It was a matinee date in Stoke On Trent for ANCHOR LANE and come 2pm, the doors opened and the people poured in. Convincing me that not everyone falls asleep on the sofa, after their Sunday roast. Anyhow, with the lights dimmed and the music videos playing, it was fairly easy to forget what time it was and a friendly atmosphere welcomed the bands on stage.
Local five piece HOLLOWPOINT got things underway, they have a wealth of experience under their belts and have been going for around ten years. I was immediately struck by the vocals of Nige Conner, what a powerhouse, he sang ‘Lead And Coal’ and ’Stand Up’ like a true NWOBHM veteran. Most of the set is from the latest album ‘Infectious’ and ’Two Faced’ is next, a staggering song in an AC/DC mode. You have to go way back to the late 60’s, when we wore mini skirts and hippy headbands, for a cover of Crazy Elephant’s ‘Gimmie Gimmie Good Loving’, wow that was a blast from the distant mists of time. Although the track that caught me was ‘Waiting For The Rain’ so well written and delivered in style again by Nige. ‘Follow Your Way’ supplied an imaginative guitar intro from Andy Cotton, whose playing held my attention for quite a while. There’s a load of swagger during ’In A Band’ before they end on ‘Dropzone’ that heads back to the NWOBHM vein. Tim TJ Hopkins on bass/ backing vocals and sticksman ‘Gaz ‘Fozzy’ Forster’ complete the line up. I really enjoyed them and not surprised they’ve supported the likes of ‘Anvil, Graham Bonnet, Diamond Head and Bad Touch, to name just a few.
Head over to Facebook for more info about HOLLOWPOINT – HERE
There’s a short break between bands, time to chat with new found friends and grab another drink. Always amazes me how we fellow gig goers can share so much information about the bands we’ve seen.
The three Glaswegian amigos don’t take long to make the final preparations and sound checks. ANCHOR LANE are halfway through their tour to promote the new album ‘Call This A Reality?’ and this afternoon session must have come as a welcome change, they’ve got the next day off as well, so plenty of time for a short rest. However, first of all they have to win this ELEVEN crowd over !
A lengthy twelve on the rota today and all songs appear on the two studio albums,’Casino’ being their debut in 2020. ’Stutter’ is a marvellous opener, a riptide of riffs from Lawrence O’Brien as he briskly strolls around the stage. Frontman Conor Gaffney, now parading with a red mohawk of some significance, suddenly grabs the rail high above us, hanging there for a few seconds, we hold our breath until he finds his way back to the floor ! ‘Ministry’ echoes around the room, it’s catchy and displays how much this band, now a trio, have evolved over the last couple of years. The material is complex and varied but stays in the same furrow, not wavering too much as to cause any rupture in the flow. The new title song slips into view and the lower chords are in stark contrast to Conor’s screams. ‘Honey’ adds a different flavour with its rich lyrics and deeper strings before they grace us with more newbies ‘Nitroglycerine’ and ‘I’ve Been Waiting’. Have to mention that the audience are now piled on the barrier, totally enjoying this. The moody and soul breaking ‘Blood & Irony’ is followed by the slower ’Stone Cold Hearted’ before we resume the quicker pace on ‘The Mischievous song’ which has so many tantalising aspects. As the title suggests, it is a cheeky number, switching direction so often to mesmerise you. ‘Choke’ is also rampant without any forgiveness and Graeme Newbury’s drums pound relentlessly. Having so much energy, Conor is still racing around ten songs in and as we reach ‘Fame Shame’ there is no let up for this rapid track off ‘Casino’. I do love ‘Electric Karma’ it has a beat and a rhythm with so much character. We join in clapping and singing along when Conor requests it and as they come to the last two, ’Sycophant Disorder’ and finally ‘I don’t Have Another Soul To Pour’ there are hands raised and voices cheering in admiration.
A glorious afternoon with a really talented support band HOLLOWPOINT and the energetic ANCHOR LANE, who are a band you can’t afford to miss. Check out the remaining tour dates and get your copy of the new album from the links below. The artwork is also so amazing, it features on the t-shirts as well, all available online.
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ANCHOR LANE – FACEBOOK WEBSITE
Link to the interview with ANCHOR LANE at ELEVEN – HERE
