When I saw the title of this festival, it just caught my eye and when I noticed the line up consisted of nine bands that I hadn’t seen before, I was sold. Now in its third year and a mere fiver a ticket, the alldayer promised Rock, Fuzz, Doom and Stoner, I had to check this wasn’t for April fools, it sounded too good to be true.

BLACKWATER  are a newly formed five piece with Stig Chell (Quiet The Thief) at the guitar helm. Also the organiser for Smoke On Trent, Stig’s joined by four Stoke locals for this project, that has a Southern rock influence. It’s only 2.30pm but The Rigger is filling up with punters and there’s a fair few to witness the openers. The bass of Paul Challinor locks in deep for ‘Revenant’, the sound is low and thumping. With the astounding vocal capability of Sam Keeling and the dual guitars of Stig and fellow QTT member, Neil Bailey in total alliance, this band have heaps of quality. ‘White Trash Millionaire’ and ‘Better Get Ready’ stay in the same drift, having plunging and dirty chords, with that sublime singing from Sam. ‘Somethin’ Ain’t Right’ raises the bar even more, classy and perfectly executed. They end on ’Stranger Danger’ and although there’s only been 6 songs, I think we have the makings of something special here. Check out the band’s  WEBSITE here, there’s a demo titled ‘Get Up’ available that you just have to hear.  

FAKEHEAD  were up next, a three piece these days with drum, bass and vocals. ‘Patches’ and ‘Limitations’ form the introduction, it’s basic, no frills required music. The ‘off the wall’ theme, ties in with the bass being in the forefront and ‘Draggin’ displays their style admirably. Highlight for me is ‘Dad Joke’ where temporary a mouth organ becomes an additional  instrument and the bass lingers on individual notes, hanging for eternity, much to the audiences amusement. I like the humour and originality of Fakehead, growling vocals on ’Stone The Jester’ and ‘Trigger Baby’ simply encrust the straightforwardness and unashamed sense of humour.     

LEAF BAND UK  have been around since the early 1990’s, of course there’s been a few line up changes over the years. Lead man and guitarist Colin Anderson now fronts a trio with fellow six stringer Jarad Bryan and Mark Connolly on drums. Having warmed up with ‘Now I Can See’ and ‘Broken’ it’s evident these guys know the ropes and Colin especially looks in full control up there on stage. He’s quite a confident character and keeps hold of our attention with his delivery. ‘Black And White’ splutters and spews into action with a stunning round of chords. Along with Colin’s lyrics working overload, it’s a shock and stun number. ‘What I Saw’ like its predecessor, is a single from last year, high range vocals and a firm base line allow it to strike hard, then it melts with ‘Jane’s Addiction’ like shrillness. ‘Impossible’ is a new song and deviates with subtle finesse. Along with the last song ‘Butterfingers’, another recent single which detonates from the off, we have watched a really incredible and entertaining set. Visit the bands socials and find their tracks on Spotify etc, pretty awesome.    

THE SOUND OF ORIGIN have recently undergone a mutation, as well as adding ‘The’ to their name, they have moved into an even darker and heavier place. The Bloodstock favourites fronted by Joel B, have travelled down from Huddersfield and Leeds, as a last minute replacement for Quiet The Thief, who were unable to play. The songs today are so new, you will be hard pressed to find any recordings online. They are mostly from ‘Man In The Arena’, which at this moment in time, is the new album they’ve been working on, they describe it as ‘Genre-Expanding’ so I can’t wait for the drop. ‘This Aint Free’ and ‘Birthright’ are thrown at us and it’s immediately apparent, they mean business. ‘Frail Old Bones’ sees Jack W on drums, or rather amongst what’s left of them, (he’s bashed them into oblivion), prove undoubtedly he’s the powerhouse of the band. Joel has warmed his larynx up now to show his amazing range and the title track ‘Man In The Arena’ sees bassist Azriel N take control. Joe W on guitar leads the synchronised head banging for the final song ’Thousand Year Curse’ while Joel steps onto the main floor to make this a more three dimensional performance. What a class act, I had a quick natter with them afterwards, they were so approachable and charming.     

SILVERCHILD are no strangers to the Rigger, being a local Stoke band who have been together a few years now. Leading lady Alex Hiley looks terrific in flares and fringed jacket, affirming Silverchild’s influences stem from the hazy music of the 70s. ‘Cryin Shame’ is the first on the set list, and there are echo’s of ‘Vinegar Joe’ and ‘Jefferson Starship’, there’s quite a lot of similarity with the bluesy texture. New drummer boy is Brad Newlands, who you will probably know from his ‘Piston’ days, together with Max Ryles on bass, the rhythm section is in excellent hands. ‘Burn Out’ and ‘Hands Off’ carry the theme and The Rigger audience are loving this band. Guitarist Vic Silverchild supplies dexterous note picking on ‘Trouble’ and as they dive into ’Dictator’ which featured on the ‘Red Desert’ EP, this new line up look good together. I watch Max play in wonder, he’s an amazing bassist, the 5 strings become 4 as he rips a broken one from the frets, but this doesn’t prevent him from delivering more sublimity on the last number ‘Pluto Pass’. Silverchild go down a storm with cheers and wide applause, they certainly deserve to be on your watch list. It was nice to catch up with Brad for a chat later, he’s really pleased with his new band.   

REPLICA JESUS take to the stage and open up with ‘How To Take A Punch’ yes we need that information, as they hit our faces with fierce brutality. I downloaded the new album ‘Echoes From The Expanse’ prior to todays event, I had to, after listening to a few tracks for research, I was hooked on the stoner riff merchants. They play ‘Resolution’ and the single ‘Headshot’ both off the album and despite some despicable sound problems, they manage to overcome the hiccups. Mike Knight on vocals and second guitar leads into ‘Everything Rots’ he’s a cool dude to watch, captivating us with his visual expressions. The bass of Lee Barber and Stu ‘Cheese’ Cheesman’s drums are prominent throughout, Stu also lends his voice, backing up Mike on occasion. Main guitar player Howard Rigg, formed the band with Lee and Stu back in 2016, based in Nottingham and Derby, they are well established these days, so it’s stellar to finally see this new album released. ‘Come Back Better’ with Howard’s driving chords and Mike’s guttural chucking lyrics, is a showstopper, eventually reaching the abyss with heavy grunge. ‘Second Hand Crucifix’ starts with Lee’s bass churning before murky vocals and chaotic guitar add layers of extraordinary noise. It’s a remarkable one to finish on, I loved them.   

SERGEANT THUNDERHOOF have appeared at the previous Smoke On Trent festivals and are welcomed on stage with massive applause. I have to mention my friend Nick he’s a big fan and has already started filming from the side of the stage ! I haven’t seen them before but I’m full of anticipation due to the build up as their reputation goes before them. There are only 5 songs on the set list, why, because the average length of a ‘Hoof’ track is about 8 minutes, actually I think the live version of some can reach close to 15 minutes. As they begin with ‘Diesel Breath’ (Album – Terra Solus 2018 / 7.35 minutes ) I am cast under their spellbinding music straight away. Playing with effortless precision on this level is not something I was expecting. ‘Devils Daughter’ (Album – This Sceptred Veil 2022/ 6.48 minutes) rocks up with the expert handling of guitar by Mark, long instrumental pieces are part and parcel of this Bath based crew, but when Dan’s vocals come in, the results are pulsatingly atmospheric. ‘Goat Mushroom’ ( Album – Ride Of The Hoof 2015 / 13.42 minutes ) is still stuck in my head writing this review five days later, it takes me back to those bands of the 70’s and took you deep into the realms of fantasy, you were never the same again. That hook is addictive way beyond infectious, they really should warn you about this song, although thinking about it, perhaps that’s the meaning behind the title ? The slow drum intro from Daz heralds ‘Planet Hoof’ ( Album – Ride Of The Hoof 2015 / 6.28 minutes ). Amidst the vocal cries a guitar riff emerges that sends shivers. We are transported into the realms of Avalon, Glastonbury and all that surrounds Somerset’s myths and legends for ‘Avon & Avalon 2’ ( Album – This Sceptred Veil 2022 / 9.42 minutes ) I’m transported back again, to those that were constant on my turntable, Black Sabbath, Gong and Uriah Heep springing to mind. Yet, Sergeant Thunderhoof are of this age, forming just ten years ago, their grunge and stoner effects hang on to progressive roots and heavy rock basics. The mix is quite stupendous and achieved with a faultless undertaking that’s both magical and unique. 

BANG BANG FIRECRACKER are another local Stoke On Trent band, a three piece these days with Kieron Berry upfront. A contrast from the last band, BBF are all about grizzling vocals, vicious hooks, colossal bass and hammering drums. The menu tonight features many from the ‘Evil Trilogy’ three EP’s released instead of one album, called respectively ‘See, Hear and Speak Evil’ a genius of an idea. ’The power of 72’ has all the rage and roll that’s needed to gain your initial attention. Kieron on guitar as well as vocals, is backed by Marcus Wrench on bass and drummer Bob Ansell, causing the Rigger to shake in its foundations. ‘Life After Dark’ and ‘Set The World Ablaze’ keep the pace ferociously unrelenting and Kieron provides explanations behind the subject matter. ‘GFY’ may have a controversial title, but the song off ’See Evil’ is a riff slinging beauty. A catch of a chorus and backing grunts are shoved in front of us, with no mercy. ‘Straight To The Bloodshed’ and ‘Chase The Wasted’ are delivered while the singer drinks from his bottle of Jack, ok it’s just a miniature, but still rock and roll ! Wouldn’t be a Stoke gig without mentioning one of its most famous rockers, so Lemmy and Co are saluted with the bottle emptied and a rendition of Motörhead’s ‘One Night Stand’ that was truly iconic. ‘Unleash The Devil’ resumes the Evil theme and we get more moshing on the dance floor. After ‘We Can’t Hear You’ it’s all over, what a blast that was, unpolished and to quote the band ‘Hard Hittin’ Ear Splittin’ Rock n’ F#ckin’ Roll’.

MAGE are based in Leicester. The band suffered the tragic loss of guitarist Ben Aucott back in 2015 and eventually decided to continue as a four piece. Headlining tonight, the sludge, groove heavyweights cut the air with ‘Zen Blues’ from the ‘Key To The Universe’ album. Rugged and severely intense with Woody Woodfield’s fret scorching and unsurpassable guitar, it’s a superb opener. ‘Green’ the title track from the 2017 album is fired next, more groove and it unfolds with an even more passionate pulse. Bassist Mark Challis controls the lower ground with Andy Moore on sticks and ‘Green’ never sways off the path. Vocals are by way of Tom Smith, who leans into his mic and beguiles us with his words. The song ‘Key To The Universe’ is a mash of lowly chords and stomping rhythm. As it crawls, there’s more delightful guitar, Woody hits notes that are disturbingly brilliant. ‘Heroic Elegy’ has the most attractive ear-worm of a riff, one of the tracks of the day for me. ‘Primitive Drive’ also off ‘Green’, is initially based on Andy’s drums.  Approaching like an invading army, marching slow and fearful, the track is one of doom and holds no remorse. ‘Nowhere To Nothing’ is lighter and bounces with an energised tempo. Tom deals some emphatic lyrics and Mage rock it up. It’s another packed with twists and turns that define how Mage construct their songs. They bring the show to an end with the aptly named ‘One For The Road’ which is a churning masterpiece.   

I hadn’t been to The Rigger for over 30 years, but still remembered the place, it has a relaxed atmosphere, we sat and enjoyed the whole day, surrounded by friendly staff, friends and fellow punters. Cannot fault any part of ‘Smoke On Trent’ it was well organised by Stig Chell, the sound engineers from Sun Street Studios were excellent and all nine bands performed 100%. 

All photo credits – Anthony Bellamy  Featured Photo – Sergeant Thunderhoof . 

Special thanks to Stig Chell , Miranda, Nick & Dave.