Time for Sharkfest 4, which is organised by Mark Parsley and Sharon Crosby and is being held at The Station in Cannock. This festival has ten bands and the compère for the day is that lovable comedian Pete K Mally. Quite a mixed line up, besides the rock, we have Blues and Funk not forgetting the Flamenco Glam ! I get there just in time for the openers at 12.30 and the venue is already beginning to fill up nicely, including some Sharks !

JAYLER  Making a mighty name for themselves this band is coming along in leaps and bounds. They’ve already supported big names like Phil Campbell and Inglorious and appeared at festivals up and down the country, they also sell out their local headline gigs. Ladies and gents, this is an outfit who have only been in existence for around 18 months. As they kick off Sharkfest 4, you forget you’re watching four young teenagers, because they are as confident and self assured as any of their peers. ‘Acid Rain’ is moody post grunge, which slithers and slides with some revealing contrasts. As they plough through original songs and covers, including a rather class example of Greta Van Fleet’s ‘Flower Power’, you can sense these guys truly have something. Their version of Zeppelin’s ‘Rock And Roll’ is simply stunning, I’ve seen a few bands cover it of course, but seeing it taken back to it’s Blues influenced origins, now that’s amazing. Their new single ‘Peace In Our Time’ enters with chords having medieval atmospherics, but they soon relinquish into a powerful phase of strumming by Tyler Arrowsmith. James Bartholomew, resembles a juvenile Robert Plant and like him, he is going to be one hell of a frontman in years to come. You can place Jayler in the same brackets as other up and coming youngsters like, Bad Actress, Tailgunner and 7 Year War. The future looks bright !   

ASHLEY SHERLOCK   The Manchester master of the Blues is on next. Ashley, a solo artist for a number of years, has now put together a trio with Ally Venable taking up a 5 string bass and drummer Will Jacobs. Ashley’s guitar rips in with ‘Been Here Before’ from the 2019 EP ‘ If You’re Listening’.  Smokey vocals and a strong rock and bluesy riff, it’s an incredible start. ‘Ohio’ is a cover of Neil Young’s protest song, in response to the Kent State shootings. It takes a lot to get across the American feel of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’ but Ashley takes it and handles the song perfectly. ‘Hide’ has a pile of integrated Southern Rock and ‘Trouble’ is a breathtaking ballad, with transparent vocals fronting a pounding rhythm. ‘Dear Elizabeth’ is engrossing and despite it being only lunchtime, this band are mesmerising those watching. It’s been a while since I listened to Robert Cray and the inclusion of ‘Right next Door( Because Of Me)’ is as smooth as the original, what a phenomenal choice. Ending on ‘Fine By Me’ Ashley brings it all home, it’s a sumptuous crawl. The new album from the band ‘The Blues Caravan’ is out now, 14 tracks of both originals and covers, that will light up your day. 

ADAM AND THE HELLCATS  If there’s one band that can tear the audience away from the bar it’s Adam and his Hellcats. He won’t let you sit comfortably either, as most are herded to the barrier. It’s time for another fun packed set and as Tony Feasey’s Cowbell strikes for ’She’s A Vampire’ the ‘Claws Out’ album is featured straight away. Hellcat Cirwen Farrant, joins Adam Feasey on vocals and ‘Queen And Country’ is bashed out next. Stepping in for today is bassist Ged, who’s from Glam outfit ‘Paradise Alley’. While Milo Clack has also been recruited to cover guitar. ‘Black Witch Bomb’ and ‘What The Cat Dragged In’ bring us up to ‘Catalyst’ the latest album. The Station is rocking now, this band are sensational live, there’s so much to see. Steve Long on Keytar ( Keyboard held like a Guitar ) also adds a flourish, with ‘Welcome To The Madhouse’ and ’Traitor’ popping back to the 2021 album. It must have been difficult to choose the short setlist, as they have so many ripping tunes, but they finish with the top scorer ‘Peace, Love( And Rock N Roll )’ to bring the roof down. Awesome as ever and it’s great to see them getting noticed more these days.

SIG AND THE FIRE PILOTS  Are all the way from Cannock ! Actually bass player David Clarke is the main man at The Station. I haven’t seen Dave in action before, or his new combo, so I sat waiting in anticipation for them to start. Sig Siggo on guitar and vocals, takes to the mic for ‘Coppin A Feel’ and the climate falls into one of funk and reggae for the next half hour or so. It’s a pleasant change and as ‘She loves’ and the flowing ‘One Way Up’ are given us, we can sing along blissfully happy. ‘No Competition’ is a catchy song, Sig is in his Jazz/Funk element, he’s a character as well and not afraid to speak his mind. Dougie McGrath sits behind his drums, keeping the tempo rounded, reggae based songs are not the  easiest to play, so full respect. The other ear-worm is ‘Click Bait’ heavy on the bass and having masses of appeal with Sig’s stammering C’s. Another full of that Jamaican beat, is ‘Almost Out Of Time’ and it’s deeply spiritual. Finishing with ‘One lIfe’ I enjoyed my initial taste of ‘Sig and The Fire Pilots’. They have a new single out entitled ‘Leisure Drive’ which is so laid back, these guys really have a memorable sound.  

THE DARKER MY HORIZON   Back in 2014, from the ashes of ‘Sacred Heart’, Paul Stead (Vocals/Guitar) and Mark Stephenson (Lead Guitar), formed TDMH. Since then it’s been a steady climb with albums like ’Seize The Day’ and ‘When Two Worlds Collide’ helping these guys to appear on notorious tours and headline festivals. Another Ex ‘Sacred Heart’ member, Paul Hamilton plays bass and Russ Barnett is on sticks. The popular Mr Stead screams the opening lines to ’No Superhero’ and the show is underway. There is news of a follow up to the EP ‘Phoenix Vol 1’ on which ‘Spit’ is one of the four tracks. More powerful vocals, with harmonies and that raw riffing which make this band stand out from others. ‘Paradise’ is off the debut album of 2015, ‘Acquiesce’ and has that remarkable bass of Paul, taking the limelight. Paul, by the way is as fluorescent as ever ! Plenty on the barrier enjoying this and no-one is left unmarked, the frontman manages to reach out to everyone in attendance. A couple from 2022, ‘Heartbeat’ and then ‘Waste Of Oxygen’ which maintains the pace and proves how heavy and thudding TDMH can dive. Only seven on the list this session, but it’s varied and keeps our attention. ‘Dear Olivia’ is a band favourite and even performed acoustically on occasion, it’s a massive song and Paul Stead delivers it with rupturing passion. ‘Seize The Day’ is one of my favourite albums from 2019 and the rockier ’Still alive’ stands it’s ground to end the set. Always on the road, ‘The Darker My Horizon’ still have plenty of gigs on the calendar for 2023, so check out their socials for more details. 

Photo Credit – Mandy Henshaw

KING VOODOO  Coming down from Liverpool, the Voodoo tribe set up the most colourful and attractive merchandise stand, before taking to the stage  around 5.40 pm. I reviewed the debut ‘Hex City’ back in May and it is definitely going to be one of my top albums of the year and I’m super excited that quite a few tracks are on the set today. After the warming up Intro, the chords of ‘Whiskey Drive’ filter into the air. Jamie Suffield has the most far reaching voice. Ian Johnson adds more screeching guitar licks and they jump into ‘Sleep’ without hesitating. This song also has a defined theme, gentle when the harmonies pick up, then turning into a more guitar led mash. ‘Fever’ is on a harder level, chugging without remorse and Josuha Carvell’s bass line is superb. It still contains plenty of harmony and that solo from Ian is amazing. ‘Left Alone’ is one of the most commercial sounding numbers, it really makes you want to sing along, if you can hit the high ones like Jamie that is. Back to 2021 for ‘The Sid’ which is a faster and more chaotic ride. The drums of Graham Bennett are totally precise, as he holds the rhythm on ‘Believe In You’, one of the best from ‘Hex City’, a song that has it all. ‘Drag Me To The Water’ rumbles around The Station, a lengthy intro is broken with more of Jamie’s ceiling bombarding vocals and it’s a monster to leave us on. A really friendly bunch, check them out on their socials and grab a copy of ‘Hex City’. 

King Voodoo pre show

GYPSY PISTOLEROS  Time for the ‘Greatest Flamenco Punk Glam Rock band ever !’, who are from my home county of Worcestershire. Lee Mark Jones began singing in his mid teens and I remember some of his previous local bands with fondness, oh the good old days. However, Gypsy Lee Pistolero, now fronts this glamorous and lavish ensemble, who mix Flamenco, Latin and Punk Rock, to create a masterclass in entertainment and it’s something from another world entirely. There’s a new album called ‘Duende A Go Go Loco’ which is heavily featured tonight and the title track  opens the performance. It’s straight into the fiery South Americana and all that’s missing is the Sombreros. The four conceal their eyes with black paint, to retain their mysterious side, as ‘Like Tears In The Rain’ shudders in next. Guitarist Shane ‘Sparkz’, takes up his new role with ease while Kerry White on bass has been with the band for some time now. Lee is quite a character and a tremendous frontman, never failing to entertain us between songs. The delicious ballad ‘I’ll Remember You’ takes it down a few notches and it sways as it caresses, although the Latin prevails in the background. ‘Revolution’ is a more upbeat stomp, having stacks of energy and I like how the band interact. Craig Sharpe kicks his bass drum  into gear for ‘What’s It like To Be A Girl’. It’s on the new album, although this is different from a couple of years ago, not quite the crazed loco  version. ‘The Ballad Of Tommy Shelby’ reflects the Peaky Blinder’s complicated life, it’s as contorted as the man, bouncing off the street pavements, with aggression and also despair. An older number ‘Wild, Beautiful, Damned’ creates sparks as it flies, a display of rockier Gypsies. The cover of ‘Dexys Midnight Runners’, ‘Come On Eileen’ has to be one of the highlights of the day. We are taken back to 1982 and the room is heaving to ‘Poor Old Johnnie Ray’ and ‘Too-Ra-Loo-Rye-Ay’, they got it right back then when they said ‘You’ll hum this tune forever’. Gypsy Pistoleros were as outrageous and glorious as ever. Do pick up the new album, ‘Duende A Go Go Loco’ which is out now. 

KING KRAKEN The South Wales is represented by the heaviest band on todays schedule. Vocalist Mark Donoghue also pen’s Horror fiction, so he has a way with lyrics, often keeping them as dark and satanic as his novels. If you are a Horror fan, the title ‘Haddonfield 78’ is instantly recognised as a dedication to the film ‘Halloween’, such is the love of the other side. The punishing riff and demonic tones define King Kraken and it’s the first on the setlist tonight. A set that’s mostly off the debut album ‘MCLXXX’, which dropped in January this year. ‘Bastard Liar’ is just as thunderous, smashing the ambience with furore. The guitarists, Pete Rose on rhythm and lead man Adam Healey work in unison, axes joined like conjoined twins and the effect is dramatic and visibly amazing. To honour their name, ’Green Terror’ pumps in next with a tasty riff and some varied chord shifting, while behind sits Richard Mears, his drums are not low on the mic either. ‘Veins’, the tempestuous ‘Devils Night’ and ‘Man Made Monster’ which lets bassist Karl Meyer demonstrate his skills, all follow in rapid sequence, a chain of monstrous music indeed. ‘The Walls Of Jericho’ were brought down by Priests blowing their horns for 7 days, thankfully this song doesn’t allow the walls of The Station to start crumbling, although the depth and hollering of these lyrics are brick shattering. ‘Proctors Edge’ and ‘Chaos Engine’ lessen the menacing for a short time, the latter is quite a turnaround, faster and having slightly lighter undertones. ‘Castle Of Bones’ yes, creepy title and it does writhe as it’s played. The rumble that is ‘Freak’ is the only one not on the debut, but can be found on the ‘Chaos Engine’ EP. Marvellous set and as intense as ever. Much in demand, try and get to see King Kraken on the road, dates on poster below. ‘MCLXXX’ is still available so head to the KK website HERE   Which is in the most delectable shade of Green.  

FURY  Unleash themselves at 9.10 for an hour long set. Not quite the heavy metal as some describe them, but they are certainly heavy rockers from the West Midlands. Dual vocals from Julian Jenkins and Nyah Ifill, provide an extensive range and together they dish out very attractive harmonies. Of course with the likes of Becky Baldwin (Ex Hands Off Gretel) on bass and drummer Tom Fenn ( Torous, Brassick) accompanying her, the rhythm section is also faultless. With albums going back to 2014, there is a wide choice for the show, although nearly half is from the last album ‘Born To Sin’. That begins with ‘If You Get To Hell First’ and ‘Hell Of A Night’ the stage is on fire and not only with the music, as this band don’t stand still for a moment. Tom Atkinson ( Ex Absolva ) on guitar, leans into ‘It’s Rock ’n’ Roll’ with ardent zeal, it sure has spirit. Plenty down the front for this band and there are hands in the air, encouraging them all the way. ‘When The Hammer Falls’ stretches back to 2016, Becky’s  bass leads into a more robust sound, the words are easy to sing along with, making it one that the audience join solidly. ‘Prince Of Darkness’ is even older, found on ‘The Lightning Dream’ album of 2014. Instrumental overture, with Tom taking the lead, then it takes on a classic anthem stance. Powerful and absolutely destroying, it’s another with everything thrown in and Tom’s solo is breathtaking. ‘Who Are You?’ Slows the tempo, with Nyah taking the mic, before ‘Burnout’, the first of three from ‘The Grand Prize’ album. ‘Rock Lives In My Soul’ was a single back in 2021 and featured Kim Jennett, tonight it’s a burning version with Nyah on main vocals again. More stomping with ‘Embrace The Demons’ before ‘Road Warrior’ which has a definite presence and the finale ‘Casino Soleil’. Fury raised the roof right to the end, They already have ‘Download’, ‘Bloodstock’ and ‘Call Of The Wild’ festivals, under their belts, which speaks volumes for their popularity. 

Stock photo by Bilibee Creative

DAN BYRNE AND HIS BAND  This guy goes from strength to strength, from fronting the outstanding Revival Black, (who I pray we see again) to appearing with ‘Myke Gray’s’ SKIN , forming ‘Bad Rain’ and now a solo career, with a new EP ‘Beginnings’. Tonight Dan has brought a band with him to headline Sharkfest 4 and it’s quite an impressive line up, with Louis Sebastian Malagodi ( Collateral ) on guitar, Saul Watson playing bass, Glenn Quinn ( Myke Gray’s Skin) also on guitar and German drummer Veit Schlembach, who’s also in ‘Bad Rain’. It’s great to hear all the tracks off the EP and ‘Like Animals’ has the most infectious groove. I can confirm Dan is on his usual impeccable form and this stunning track gets the audience’s full attention. ‘Easier’ is immaculate, like fine silk, Dan’s vocals glide over these lyrics with captivating sublimity. I don’t know how much the band have rehearsed together, prior to this gig, but they gel and look perfect behind their singer. ‘Death Of Me’ rises slow and surely, small steps leading to a display of Dan’s full vocal range and those guitar licks just exemplify the masterful techniques, of both Louis and Glenn. ‘Hard To Breathe’ is the fourth and last song from ‘Beginnings’ but by no means the least dynamic. Powerful and taking a hold, it’s so well written. In-between we hear some ‘Revival Black’ tracks, ‘Believe’ from ‘Under The Light’ is uplifting and as rock fuelled as they get, allowing the musicians to let off more steam. ‘Hemispheres’ from the same album, is a soul searching ballad, refined and it really pulls on the heartstrings. Leaving us with a number from ’Step In Line’ the forceful ‘Wide Awake’ rounds up the set perfectly. Have to admire and love this guy, fingers in a lot of pies, but they all taste deliciously sweet. I know Dan will be appearing on the road later this November with a bunch of shows. I’ll be seeing him at the Cozy Powell Birthday Bash. Full details of those shows at the bottom of this page. 

Stock Photo by Neil Jackson

Summing up, it’s been along day but well worth it. Ten bands, Pete Mally, Close friends and plenty of food to keep me from starving backstage. Not going to lie, it’s a struggle to put on a festival of this calibre and get everything perfect. Mark and Sharon would be the first to admit how daunting it can be, however, the reward of seeing a room of music lovers, watching and enjoying the delights of superb bands, with their gig buddies and friends, is irreplaceable, so I for one salute you dear friends for all that you do.  

Join the Sharkfest community on FACEBOOK and sign up to SHARKFEST FANS , as Sharkfest 5 and Sharkfest Wales for 2024 have already been announced. Full details and line ups are already confirmed. See you at the bar ! 

Big thanks to Mark Parsley , Sharon Crosby , Anthony Bellamy and David Clarke at THE STATION    

Photo credit – Anthony Bellamy , Mandy Henshaw , Neil Jackson of Flaming Pint & Lisa Billingham at Billibee Creative Studio.

Feature Image by Anthony Bellamy – Pete K Mally with Shark Fans !