've got riffs that draw influence from the biggest in the genre, plenty of groove and rabid punk attitude too that always brings movement.
They've been road dogging (oh you didn't know!) all over the place lately and for a band who are about a year old they're now a tight, taut, unit that have worn in their material (featured on their recent demo release) the future is looking bright for them. So keep an eye out!
Next up we're a band celebrating 15 years of weirdness, thankfully the room had filled as Trevor's Head (8) took to the stage and started to bash out some abrasive, psychedelic oddness where no two songs are quite the same and aggressive dual vocal shouts are met with angular riffs.
Another trio, Trevor's Head have been treading the boards across the country for 15 years and this experience shows from the time they step on stage (and remove a shirt) until the time the last note rang out. It's psych, stoner, punk and lots more quirkiness that's seen them have this kind of longevity.
As with all Trevor's Head gigs, they win over the crowd with every song they play and once you get it, you get it good.
So with the room pretty much full and the crowd warm, dry and suitably lubricated conquering home town heroes Lacertilila (10) took to the stage. Matt (vocals), Lucas (guitar), Mike (guitar), Ed (bass) and Carl (drums) have poured their heart and soul into their new, third in total, album Transcend and with a few welcomes and thank you's they began with Archaic Oscillations, Matt taking some acoustic guitars to bring the folksy, build of the intro to life on stage.
It's an album release show so they're going to play the album in full and Transcend plays with dynamics more than any of their music previously, the idea of "quiet" clearly lost on a few people who talked all the way through the atmospheric Intro, Transcending and Cerulean Sky, the three movements where acoustics rule and things aren't as loud and in your face. It's called creating an atmosphere and while Lacertilila always have a party vibe to them, on Transcend it all feels a bit more grown up.
They can still kick out the jams, though as the riffs come out loud and proud for We Go Here, Listen Close, Over & Out, Lucas and Mike trading off crunchy riffs and slinky leads, as the crowd get dragged into head banging rockers, punky stomps and more slow burning psych courtesy of Nothing's Sacred. The latter showing the noodling bass lines of Ed who undercuts everything with more than groove while in Carl they have a drummer that has technique and toughness.
Matt meanwhile is the quintessential frontman, his between song banter always honest and appreciative while his paint covered, frenzied delivery on Deviate From The Plan and Weird Scenes, grabs your attention in a band where all of the players fight for it. Closing with their epic, tribal, single The Sun Is The Key, Transcend sounds just as good live as it does on record and Lacertilila should be very proud of what they've accomplished on album three.
With most of the album dished out, those in attendance thanked, there was time for one more and made their last noise with the propulsive oldy Engine Of God. Hands were shook, drinks were consumed, merch was bought and there was a collective feeling of warmth in the room, friends, family and fans in a joyous harmony with a band showcasing their strongest music yet.
Ten years into this ride and Lacertilila are firing on all cylinders, strap a rocket to them, they deserve it.
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