Here I am at The Rigger again, a venue in the middle of Newcastle under Lyme, that has it all really. Plenty of free parking in nearby streets, enough seats, a very decent bar with lovely staff and the sound guys are top notch. That’s not forgetting the well equipped stage and the back doors are also really close, making loading/unloading a doddle.
I am greeted by Anthony Bellamy at the door, organiser of this one dayer, which is in aid of protecting Tigers in their natural habitat. A great cause and the seven bands appearing today have given up their time to help this charity. I bump into friends straight away, get bought a drink, (thanks Dave) and take a seat down the front, as the opening act are about to start.
Our Compère is PETE K MALLY who I’m calling ‘Dropzone One’ today, after his recent appearance on the ITV quiz show ‘Tipping Point’. To be fair he did ok, there were some truly awkward questions, I won’t mention the Arsenal one. Actually, it was good to see him, we had a right old chin wag, putting the rock world to right !
TRACTION – There is one essential part of reviewing a gig, well for me anyway and that’s to see every band from the off. Today a four piece from the Midlands were first up and I’m so glad I watched them. TRACTION opened with ‘Nothin To Loose’ as their new song suggests. Gritty and sultry riffs confront us before they release a stack of energetic and thunderous chords. Dan Stretton lets his vocals fly and the guitar technique of James Gould is stunning. ‘Givin It Up’ bursts with a sort of ‘Van Halen’ uplifting chorus, the song has that type of appeal. But it also gets into your veins with deeper and intricate notes, wow this band know how to play, they are incredibly tight. They didn’t have to, but the inclusion of a cover is sometimes a good ploy if you are newish to the audience. Playing a well known song hits the familiar key and they choose the Sykes/Lynott classic ‘Cold Sweat’, yes good move and it goes down a storm. ‘Shout it Out’ is catchy beyond catchy, another with a chorus as sleazy as bands like ‘Tigertailz’ could offer and it’s extremely addictive. On bass is Colin Broadhead, who holds the rhythm section alongside Sam Jones on drums. These two are so integrated and it comes to a head on ‘Wish I met You Sooner’ a ballad of magnificent standing. Dan also displays his talents completely holding us in his grip, what a beautiful melody. They only formed last year, but have already released a debut album ‘Highwayman’ and they end on the title track. Returning to the fast and furious shredding, with no time to take a breath. Outstanding band.
Did you nick that pedal board, I asked James as I spotted the Dirty DC logo on it ? No, he replies, we are ‘Dirty DC’ ! Well, that explains how they gel so much on stage. Full marks to them for bringing original to the table and keeping the tribute side of things out of the picture.
‘Highwayman’ the debut album is OUT NOW on all platforms!
TRACTION want to thank everyone that has supported them on this journey and for what’s to come!
Download here – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5zKu8KixSiXomTXoNzfXtI… I’ve already got it on iTunes and besides four songs we heard today, there are another four just as good.
SHIVA MAY CARE – Deserve a big thanks for stepping in at almost the last minute for Tigerfest. Italian Federico Cossu has to be the most intriguing individual of the day, barefoot with black painted nails and wearing just black ’Shalwar’ pants, the tattooed guitarist resembles a Tibetan priest and his guru tactics don’t end there, as he strums impeccably throughout the set. Alongside him is Jake Trendall on bass, who appears so laid back it’s truly astonishing, they are joined by Molly Q on vocals and Ilias Nikolaidis on sticks. A lot of the tracks are from the EP ’Shaman Rock’n’Roll’, from early 2020.
’Sanding Still’ and ’Stubborn Lovers’ are thrashed out and are well composed, full of originality. It’s rock with tinges of post punk and ’Stay With Me’ is dark and delectable, superbly put together. In truth I would have omitted the two covers, Queens, ‘We Will Rock You’ and Jefferson Airplanes ‘Somebody To love’ they didn’t add anything and the flow is lost for a while. However, ending on ’Til The Music Is Loud’ again from the EP the Shaman service is resumed.
Not taking anything away from the bands performance today, but the ’Shiva/Shaman’ theme is one to be exploited a lot more, there is so much potential here, it should be unleashed without further ado. Have a listen to ’Shaman Rock’n’Roll’ it’s quite an incredible EP, I found it on ITUNES. Also visit the bands Facebook page HERE
BAD DOG – Are all the way from Anglesey and it’s been a while since I last saw these guys. They impressed at a festival down in Cannock that day and remained in my head, as ones I wanted to see again. Led by the charismatic Martin John Byast on vocals and guitar, this four piece have been around a while now and they have supported the likes of L.A Guns, Electric Boys and The Quireboys during their career. First up is ‘Big Stack’ and these guys don’t waste any time getting the momentum racing, we even have some fans take to the dance floor. ‘Jupiter’ is a well known track for Bad Dog fans, that punchy riff and racing melody is timeless and it gets increasingly heavy as it bows out, much to our delight. ‘Mean Bone’ and the bluesy ‘House of Sin’ are newer numbers and demonstrate how the band are able to write some wicked rock and roll. Playing them live in front of us they are genuinely rocking the Rigger today. Slow and evocative ‘Primal Scream’ is a chance to catch a breather, captivating vocals from Martin and new guitarist Lewis Miller is fitting in perfectly. The drums of Mark David Beech keep it on a level par as it soars and credit to the sound guys today, as the music is pouring out around the room so evenly. Martin announces a new song and thanks his friend for writing the lyrics, ‘Wicked Angel’ has taken ten years to reach the stage and it’s another that’s superbly constructed. ‘Dead Man’s Shoes’ keeps the rocking vibe alive, kicking out with echoes of AC/DC it allows us to get our heads banging. The stomping continues for ‘Pretty Little Thing’ and ‘Hot Stuff’ with bassist Ben Langley ensuring the tempo maintains pressurised. The compelling lyrics ’Tell me what you want, tell me what you need, I’ll see what I can do’, linger in the air for quite a while afterwards. ’Coppertown’ sees the frontman take to the floor, for a riotous finale and he’s joined by a fan for a dual mosh. Wowing us for the entire show, Bad Dog were awesome.
It was cool to chat to Martin afterwards, yes regarding me spotting a Puffin on Anglesey, but more importantly about a very important show coming up with Jizzy Pearls Love/Hate and Dig Lazarus at The Tivoli Venue on November 3rd. Tickets available here: http://tivolivenue.com/product/jizzy-pearl-lovehate/
The fabulous self titled EP from 2019 is available to download on Spotify, iTunes etc. or visit the band via Facebook HERE
BANG BANG FIRECRACKER – I did pop out for a sandwich before Kieron Berry and company took to the stage and the heavens bloody opened ! Thunder and lightning welcomed the local three piece to Tigerfest and there couldn’t have been a more fitting introduction. I saw them earlier this year for ‘Smoke On Trent’ here at the Rigger, so I knew this was going to be a loud 45 minutes. ‘The Power of 72’ gets the rocking ball rolling and it’s the first of many from the 3 EP’s entitled ’Hear’, ‘Speak’ and ‘See No Evil’ respectively. Which I thought was a cool idea for such a hot band ! ‘Chase The Wasted’ and ‘Set The world Ablaze’ ensure there’s no let up. Kieron, outstanding frontman that he is, keeps us informed in-between songs, although his dry sense of humour probably flies over the heads of many in the venue ! ‘Unleash The Devil’ and ‘G.F.Y’ ( Just google that ) follow on and the set remans frantic, loud and unabashed.
With Bob Ansell on drums and Marcus Wrench playing bass, we hear ‘Ain’t Nothin Gonna Change’ a newbie of some merit, hopefully it signals a new record in the making. ‘We Can’t hear You’ off the ‘Speak No Evil’ EP, is raw, outrageous and totally brilliant. A small bottle of Jack Daniels has managed to remain intact on one of the amps, but this is devoured by Kieron and he raises it in the air to introduce the cover of Motörhead’s ‘No Class’. A firm favourite of mine, as the words are blasted out, ‘I know you ain’t got the brain, To come in out of the rain, Too bad, no magic, I’m afraid you’re merely tragic, No Class, baby No Class’. They are repeated around the room in respect for Lemmy, who remains a local hero. Kieron thanks us all as BBFC launch into the final song ‘Father Genocide’ demolishing us with its lowly chords and crushingly powerful vocals.
There are plenty of more opportunities to see ‘Bang Bang Firecracker’ this year, visit the Facebook page for tour dates HERE
BAD EARTH – Having undergone a few changes recently this three piece from Wrexham, feature Steve Coxon on guitar/vocals and former members of ‘Scars Of Rememberance’, Karl Ditcher on bass and drummer Ben Burke. Now these guys have stormed Bloodstock and muster heavy blows like no tomorrow, I’m not sure the Rigger crowd were expecting something as punishing as this, but credit due they took to them right from the onset. We bowed our heads in unison for ’Shallow Man’ which is on the new EP ‘Rockcore’. Eyes are immediately turned to Karl’s playing, he mostly holds his five string vertically, more like a double bass, a technique that is fascinating to watch. A run off the eponymous album from 2020, starts with ‘Devil Inside’ a grinding riff is overlaid with Steve’s macabre lyrics and it’s terrifyingly absorbing. ‘Cruel God’ also has a striking intro, skins bashing amongst a detuned riff, it speeds up and has more angry lines of tormenting vocals before the guitar is let loose for a solo, it’s a real ear-worm of a song. ‘Blood Stones’ and ‘Bastard Ancestry’ are thrashed out with no remorse before ’120 On The 55’. Yes, this grates stupendously, chugging and pummelling with immaculate oppression. I have no idea what ‘AKITB’ stands for, answers on a postcard please, but it’s another with superior attitude. ‘Parasite’ takes on a more creepy theme and soon falls into the abyss. Ben’s drumming is astounding, these guys are really entertaining, as they leave us with ‘Wheels Of War’ I’m left numb, my ears are ringing and my head is in turmoil, that was an excellent set.
Follow BAD EARTH on Facebook HERE and download the album and new EP, they are both totally first-rate.
KINSTRIFE – Time for the Hereford heroes, who also have a few fans in the audience. There’s always a ‘Kinstrife’ T-shirt to be seen in the room. Mike Hoskins steps up to the mic and the song ‘Intervention’ is brandished before us. One of many tonight off the ‘Fools And Monsters’ album, it rips through the Rigger atmosphere with those cooling, melodic chords that this band are masters of. Ten years they’re celebrating, can you believe it ? ‘Rise And Fall’ carries very much in same vein, a bit more potent on the strings though and it does have a striking rhythm. Guitarist Alan Kaye or ‘Tiga’ to the Kinstrife clan, leaps up on to the riser, adding an increase to the 3 dimensional visuals and there’s us just hoping he doesn’t fall ! He’s Ok, he’s nimble on his feet thankfully. A newer track ’Sticks And Stones’ only came out in July. It has an eloquent vibe, Mike’s vocals have this distinctive sound, his accent and mellow outwardness, is so soothing, you get totally drawn into Kinstrife quite rapidly.
Their style of heavy folk/rock is unique and the whole set blends with tasteful quality. ‘Fear’ resonates around the room, charming and delicate to start with, the drums of Simon Richards eventually appearing to cushion any approaching harshness. It’s an immaculate piece, running like a babbling brook over the pebbles, it has just enough strength, to let it rise towards the end adding even more drama. ‘Devils Call’ hits the more dynamic keys, a raunchy riff that rocks it up, with a mass of forcefulness. The soulful guitar midway has eerie vocals co-existing, that signals the hairs to stand on your arms. ‘Get Away’ gently winds along, it has a perfect melody and while Dave Richards holds down the bass line, Mike utters more sublime lyrics. ‘Unconditional’ stands out like the opener, both songs could be heralded as Kinstrife at their best. This song definitely catches your innermost senses and as it awakens into the chorus you genuinely feel uplifted. The sound guy allows just one more, to the disappointment of the crowd, so they cut out 2 songs and finish on ‘Make Me’. More deep and comfortable vocals above the riffing, then it drops and turns at every opportunity, such is the way Kinstrife entertain you. I sat enthralled again, love them.
Follow this excellent crew on Facebook HERE and grab the Album ‘Fools And Monsters’ it’s a work of art. They also have a group fan page ‘The Kinstrife Choir’ join up HERE
SHAPE OF WATER – The headliners are something different altogether. Italians Rox Capriotti (vocals/bass/keys) and Luca De Falco (guitars/vocals) are joined by Tom Monk (Drums) and currently reside in Manchester. You may call it techno or Synth rock, however the guys have been described as ‘Genre-Fluid’ and the title ‘Shape Of Water’ could not be more appropriate, as they play original music that has no limits or boundaries. As they settle and ‘Mars-X’ gets underway, it’s obvious why these guys are sought after on the current scene and rip up any pre-determined ideas of how you play a keyboard on stage. Electronic art/rock is a more defining label and with two albums already released there is plenty of material to construct todays symphony. ’Scar’ is smooth and meandering, Rox with his turquoise hair, takes control and we are led on an incredible journey. ‘Falling’ is immediately recognised by those of us who have listened to the ‘Amor Fati’ album, it has pace and adhering charm. I look around the room as Rox indulges on the keyboards, faces are still, encompassed in a type of musical experience they haven’t witnessed before. After ‘Not All The Things’ from the first album ‘Great Illusions’ it’s time for a favourite ‘When All This Is Over’. A soaring synth behind those softly spoken words, building and climbing line after line, it’s captivating, graceful and traverses such beautiful moments, before quickly departing. The most commercial track has to be ‘Don’t Leave Me In The Dark’ which the vocalist informs us is about a ‘Dildo’, yes I typed that correctly ! A bit of tongue in cheek fun, yet the song is a catch and we are directed to sing the title back, getting us all participating.
Shrillness abound on the pulsating ’Still Karma’ before the lingering tones of ‘Perfect Love’ and a short 50’s throwback of ‘The Chordettes’ song ‘Mr Sandman’ just to add a little intrigue. ‘A Ghost In Manchester’ tips the scales for creepiness. You can imagine cobbled streets and dark shadows in the alleyways. It’s a monster, a ghoul and it’s gripping us right now. Lower octaves on ‘Words In Eternity’ prove how versatile Rox is, this is another song that reaches up as it travels, a simple bass line, is sprinkled with keys and demanding drums grow as it overspills into a full blown torrent. ’Starchild’ is another off the latest album that is remarkable. A choral, interwoven with keys and hard edged strings, the performance is reaching its peak now. More down to earth ‘Everybody’s Gone’ follows and ‘The Snoot’ is one with muscle, guitarist Luca is magnificent to watch, spinning and twisting to every note. ‘The World Is Calling Me’ brings the show to a finale and what an end to the set, that was off the scale.
Shape Of Water can be found on Facebook HERE ,
What an incredible day, a line up that was so entertaining and yet again I must praise The Rigger and its staff for hosting such a brilliant and faultless day of music. The sound was spot on and Anthony Bellamy must be congratulated for organising TIGERFEST 2023.
***A PLEA FROM ANTHONY*** On Saturday at Tigerfest the bands were signing posters and a t-shirt to auction off at the end of the night, but unfortunately these disappeared. So if anyone picked up any of these items up by mistake can you please contact him.
Special Thanks to – The Rigger and Staff, Anthony Bellamy , The sound guys, Sarah Furbey of Epic Venom , Pete K. Mally, Josh Alderman & Dave Gorton and Big Paul for the drinks !
Photo Credit – Josh Alderman of JDA Films Productions . Where there is a full gallery of more TIGERFEST photos.
