Gig reviews for January 2012

Fight Back, 27th January

Peter Coombs reports.

First band on tonight, SlamDoubt, grabbed my attention from the first beat, immediately launching into solid and fast early noughties Punk, reminiscent of Rise Against or NoFx.

Although the Shed was still pretty empty, SlamDoubt played as if they were playing to thousands, energetic and engaging right from the start.

Confidently fronted by both John and Max (on Guitar and Bass respectively), you can't deny the musical talent of this band. John's solid guitar playing holds every song, leaving the bass free to express itself, which it does, very well!

Not only incredible guitar and bass playing, but the band are all held together by one of the most talented young drummers I have seen for a long time. Sam uses his kit like a weapon, aggressively attacking each song with a flair often lacking in punk bands.

Vocally the songs live up to the standard set by the instrumentation; impressive vocal harmonies and melody lines are sung by both John and Max.

SlamDoubt are definitely a band I want to see again. They play next at The Vic, Derby on Feb 26th

SlamDoubt on Facebook.

bash roland
Bash:Roland © Peter Coombs

Bash:Roland's set cannot go without mention. A six piece band from Worcester, they bring a very pleasing sound similar to that of modern Chili Peppers / Franz Ferdinand. Each of the six members brought with them a true musical talent and gelled together brilliantly as a band.

I was really drawn in by the instrumental breaks which often had a heavy funk / syncopated element to them, added to by Ad and Tom's John Frusciante-esque guitar solos.

BR is fronted by the extremely talented Ed Haynes; his passionate, powerful voice complemented by the vocal harmonies of the rest of the band.

Bash:Roland on Facebook.

Event Horses © Peter Coombs

A band on tour from Northern Ireland; Event Horses have a good sound that draws in the listener. Lee Cartright captures the audience with a very high standard of guitar playing and an impressive strength behind his voice. The instrumental sections in their songs were outstanding; heavy melodic sounds put across with flawless energy and skill.

However, I found that musically the songs dropped when Lee had to commit his effort to his vocals, the drums and bass didn't do enough to hold the song. Perhaps a second guitar is needed.

This being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the set and would definitely see them again. Event Horses now continue their UK tour.

Event Horses on Facebook.

Those that were left in the crowd for the last band of the evening threw themselves into Fight Back; jumping around from the very first beat.

A brutal punk sound straight out of the late 70's; Fight Back are big, loud, passionate and filled the Shed with a solid drive that the crowd couldn't get enough of.

Backed by the very impressive Anthony on the drums, musically the band is outstanding; James on the bass keeps a constant drive pulling the listener through the songs while Martin plays straight powerful chords, only stopping to add very impressive guitar flourishes.

All of this fronted by Tony; a brilliant front man, not only a voice suited perfectly for the band but an incredible stage presence and really engaging with those in the crowd.

A band that obviously love and feel every beat they play and every word they sing.

Fight Back on Facebook.