The rain was lashing down as I made my way to KK’s. Of course the weather didn’t deter an army of rock fans from descending on the venue, as Florence Black were in town. A soaking Tuesday night and it was packed. Three bands on the bill and my first viewing of the supports. After meeting up with friends and MMH photographer Dal, it was down to the front to watch the openers.
Over from Derby MuddiBrooke have had an amazing time of it recently, a management deal, support shows for Wayward Sons and Black Star Riders, many festival appearances including Bloodstock and Planet Rockstock and numerous plays on radio. Tonight warming up for the mighty Welsh rockers, could be seen as a bit daunting for the trio, but I didn’t witness any hint of nervousness. ‘ADHD’ broke the ice, front woman Brooke led the attack with strong and passionate vocals. It’s a song that races without taking breath and has that ‘Alternative Grunge’ theme that the band associate with. ‘Liverpool Guy’ is off their ‘Lunacy’ EP and takes a softer approach. The melodic ballad ‘Devil’ is also off that 2021 release and after three songs they have warmed up sufficiently to attract quite a large audience. New single ‘Float’ gets an airing then ‘Turn To Dust’ which is beautiful song and Brooke excels, her level of emotion is on another scale. ‘You Don’t Own Me’ is a cover of the late ‘Lesley Gore’ song, (she’s probably better known for her hit ‘It’s My Party’). This fits MuddiBrooke’s style so well and it’s a fabulous version. Brooke on vocals and guitar is joined by Anna Melidone on bass and backing vocals with Morgan Pettigrew on drums. They finish with ‘Cellar’ a single from last year, that ends their set on a messy high. A band full of potential, look out for them on the road this year.
Muddi Brooke
Next up is JAMES AND THE COLD GUN labeled as ‘South Wales’ loudest’ band. I’m not sure about that, however the volume is pretty high even with fancy earplugs in. For a band on this level they have a few aces up their sleeves, Pearl Jams’s, Stone Gossard heard them and went on to sign them to his ‘Loosegroove’ record label, who released the debut self titled album. This also paved the way for an opening slot with Guns N’ Roses in Hyde Park. Naming themselves after a Kate Bush song, as the ‘James’ name was shared by the band members, they decided early on to produce simple but highly charged rock, after their previous more indulgent bands, which include ‘Holding Absence’. During covid lead man James Joseph and guitarist James Biss, being housemates, started to play some covers and it all led from there, they found themselves jamming in the garage and the rest is history. Since their inaugural show in Cardiff in 2021, they have been moving up the ranks, supporting South Of Salem, Those Damn Crows, The Wildhearts, Therapy? and now Florence Black. Likened to ‘Mud Honey’ and ‘Three Colours Red’ and being fans of ‘Queens of The Stone Age’, you can grasp the basic threads of JATCG.
I do believe that’s Kate Bush being used as the intro music, I wonder how many caught on to that ? From the ‘False Start’ EP, ‘Seven’ is the choice to get things underway. The stage presence of James Joseph, with his messy hair, high kicks and sunglasses, is one that immediately draws me in. The music is unprecedented, sounding way out of control, but that’s the idea of course and as they continue with ‘Chewing Glass’ off the debut, the pairing of the James’s is phenomenal. Despite having a stand-in bassist, who I joke with later as looking incredibly young, the tracks run smooth and James keeps us entertained with his casual but effective manner, even creating feedback on his Flying V with the amp at one point ! ‘Cheating On The Sun’ is definitely off the ‘post-grunge’ wall, surging with fantastic guitar by James Biss, who also provides backing vocals. I have been playing their album during the week and ‘Something To Say’ is one of the stand out numbers, live it has an even mightier catch. Another from the EP ‘Long Way Home’ brings the captivating set to an end. Definitely a band I want to see again, really enjoyed the swaggering bravado and unpredictable technique. Visit their social pages for more info and see them on home ground at the Steelhouse Festival in July.
James & The Cold Gun
FLORENCE BLACK I was trying to remember the first time I saw these guys, who have put Merthyr Tydfil on the map. It may have been Steelhouse in 2021, although I do recall the initial viewing blowing my mind. These three childhood mates have journeyed a few miles, since that Saturday afternoon. The debut album ‘Weight Of The World’ almost triggered seismic activity, it was so outstanding and now they have released ‘Bed Of Nails’ which initial media reports suggest, it’s a far distance from the ‘difficult sophomore’. KK’s is heaving, there is practically no floor space left as the audience eagerly await the headliners. The lighting is low and the smoke machines add more ambience.
Those who have heard the new release, recognise the first song, as ‘Bed of Nails’ ushers the start of the set. Vocalist and exceptional guitarist Tristan Thomas, doesn’t need to introduce anything, it’s straight in with the title track and its riff is one that will remain a favourite for years to come. Slithering slowly and having a chorus that grips, it’s a tremendous piece of work. ’Start Again’ churns and twists with the guitar howling like a lonesome dog. The amount of layering and thought going into these songs is amazing and the outcome, especially live is riveting. An older one ‘On The Ropes’ has a ‘Budgie’ type intro, a band that heavily influenced FB as Tristan played in original drummer Ray Philips’s band when he was only 15. It gets heavier as drummer Perry Davies takes over the mic with his grit laden voice. ‘Solid 9’ continues the onslaught but ‘Don’t Hold Me Down’ is one that shows there’s more to Florence Black than thumping riffs, yes they can do melodic as well. Although this isn’t as misty as some of the others, it has a flow that meanders with beauty. Mixing up the two albums ‘The Deep End’ adds more gentle uproar. The room is buzzing, every song is met with nods and applause and as Tristan thanks us for venturing out tonight, bassist Jordan Evans raises a bottle in appreciation.
Florence Black
A bunch off ‘Bed of Nails’ follow, beginning with ‘Look Up’ that has that element of ‘old school’ rock about it, think U.F.O. or early AC/DC. ‘Taxman’ however is a dirtier affair and has the most glorious ‘Lemmy’ influences. It also has a scorching riff and some intricate notes from the guitarist. Time to chill with ‘Warning Sign’ and the theme is similar to ‘Sun And Moon’s’ breezy chords although the harmonies soar a lot higher. When they reach ‘Rockin’ Ring’ you can feel the change in the air, this is another that raises the bar. Something about the chemistry with this song, it has an evil hum that never wavers, the guitar solo takes over for a while, but it doesn’t last and that sense of trepidation lingers until the end. I love it and so do the rest of the room by the reaction it receives.
After a short break they play the ‘Budgie’ classic ‘Breadfan’ which is a staple on the FB set. Their version has got a bit more meatier over these past couple of years and hundreds of hands rise rapidly into the air, as the crowd recognise the opening chords. ‘Bird On A Chain’ and ‘Zulu’ are a perfect couple of songs to follow on and keep the momentum pouring, the latter being an earth shattering wonder. Another quick breather before the encore of ’Sun And Moon’ which has to be one of the most perfect rock songs ever written !
Florence Black
‘A night of musical brilliance and one we will all remember. Heavy riffs from Florence Black, chaotic originality by James And The Cold Gun and moody passion from MuddiBrooke, something for everyone.
Photo credit Dal Hatton – Mojo Stone Photography
Full Photo Gallery HERE
Thanks to Rich Tice Taylor for press and Elyse for the lift home x
