So here we all are back at KK’s Steel Mill for Day 2. A few sore heads in the room no doubt, but like yesterday there’s already a decent crowd on the barrier at 2pm. After such a wicked Day 1 with ‘THE TREATMENT’ finishing off in style, today another 8 bands are lined up to represent the NWOCR at LIVEFEST 2. There’s a few preliminary chats, introductions and friendly hugs, then I head on down to the front for the opening band.
ELECTRIC BLACK There’s hustle and bustle on the barrier for the Hertfordshire favourites and no wonder, as they are one of the most creative bands on the NWOCR roster. Having a deeply blues/rock style they take this event as an opportunity to let us hear a few new songs. There’s another album on the horizon and the opening slow burner, ‘World Ain’t So Heavy’ will feature on ‘Late Night Lightning’, when it’s released in January. ‘Come On Over’ and the recent single ‘Take The Roof Off’ which has a warm Southern feel, follow, before the older and more familiar ‘Closer To Death’ which is the bands contribution on the NWOCR CD. Gutsy and devilish, ‘Put It Down On Me’ gets the heads nodding before a newbie ‘Take It To The Grave’. I think we are going to love the forthcoming album, if this performance is anything to go by. Ending on ‘Master Or Disaster’ yep guys we choose Master as we clap along, right to the end.
Electric Black
Electric Black
LOZ CAMPBELL All the way from Wakefield, Loz Campbell and her band are up next. ‘The World Was Made To Destroy You’ appears first, this was on the self titled EP from February this year as well as the ‘Back Biting The Bullet’ EP of 2019. That title number comes up next and as Loz strides around the stage interacting with her co-guitarist, the set gets a little warmer. She is a diminutive figure, but has so much energy and produces some impressive guitar during ‘Evil’ and the more demanding ‘Bad Girl’. Even though the stage attempts to swallow her up at times ‘Coffee Cup’ is a rewarding song, with it’s provoking melody and heavy string solo. ‘Beautiful Liar’ also breathes fire and ‘What Are You Doing It For?’ drifts with some passion. The ‘Runaways’ cover ‘Cherry Bomb’ shows Loz can rock it up and I like how the rhythm guitarist takes time out, to comb his greased back hair. After the mellow and lingering ‘Generic Girl’, Loz climbs onto her fellow band members bended legs, for the well rehearsed ‘Pyramid’, while showing the ‘horns’. Getting a fair amount of applause, it’s easy to see why this feisty young woman is making her mark on the scene.
Loz Campbell
Loz Campbell
ETHYRFIELD It’s been a while since I last saw these Devon lads, who play progressive rock that’s as engrossing as you can reach. The album from 2021 ‘In Delirium’ makes up 99% of the set and it may only be 4pm, but these guys are well worth watching. ‘Sunstroke’ takes you back to 70’s ‘Black Sabbath’ it’s as dark, magical and enticingly heavy as those early songs. Low riffs, that slowly rotate and dig in, the Cornish brothers stand immersed in their music and it’s not long before we join them. ‘Free The Dog’ is the 1% track, off the ‘Taurus’ EP, a fast flowing song, where Zach Cornish’s bass runs amok. ‘Laying On The Hands’ and ‘Remembering’ entomb the essence of those sounds I heard as a kid, not many bands today can recreate such acute and vehement tones. ‘Overgrown’ has a simple melody, with guitarist Ben joining his brother on lush harmonies. While ’Serenity’ captures the endless boundaries that Ethyrfield are known for. They complete on ‘Bitter Wishbone’ again diving into a lowly pitch that completely encapsulates their style. ‘In Delirium’ is well worth digging into your pockets for, head over to the WEBSITE where it’s still available. They are also supporting ‘Sons Of Liberty’ for a couple of shows in November.
Ethyrfield
SYTERIA is the long term side project of Jackie ‘Jax’ Chambers, who has been a member of Girlschool since 1999. ‘Syteria’ leap onto the stage after Ethyrfield and the contrast couldn’t be any further apart. Fronted by Argentinian live wire Julia Calvo, they are ‘Guilty’ as charged for getting our attention with the opener. An older number ‘I’m All Woman’ and then ‘Breaking Through’ quickly follow and you can’t help but love the eloquent spilling of energy from the singer. The new album ‘Syteria World’ is full of passionate songs and ‘Chasing Dreams’ is one that’s right up there. ‘Plastic Fantastic’ and ‘Gossips’ split the track chronology and show us how Syteria have remained true to form over the years. Pablo Calvo on drums and bassist Steph Dawson make a superb partnership on rhythm, ‘Raise Your Glass’ is just one example of their fine tuning. Of course on the left of the stage is Jackie who looks remarkable as she rips through her solo’s without any pressure. ‘Monsters’ dips below the power lines for some more defined lyrics while ‘Make Some Noise’ from the ‘Reflection’ album, is wholehearted craziness. Leaving on ‘Halloween’ a single from 2018, they get a warm round of applause that’s thoroughly deserved. Entertaining with colourful , lighthearted and unique expression.
Syteria
Syteria
TRUCKER DIABLO I saw these Northern Irish ‘truckers’ at a Breaking Bands Festival a few years ago, where they headlined one night and destroyed all in their wake. Treading the boards since 2008, the four close friends already have pedigree, not many bands get the likes of Ricky Warwick to perform on their debut album. They also got chosen specifically for Download 2011, such is the attraction of the Emerald Islanders. ‘The Rebel’ lights up and the room soon fills with those who were still in the bar area, joining the hoard. Tom Harte holds a strong presence, his vocals are crisp and as he screams ‘Let’s Just Ride’ the guitar playing isn’t bad either. Naturally this band are as tight as a ducks back end, it’s all precise and runs just like a full cylinder pick-up. Jim McGurk on bass and rhythm guitarist Simon Haddock hold the edges and move around enough to keep your eyes focused. ‘Fighting For Everything’ is the title track from the album of 2021 and is highly recommended. This is a heavy one and has some amazing guitar all backed by Terry Crawford’s perfect drumming. Hitchin’ a ride on the riverboat queen they cover ‘Proud Mary’ ( Creedence Clearwater Revival ) in a really fresh way, capturing a lot of its original rawness. That debut album ‘The Devil Rhythm’ shouldn’t be overlooked either, it’s quite a classic piece and ‘Drink, Beer, Destroy’ pretty much sums up this bands style. ‘Drive’ is a mighty stomp but the harmonies shine during this one and you have to hand it to ‘Trucker Diablo’ they cover every aspect to provide a solid performance. ‘Dig’ is their track on the NWOCR CD and they depart with the groove infecting ‘Juggernaut’. Catch the Truckers somewhere soon if you can, just follow the burning tyre marks !
Trucker Diablo
Trucker Diablo
THE FALLEN STATE Adam Methven who I adored with ‘The Addiction’, has brought a wave of renewed vigour to The Fallen State. He joined up in 2020 and the band got their mojo back in 2021, with the second album ‘Between Hope & Disillusion’, a title that speaks volumes for the recent ups and downs they have encountered. I spotted drummer Adam Stevens (ex Liberty Lies) backstage, he’s been with them just short of a year now and he’s chuffed to bits with his new band, I’m chuffed for him as well ! My first time seeing this line up, in fact I don’t remember seeing them live at all, before tonight, where have I been ! ‘Hope In Revival’, ‘Sinner’ and ‘Sons Of Avarice’ may be back catalogue but live with Adam on the mic, these sound tremendous. In fact the whole band totally look the part and the vibe coming off KK’s stage is almost overpowering, it’s that good. Loud, heavy and without mercy, how can you battle against ‘The Fallen State’ ? From the latest album and their track on the NWOCR CD, ’Standing Tall’ is a landmark of a song, so much strength and unfailing dynamics. Guitarists Jon Price and Dan Oke don’t hold back on the flesh stripping chords there’s so much intensity on ‘Knives’ it’s jaw dropping. Greg Butler on bass, isn’t lost in the mix either, ‘Lost Cause’ and especially ‘American Made’ have some fabulous lower levels. After the pulse hitting ‘Break It To The Ground’ they finish on the soul jerker ‘Nova’ which featured Chris Robertson (Black Stone Cherry) on ‘The View From Ruin’ EP in 2017. That was phenomenal, thanks guys.
The Fallen State
The Fallen State
LAURENCE JONES So how do you follow ‘The Fallen State’ ? By switching genre of course and on this occasion it’s with one of the top rated Blues Guitarists of his generation, the compelling Laurence Jones. Multi award winning and having played with the Co founder of Marshall Amps, Terry Marshall recently, this young man may have only been round a short while but he’s already held in the highest regard. The Liverpudian lists Jimi Hendrix and Gary Moore as favourites but his latest and 8th Studio album ‘Bad Luck & The Blues’, which makes up 9 tenths of the set tonight, is influenced by Robin Trower. It takes some accomplishment to get even close to that mans style, needless to say Laurence delivers with impeccable and faultless clarity. ‘You’re Not Alone’ and the eponymous track from the album get the show started and it’s good to see so many of the attendees are gathered for this set, proving many music fans have diverse tastes. ‘I’m Gone’ is a slow ride and I can hear not only Trower, but Joe Bonamassa in the mix. ‘Lonely Road’ is more fiery although lighter in tempo with a catchy string of lyrics, while ‘Lost & Broken’ reverts to a deeper cut and boy does Laurence get into your blood. ‘Don’t You Leave Me This Way’ sides with the 12 bars and meanders as it glides, oozing some evocative chords. The only song not on the new album is ‘In Too Deep’ which was on the ‘Destination Unknown’ work of 2022. Quite upbeat it’s easy to see that Laurence can turn his attention to rockier blues without any problem, grab that album by the way, it’s simply amazing. ‘Out In The Distance’ is weighty blues and it leads back to the theme. ’Stuck in The Night’ has some sensational vocals, yes this man has a voice as well. ‘Woman’ is last on the agenda and the lively number with bounce and splendour is the perfect finale. Loved this and I’ll definitely go and see Laurence Jones again.
Laurence Jones
Laurence Jones
Before the headliners, our organiser and NWOCR legend, RICHARD BRINDLEY takes to the stage to thank the crew and everyone involved in this years event. He also informs us of his plans for next years NWOCR LIVEFEST 3, which will be bigger than ever. So keep those eyes peeled for info HERE
Pete K Mally, Compere
SCARLET REBELS Headlining tonight a band from Llanelli who I would say define NWOCR and one of the first to fall under that banner. My initial gig seeing Scarlet Rebels was at HRH Prestatyn 2019, when they were clearly deserved to be on the main stage. It’s been a tremendous couple of years for them since then, a top ten album, numerous awards and not only supporting major bands but a string of shows/tours as well. PETE K MALLY introduces the guys with a smoking gun, which fails to switch off and we have a few lighthearted moments, even Wayne Doyle sniggers at the mishap. But it’s soon sorted and ‘I’m Alive’ strums into being. The set is a blend of the two albums ‘Show Your Colours’ and the political stab ’See Through Blue’ which reached #7 in the main charts and of course a few favourites. ’Take You Home’ whirls up next and the room is packed, no-one is leaving early. This outfit have so much about them, every song is a statement and our cheering is rewarded with ‘You Take My Breath Away’ and ‘No One Else To Blame’ this is turning into a humdinger of a show. Wayne has come a long way as the voice for Scarlet Rebels and he’s matured into a remarkable frontman. He talks, we listen, he makes comments about Wales and Rugby, we boo, but it’s all good natured. He tells us of how the albums came about and updates us of what’s to come, we are all ears, he sings some of ‘Bon Jovi’s’, ‘Wanted Dead Or Alive’, we all join in ! We are in his grip suffice to say.
’Storm’ is a brilliant track and keeps the momentum going perfectly, I’m singing along now to every number and enjoying this so much. There is a break to discuss Rugby and a few cheers on stage, as they learn Wales have thrashed Australia ! As a matter of fact the name ‘Scarlet Rebels’ was chosen after the bands local rugby team, the ‘Llanelli Scarlets’. ‘Part Of Me’ is another that raises the spirits, after a soft start it rolls into one of the bands most distinctive chants. ‘I can Sleep Now’ just enraptures us, it’s beautifully written and flows with that added guitar solo. ‘These Days’ is instantly recognisable and you can’t help but bounce along. There may be some serious meaning behind the tracks, which we accept, but they don’t fail in capturing some brighter sides, it’s the way they come across and it takes some creativity to achieve. We have another interlude as the NWOCR crew take to the stage and Richard thanks all of them and the audience for another winning NWOCR LIVEFEST. After all of that ‘Save Me’ allows the atmosphere to rekindle, with smoke and sparklers firing from the stage’. They have to play ‘Let Me In’ it’s a ‘Rebel’ standard and the whole of KK’s is echoing ‘Take Me High, Take Me Low, Take Me Anywhere You Want To Go’. Time for one more and my personal favourite ‘Heal’ is given the prestigious accolade it deserves. The best I’ve seen Scarlet Rebels play by far and one of the top performances of the weekend. There are rumours of a new album, yes please, guys bring it on. W.O.T.D. Scrumptios !
Scarlet Rebels
Scarlet Rebels
Day 2 was just as stunning as Day 1 , big thanks to RICHARD BRINDLEY and his cohorts for a spectacular weekend. We are looking forward to the next LIVEFEST already Tickets can be purchased for LIVEFEST 3 HERE
The CD is well worth purchasing it’s already done so well in the charts, details HERE Hurry they are selling out fast.
PHOTO CREDIT – Lisa Billingham of Billibee Creative
FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE
Thanks again to everyone involved including Nigel Poole, Helen Biggs, Mark Parsley, Sharon Crosby and those on the barrier who let me photo their set lists.
Finally my sincere apologies for the length of time Day 2 has taken to publish, I’ve been suffering with severe eye strain, all better now xx
