Gig reviews for July 2011

AC/DC UK at the Soundhouse, 15th July

As reported by Bee Tovey

The Soundhouse was venue to a monster night of rock on Friday 15th July. Headliners AC/DC UK were joined by Leicestershire bands Hell's Addiction and Loves Sinister Choir.

Openers, Loves Sinister Choir, pulled a modest but dedicated crowd as they belted out powerful and catchy numbers that could definitely have gotten a bigger mass of mature rock fans moving. Here however, one or two self conscious head bangs were as much as they were going to get. John Shadow proved a powerful front man, thrashing his long Viking locks whilst providing bone crunching guitar riffs to compliment Zak G's intricate guitar stylings.

Loves Sinister Choir © Bee Tovey

Memorable songs include 'Mad At Me', with notable early Foo Fighter's influence and MySpace audience favourite, 'Violated'. The latter song being an excellent opportunity for bassist Twisted Kev to increase the pulse and crank it up to eleven.

Unfortunately, for a band as experienced as these guys, one might expect closer interaction between musicians. All members of Loves Sinister Choir were instantly likeable, a joke about the drummer's cock made me laugh out loud, but the rhythm section could do with tightening the screws.

In fact, the only thing to really bug me about this band is their grammar - Love's Sinister Choir. Possessive noun requires an apostrophe. But nobody likes a smart arse.

Loves Sinister Choir on MySpace.

Loves Sinister Choir © Bee Tovey

Grammatically correct Hell's Addiction followed shortly after and were like the breath of fresh air we all greatly craved whilst standing near the gents toilets.

Ben Sargent , guitarist and lead vocalist, didn't hold back with his powerful voice that seemed so effortless. He oozed polished stage presence and charisma that clashed fantastically with Liam Sargent's raw, gritty, lightning quick guitar virtuosity.

Hell's addiction © Bee Tovey

Dominant drummer and direct descendent of Animal from The Muppets, Luke Morley, provided an energetic and commanding rhythm section. This is most prominently displayed in 'Raise Your Glass', a song that also contains possibly the best guitar solo of the evening.

A snapped guitar string initially didn't phase the band as they delivered one last rock onslaught before admitting defeat. The early end was unfortunate but definitely left the crowd wanting more.

Hell's addiction © Bee Tovey

Overheard conversations in the smoking area between bands confirmed my suspicions that Hell's Addiction had managed to impress even those who wouldn't class themselves as fans of classic rock. Free demo cd's were diligently handed out to ensure that this wouldn't be a band to easily forget. This enthusiasm and initiative could well be a lesson to other unsigned acts.

Hell's Addiction on MySpace.

Click here to watch them perform on the night.

AC/DC UK, "Europe's premier AC/DC tribute act", opened with 'Thunderstruck' and instantly had the crowd eating out of their hands. Graham Harker, lead guitarist, ran amock amongst the audience and busted out all of the Angus Young trademark moves. His energy was relentless as he and his fellow band mates blasted out hit after hit.

Singer, Gareth Tookey, provided an incredible rendition and impersonation of Brian Johnson, managing to capture the distinctive tonal characteristics of his voice perfectly.

To summarise, Hell's Addiction were the stand out band of the night, proving to old school rockers that current bands can still deliver great, original, high octane, rock and roll. And getting a free cd is always a bonus.

AC/DC UK on MySpace.

Click here to watch them perform Sin City on the night.