A Friday night in KK’s and three bands that are explosive party animals, a gig not to be missed ! People have travelled miles for this one, such is the attraction of the headliners, a band who never take their feet off the pedals. Nice to see so many friends and other band members in the venue, KK’s is definitely the place to be this evening.
An early start as White Tygër are up on stage before 7.30pm. These guys have their boots fixed firmly on the rock circuit now, after signing up with Greg Dean’s TowerRok band management . They’ve come a long way over the last couple of years, reaching new heights after releasing the debut album ‘This Is The Life’, which has taken them into the limelight. They fire up with ‘Permanent Vacation’ and the guitar of Chris Hingley soon gets into gear. Vocalist Nip Turner, who also holds a six string, drives the hard melody with intensity. Chris picks up again with a repeating hook, which is the mainstay of the song and this gig is buzzing already. ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ has more fast fretting by Chris and hard hitting sticks by Jack Ryland Smith, it’s a chugger and epitomises how White Tygër have developed to be one of the most loved, new bands of this genre.
White Tygër
The ability to cool down a bit with ’Midnight Lovers’ is another distinctive trait of theirs. A slower chorus and more in-depth finger picking notes, sets them apart, it’s not always full on. It remains lower level with the cover of ‘Steelheart’s’ ‘We All Die Young’ or Steel Dragon if you are familiar with the film ‘Rockstar’. I love this song and Nip sings it with such a mass of feel, while the gentle bass by Ste Timmins strums with desire. If you follow the band you’ll be aware of the video for ‘Vanilla Circus’ but I’ve added it below for those who haven’t witnessed one of the most debauched music videos for ages. The new song is from the forthcoming second album and is a ride to the outer limits, full of stabbing lyrics ahead of the harsher melody and of course plenty of screaming guitar. Another of my favourites to close the set, the track ‘No F***s Given’ is an absolute joy to hear. Punch the air, kick the wall, it’s testament to how White Tygër aren’t afraid to step over the line of convention. Looking good for the lads, as the album launch show at the Giffard Wolverhampton sold out in a matter of hours.
I’ve seen The Midnight Devils once before, so I knew there was going to be mayhem for the next forty minutes or so, this is glam rock with a capital G. Lead man Sam ‘Spade’ Morris sparkles in glitzy jewellery, colourful make-up and a glittering bass guitar. They dive bomb into ‘Sound Of Domination’ raising cheers from the start. This is from the second album ’Never Beg For It’ that was produced by Chip Znuff ( Enuff Z’Nuff) and is a sleek rendition, with all the sleazy riffing they can muster. Sam shouts and spits out the words as the struts around the stage and it continues into their self titled song, from the album ‘Something Bigger’. The pace is set by drummer Jimmy Mess, who is as colourful and shiny as his singer. A cover of Van Halen’s ‘Panama’ is spectacular and allows guitarist Chris ‘Sniper’ Hineline to blast out EVH licks that are truly phenomenal, this guy can play guitar, no doubt about it, he even breaks into ‘Eruption’ to amaze us further. Sam leaves the stage and sets up a mike on the floor in front of us as pink ‘Midnight Devils’ balloons are sent flying around the room. He wears a hat with lasers and stands on a chair so no-one misses a trick. ‘Highway 69’ is a dazzling singalong with more seamless fret racing and a chorus that everyone joins in with, while watching the frontman. Honestly it does feel like a party down the front, surrounding Sam with banknotes, plectrums and those balloons being thrown about. You can’t help but love this, they are totally off the planet !
The new album ‘So Hard It Hurts’ only came out in July and they rep it with the post punk offering ‘Get Laid’ and ‘Left Leanin’ which delves into a barrage of glamtastic chanting. Sam remains on his chair, getting punters to join in with the performance and sing along whenever they can, what an original and fun packed show. Also off ‘Something Bigger’ from 2018, is ‘Memphis Mile’ a stunning intro by Chris leads into a full blown piece of solid rock and roll. This causes more chaos on the floor and it’s been a while since I’ve seen an audience getting involved and enjoying themselves so much. Full credit to The Midnight Devils, that was something else.
The Midnight Devils
There is something about Kickin Valentina that we in the UK just adore. Is it the scratchy vocals of D.K Revelle, the thumping of Jimmy Berdine’s drums or that soul binding guitar from Heber Pampillon, that sways us ? Or is it a combination of all of that and what they fire at us, every time they cross the bloody Atlantic? I’m sure fans will agree on the latter. They are superb on record but outstanding live, as many who have seem them will testify. It’s this that has brought them close to our hearts and tonight we don’t have to wait long for them to arrive on stage. This is no frills rock and roll straight off the plane from Georgia USA and the unabashed swagger from these guys suits us down to ground level.
Kickin Valentina
‘Sweat’ is the introductory number and the show starts as it means to go on. D.K gets us participating for ‘Ride Or Die’ the first off the new album ’Star Spangled Fist Fight’ and after ‘On My Side’ there’s a run of seven more from it. That’s eight outta ten and speaks volumes of how much the band are proud of their latest material. Bass player Chris Taylor said of the album, that was produced by Andy Reilly (UFO, Bruce Dickinson, Cradle of Filth) at Muse Productions in Atlanta and Mastered by Joel Wanasek “It’s been way too long since our last album, and we are really excited about “Star Spangled Fist Fight.” I know every band says this, but I think this is our best album so far. Everything just seemed to click while we were writing it.” I have to agree as the sing along ’Whoas’ for ‘Man On A Mission’ reel around the room. ‘Amsterdam’ is a lively stomp and the singer has taken up residence on the barrier. A close up and personal evening for his fans, he shares drinks on occasion and holds his mic in their faces ! ‘Fireback’ has superb drums from Jimmy, keeping the timing for the band and there’s more solo shots from Heber. One new song that stands out is ’Turn me Loose’ which runs with a smooth melody and an easy on the ear chorus. ‘Dirty Rhythm’ and Takin A Ride’ follow, more newbies to sway along with, as this bands music is so alluring.
Kickin Valentina
They step back to round off the performance, with older regulars ‘Somebody New’ and ’Turns Me On’ which gets everyone in KK’s singing. They certainly know how to woo us as ‘Get Ready’ is just as addictive. Is that the end ? We wait for the signals and applaud as they are allowed one more, so they let rip with ‘Freakshow’ to blow the roof off, awesome !
Band –
Vocals – D.K. Revelle / Guitar – Heber Pampillon / Bass – Chris Taylor / Drums – Jimmy Berdine
www.kickinvalentina.com
www.facebook.com/kickinvalentina
x.com/kickinvalentina
www.instagram.com/kickinvalentina
www.tiktok.com/@kickin.valentina
That was some party, three bands that know how to entertain. Hard rocking and no messing from the White Tygër guys, original colourful lunacy by The Midnight Devils and no nonsense rock and roll from the stellar Kickin Valentina.
Photo Credit – Dal Hatton
See Full Photo Gallery HERE
Special Thanks to Rich Tice Taylor
