Sunday already and it’s time to head down to Whittles for the last instalment of SOS. It’s been incredible so far, friendly crowd and decent food stalls. There’s a couple of Jewellery sellers as well, couldn’t help buying some new earrings ! The bar’s are quick too, no hanging about in a long queue for a drink and the coffee is so addictive. Not long after I arrive it’s time for the first band, who are outside and there’s already a hoard of folk mingling about in the Oldham sunshine.
WAILING BANSHEE – Another young band given the opportunity to open SOS for the day. Although they come from all over the UK, I believe they are based in Manchester and have been together around 2 years. The twin guitars from Harry Darbyshire and Al McKenzie roar into action for ‘Hidden Chapters’ with the delightful Dani Louise on vocals. It’s a well written song by Al and from the onset it looks like Wailing Banshee are going to be a crowd pleaser. Nice guitar solo takes it out with fading lyrics. The set has new songs including ‘Lord of The Flies’ and ‘His Dark Materials’ pointing at a love of the written word, before they revert to those off their EP. We are wowed by the impromptu solo by Harry when Al’s guitar fails, he doesn’t look at all nervous, what a star. ‘To Save the World’ has hard sticks by Charlie, this is his final gig with the band, so he’s going out with a bash. The EP’s title song ‘Fight To Be Free’ sees all five of the band giving it 100%, Ritchie Parkhouse completes up the line-up on bass and they have all round appeal. The bonus track ‘The Oracle’ ends the show, fiery and full of spirit, Wailing Banshee were a pleasure to watch.
Wailing Banshee
CRUSADERS – Launch todays activities on the Skull stage. Scottish thrash is much more rugged and hostile than others, especially when played on English soil ! ‘Doomslayer’ and ‘Godzilla’ are frightening titles and Jamie Paterson screams out the lyrics with velocity as Neil Fordyce accompanies with equal speed on guitar. This is incredible noise, banging out this Sunday afternoon with enough distortion to clear any lingering hangovers. ‘Rohan’ and ‘Terminate’ follow, with shuddering bass from Steve Scott and the drums of John Gibbons are close to being smashed. ‘Cadia Stands’ ‘Battlecry’ and finally ‘V’ bring Whittles to its knees, that was awesome, hope they get these songs recorded and available for us to buy soon.
Formally known as ‘Nocturne Wulf’ this Glasgow band have risen again with a new name, line-up and music. A hard and sad decision taken after illness meant their frontman Bobby McDougall was forced to leave. Sadly Bobby passed away just recently, so the band, past members and friends are playing a tribute to him as ‘Band of Bob’ in their home town at Ivory Blacks on July 27th, Ticket link HERE
Crusaders
KING VOODOO – The band from Liverpool with the most colourful merchandise are out on the Viking stage. I reviewed ‘Hex City’ and it was one of my albums of the year for 2023. The full on Merseyside rock with the unmistakable voice of Jamie Suffield gets underway with ‘Whiskey Drive’ and ’Sleep’ both off the album. A Sunday in Oldham, with good music, surrounded by friends, bands and fellow gig buddies, what’s not to love. Up on the stage you can see the guys are loving it too and Jamie’s kid is down the front like a professional photographer getting the best shots of his dad and the band. There are a lot of little folk here enjoying themselves, always good to see. ‘Fever’ is as infectious as its title suggests, the single slowly grinds with the chugging bass of Joshua Carvill and ground soaking guitar from both Jamie and Ian Johnson. The soaring chords holding with a gravitational pull. We are lucky to hear the new single ‘Another Part Of Me’ from the forthcoming album, which is well underway. Fan favourite ‘Left Alone’ is welcomed with applause, love this song, it’s evocative, flowing and Jamie shines with the demanding vocals. ‘The Sid’ is another that unravels with tumultuous brilliance, a single back in 2021, the crashing rhythm is predominant and king Voodoo are sounding their absolute best today. ‘Believe In You’ another off ‘Hex city’ has a messy groove and the ripping guitar strings lay waste with dirt filled charm. The vocals hold the melody while harmonies and rising lyrics touch the Oldham sky. Another single ‘Drag Me To The Water’ is a heavy masterpiece to finish on, cool riffing is mixed with Jamie’s high vocal range and they end on a high. Mass applause from the SOS audience, who have really appreciated this performance.
King Voodoo
ATTIC THEORY – Another Liverpool band are next. The alternative rock of Attic Theory is booming from inside Whittles as I finish roaming and walk in. A brand new album has just come out called ‘What We Fear The Most’ and their set is 99% of it. I catch the beginning of ‘Narrow Lines’ and frontman Lewis Wright is already wooing the punters. It’s a soft touch of a song with lyrics that delve deep and guitars keeping it simple. ‘Dare To Dream’ sees Lewis raising his voice for the chorus and the two guitars step up a notch, before they drop into more enchanting chords on ‘Million Little Things’ the delicate lullaby finally building at the end with forceful guitar. The melody and harmonies on ‘Paper Mâché’ see the crowd swaying along, I like this song it has varying properties that stick and a stunning piece of guitar from founder member Tim Cunningham. The track on the album featured Kevin Martin of Candlebox. It gets gutsy with ‘Sweet Parasite’ lower vocals and a racing purge of tempo. They leave with ‘A Brand New Burden’ that has a kickstart riff and menacing vocals, showing there is a darker side in the Attic. Decent set and it’s good to learn that they have just enlisted Michael McCarroll ex ‘Ashen Reach’, to take up bass duties.
Attic Theory
VELOUR FOG – The band from London are back from a short hiatus, with a new drummer as ‘Chainsaw Ali’ was apparently abducted by the Zethrons ! There has been a re-branding and only the name is recognisable ! Rap metal and hip hop is the order of play, with some grunge thrown in. Chaotic and colourful in their baggy US apparel, they swap around on vocals and guitar to keep us entertained in the dodgy Oldham weather. Far from being the oddball at the party, Velour Fog were shockingly good and got a few of us in the flow with their off the wall antics. They did get intricate and technical at times but the rapping by Jake and company was the best treat. Recent singles ‘Glue’ and ‘Dopehead’ can be found on the usual platforms, so have a listen if you want to sample some refreshing and original subculture.
Velour Fog
PYRMÅ – Coming up from Kent these 4 are unleashed on the Skull stage at 4.30 and their song ‘1.23.45’ is the deciding opener. ‘Bury My Bones In Lead, Bury Our Souls In Lead’ Gabrielle George scowls at those watching, this is a band who take no prisoners and as they follow on with ’Suicide Storm’ I can see why their ‘Uncaged’ EP has been met with a dose of attention. This is insanely heavy, metal meeting thrash head on and ’Survival’ has the most audacious riffing by Max Raven. Unflinching and demonic the latest single ‘Dead To Me’ is next, Gabrielle looks and sounds amazing, melting the boards with her fiery vocals. Check out the music video for this one on their WEBSITE . ‘My Cold Shadow’ is slightly less savage and has a cool thumping from Dominic Smith at the back. It slows up with grating bass, care of Anthony Durrant to produce a rolling riff, just epic. ‘Masquerade’ allows Gabrielle to increase the squealing and finally ‘Freaky Fright Night’ with even more metal groove sees them out. The band are set to tour in September as support to Blaze, check that out on socials or join their fan site Prymates ( love that title ) to keep up to date.
Pryma
MOLLY KARLOFF – There’s a helicopter circling overhead, either the Molly’s are in trouble or they have fans in the sky ! Either way that and the rain doesn’t put Simon De Souza off, the bands arrival on stage allows us to get ‘moist’ as he later suggested! It soon disappears along with the chopper, so we are left to watch the Oxford rockers in peace and sunshine, ‘Out Of My Way’ being appropriate for the opening song. There’s something adhering about ‘Black Flame’ the creeping riff and engaging vocals are bewitching, it’s typical of the bands sound, one that attracts so easily. I loved the EP ’Supernaturalation’ and they play all 5 today. Revolving guitar from Simon, deep cutting bass by Nico Martin and the infamous drumming of Jowie, it’s a combination that works so well and evident on ‘She Said’ and ‘The Other Side’ in particular. Last years ‘Higher Than The Sun’ rolls into view, a wall of crashing hooks and soaring melody, this is a really good display from them, here at SOS. The recent album is also repped with the title song ‘Breaking Out’ a bouncing number with high flying lyrics and more thrilling guitar. The eponymous EP track is last, another that is instantly recognisable. The sound of the Molly’s is unique, robust and fully loaded, if you haven’t sampled them yet, why not ?!
Molly Karloff
BLACK ROZE are another band up from Kent. They are led by the feisty Viixen, who’s looking like a gothic punk gal, with her top hat, sunglasses and new red hair. It’s a change of look but the music is still as boisterous and fun loving. Penny For Your Sins’ dropped in April last year and a few of the album tracks are on todays menu. ‘Devils Door’ is an atmospheric one to start with, building on those beguiling vocals and chords of trepidation. Cool guitar licks from Baz Roze, who’s also on form with his backing vocals, for the sinister ‘Poison Voices’ and then ’Kix’ which sees drummer Vic Finch and bassist Steve Rankin, holding precise rhythm alongside the melody. There haven’t been many covers this weekend, so their version of the ‘Eurythymics’, ‘Sweet Dreams’ is a chance for us to participate, wondrous singing, who am I to disagree ?! ‘Hit Me Up, with Vic’s cowbell, is raw rock with a swagger. I like how they can change style on a pinhead. ‘Penny For Your Sins’ and ‘After Party’ bring the encounter to a finale. Always good to see Black Roze on the bill, they bring theatrical rock, with juicy elements of sleaze and devilish charm.
Black Roze
TAKEAWAY THIEVES – The ‘Waterloo Bar’ house band have travelled down from Blackpool to delight us this evening. Pure indulgent rock and roll featuring charismatic frontman Peter McLoughlin and the twin guitars of Neil Hunter and Ben Gibson. I can’t believe the debut album ‘9’ has been around for 3 years, that’s gone quick. Pounding drums by Max Yates introduces ’13 Feathers’ what a sumptuous start to the set. ‘Hot Cat’ resumes the pace and they are looking good up there. Another from ‘9’ is ‘Soothe Me’ Peter demonstrates his vocal skills and his interaction with the crowd is handled with lovable humour. A new song from the forthcoming ‘Diamond Point’ is ‘Gypsy’ and it’s brilliant, if that’s evidence of what’s to come on the sophomore album, then get those pre-orders in now for the limited editions. ‘Spider’ is a chant with a singalong chorus and a few join in with ‘Spider Is Crawling, Tout Suite Right On Time’ . ‘Sundance’ is also relatively new, awesome backing vocals give it gravity and there’s more masterstrokes from the guitars. They bow out with ‘This Is Rock N Roll’ and yes it was, with feathers on ! Another band who I always look forward to seeing and they are always in demand, catch them on the road supporting ‘Hayseed Dixie’ in October.
Takeaway Thieves
WHITE RAVEN DOWN – The guys have driven up from Essex in a car, due to their van breaking down which means there’s no merchandise, which also means I can’t replace my worn out T shirt today, it’s more holy than righteous as they say ! Stu Bailey has to be one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet, open and honest and gives 100% to everything involving White Raven Down, his attitude and dedication means the band are constantly on the road and have a massive following. Everyone has a WRD shirt or hoodie, you can spot them at any gig, loads about over this weekend. The chords of ‘Mind Reader’ echo through the room, with its slugging riff and driving vocals. ‘All Day Long’ is as heavy as its predecessor, warming vocals from Stu push back and forth and it finally reaches an epicentre for the bass of Luke Chappell to erupt. ‘Salvation’ has to be on the setlist, evoking a feeling of laid back summers, the tempo is in low gear and generates such a pleasurable few minutes. On the other hand ‘Masquerade’ is not always played and is a welcome delight. Powerful, forthright and credit to how the album ‘Don’t Shoot The Messenger’ stunned us back in 2022. ‘Take Me’ shudders with electrifying passion during Stu’s solo and Tomáš Mrázek is a powerhouse back there on the drum stool. ‘Roll of The Dice’ and finally ‘Lost Your Hold’ are as awesome as ever and don’t take your eye off the ball as there’s talk of a new album !
White Raven Down
DAN BYRNE – Is set up on the Viking stage, to headline the last evening here at Whittles. There is no doubt Dan has one of the most potent voices of his generation, therefore, he’s a marked man to front bands, make special appearances and like tonight, take the stage with his own crew. The ‘Beginnings’ EP is his first solo work and ‘Hard To Breathe’ gets them underway. I loved Dan’s time with ‘Revival Black’ and ‘Believe’ is the first of a few from the ‘Under The Light’ album. Of course the band play it perfectly, Max Rhead on drums, guitarist Glenn Quinn and Colin Parkinson on bass all providing backing vocals as well. The Strat comes out for ‘Easier’, a slow number with all the emotion this young maestro can muster. After more recent songs and the ‘Revival Black’ track ‘Take You Out’, Dan sits down alone on stage for an acoustic version of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Simple Man’ which has to be the highlight of the weekend for me, that was absolutely stunning. ‘Hemispheres’ is also a beautiful moment and the next song ‘Wide Awake’ also from his previous band. This show is planned so immaculately. ‘Death Of Me’ closes the set and SOS for another year. Wide applause and well deserved cheers all round, for Dan and his band. You can see him again at Steelhouse where he’s part of the Bernie Marsden tribute and the band are supporting Tyketto in September, more info on the socials.
Dan Byrne
Gosh where do I start, what a weekend ! So well organised by Lynne and her team, everything went hitch free and there were so many discoveries for me over the three days. It was great to meet up with friends and chat to new ones, there was plenty of food on offer and two bars to keep everyone hydrated. Whittles is easy to reach with a big car park next to it and although my hotel was a couple of miles away, there were Taxis and Ubers readily available. Big thanks to Lynne she has pulled off another brilliant SOS Festival and look below, the line-up for next year is already shaping up nicely.
Photo Credit – Neil Jackson of Flaming Pint , who has been a wonderful guest tog for MMH.
FULL GALLERY HERE
Feature Pic – Takeaway Thieves
Special thanks to – Simon for the lifts , Steve for the electric drive back to Wolvo. Also Dave, Ant, Miranda, Nick, Martin, Sally, Andrea and everyone for the company.
