ALIA TEMPORA / PUZZLE TREE / ATLAS RISE – COBBLESTONES 3/5/24
On my way home from touring Devon and Cornwall, I broke the journey up by staying in Bridgwater overnight. Just so happened there were bands on at The Cobblestones so it was a no brainer to attend and also check this well liked venue out. A small and cosy pub in the heart of town, with the building at the rear, set aside for live music. I found it quite friendly and rather quaint, no wonder Graham Hodgson hasn’t any trouble booking bands, amazingly tonights headliners are all the way from the Czech Republic.
ATLASRISE are a local Somerset based trio, who may have named themselves after a Metallica song, but sound nothing like the thunderous Metal gods. This is modern alternative rock in the same vein as ‘Asking Alexandria’, ‘Bad Omens’ and ‘Linkin Park’, however more importantly, they state ’Tears For Fears’ as a band they hope to follow in the steps of. Aiming to mix synth and Nu-metal with pop may sound a little precarious but they don’t shy away from the fact that they use tracking for bass and keys to add enrichment. So the outcome is a fulfilling and experimental sound, if nothing else. Frontman Louis Stone occasionally plays 6 string alongside their new guitarist, while providing haunting and soulful vocals and Jay Arnold on drums is the other original member.
They open with ‘Walking In Circles’ and ‘Through A Lens’ that demonstrate Louis’s passion and he’s a natural on that mic. After ‘Nobody Knows’ , ‘Common Ground’ and ‘Empty Spaces’ it’s evident that ‘AtlasRise’ can write meaningful lyrics directed at life in the 2020’s. They have released four singles to date and they all come next in succession. ’Step Inside’ is their latest offering, here’s the official video –
‘Whats The Meaning’ from last year follows and then ‘Here I Am’ which has the message that, ’It’s ok to be different and to be yourself’ written during lockdown, it nails how many struggled during that time. The last single played, again from 2023 is ‘I will Be Waiting’ a heady piece with a charming melody and soft yet dynamic uttering from Louis. They end on ‘How Did It Come To This’ and the audience loudly applaud the three.
I must admit ‘AtlasRise’ are not in my usual bracket, but I was taken by their attitude and positivity.
Follow and learn more, on the bands social pages – FACEBOOK WEBSITE
AtlasRise
AtlasRise
PUZZLE TREE are up on stage soon after, all the way from South Wales the five released their debut LP ‘Every Broken Door’ last year and much of their set is from that album. As they start off with ‘Embers’ and the grinding force of ‘The Burning Lands’ it’s apparent that Rachel Thomas is a captivating vocalist, reaching high notes without faltering. Growing up listening to powerful female singers and being introduced to metal at an early age has had an affect on Rachel’s tactics and I love the way she pirouettes around, kicking and jumping at very opportunity. ‘Hollow’ is a heavy load, I like the guitar of Matt John, who puts in some intricate riffs along the way, with Matthew Alexander Powell also on guitar and backing vocals. The song descends and rises like surging waves, it’s superbly put together. ‘All in The Eyes’ is a delicate tune with stacks of harmony and more outstanding strings, while ‘Migrations’ casts a line of deeper intensity without losing an ounce of emotion, stunning work. Listen to it here –
The band members have slightly different tastes in music but the one theme is to vary the sound and have that element of shock, ‘Fearless’ is one of their songs that does just that. The drums are high-level and the vocals match the height, supple guitar riffs and a fast building of tempo are interwoven with melodic underscoring. The final one on the set ‘High Tension’ begins with a slow and lowly intro, while Rachel adds her provocative charm. It’s a weighty number, the bass of Jamie Roberts bringing distinctive tones and as it rides it gets even more engrossing.
A friendly bunch ‘Puzzle Tree’ were amazing to watch. I think I’m their latest fan !
Please check them out on FACEBOOK and grab a copy of ‘Every Broken Door’ it’s a fantastic album and worth every penny. I think we will be seeing a lot more of these guys, they opened at The Station 18 Festival the next day, after seeing off all the competition in the voting stages.
PUZZLE TREE are –
Rachel Thomas – Vocals. Jamie Roberts – Bass. Matt John – Guitar/Keys/Vocals. Tony Jones – Drums. Matthew Alexander Powell – Vocals/Guitar
Puzzle Tree
ALIA TEMPORA hit the stage amidst plumes of smoke with ‘Mockingjay’ a track off their debut album ‘Digital Cube’ and one that was inspired by the ‘Hunger Games’ film. Performing their brand of electronic and symphonic metal since 2015, they are led by the colourful and amazing talent of Markéta Morávková who is in pink frills over silver shorts and knee high white boots, this is a lady who likes to dress up. The Czech Republic band are from BRNO and tonight they have Mexican guitarist, Mario Del Rio Escobedo, also looking lush in a shiny blue jacket. Actually all four wear outfits that brighten up Bridgwater this evening, the photographers are having a field day.
Alia Tempora
From the recent album ‘Prismatica’ they carry on with ‘Fake It Till You Make It’ a bouncy number which pauses to catch breathe before resuming to beat itself into a frenzy. Their other album ‘Dragonfly Effect’ is also repped as they play ‘Bark On Me’ and ‘Get Well Soon’ stretching back to 2019, they are both as colossal in magnitude and Markéta has the audience in her grip. Not surprisingly some fans have travelled miles and are on the floor rocking to every note. A few more from ‘Prismatica’ next including the title track. I love the visuals from this band, so much energy and entertaining playfulness, upbeat and totally wild. Markéta is an incredible performer, there isn’t a moment she isn’t giving it 100%, we are like rabbits in neon headlights and the chemistry between her, Mario and bassist Roman upfront is fabulous. Back to ‘Dragonfly Effect’ for ‘Asking’ and ‘Humanity’ the former seeing Mario providing additional vocals.
‘Copycat’ is one that sticks, squealing vocals and a dizzy array of chords, it catches you before you know it. The flowing continues with ‘Don’t Give A Fox’ the word is changed but the message is still visible, this is an exhilarating show, they don’t slow down at all, until we hear ‘Ready Hun ?’ The unicorn masks are put on for ‘Loser like Me’ and right up to this last song, the party remains in full swing. Watch the video here for this song and footage of the bands appearance at ‘Masters Of Rock 2019’ in their home country.
Follow Alia Tempora on their socials – FACEBOOK WEBSITE
Alia Tempora
Oh this was a glorious night, despite a small attendance. The lack of punters didn’t deter any of the bands, they shone with enthusiasm, emotion and passion. Have to thank Graham Hodgson for putting on such a wondrous line up and introducing me to 3 bands I hadn’t seen before.
Alia Tempora
Alia Tempora
