Breaking Bands Festival 2022 - Saturday
- Rock Media UK
- Jun 30, 2022
- 8 min read
Stoke Prior Sports & Social Club
Live review by; DeeDee
Lovely to see old friends and share a few laughs this morning. Have to say the field has plenty of space for camping and the facilities, although limited, appear to be OK. Making the most of the dry weather, while it lasts, there are plenty of seats and tables on the small patch of grass, between the stages to catch some rays. Great food on offer as well, everything you could need and within eyesight. As I stroll into the ‘Support The Music Scene’ marquee, things are already underway.
are a trio based in London, they provide soulful and bluesy rock, with a massive kick. Andrew Knightley on vocals and guitar, breezes into ‘Change The Future’, a song that is so relevant and as it cruises along, it’s a perfect start to the day. Backed up by Wilson Zaidan on bass and drummer Greg Zaka, I listen to the tunes from the stunning ‘Opus Armada’ album and like a few of the folks watching with me, it’s kind of hypnotic stuff. ‘Good Time Roller’ and ‘Vengeful Vulture’ give a sense of laid back rock, with cool harmonies and simple good time rock and roll. The inclusion of the seductive ‘Eva Lane’ is the sole rep from the’ Hollywood To Vegas’ EP, gosh I wish we could have an hour of these guys. Nevertheless ‘Wings Of Love’ with its immense chords and the whirl of ‘Pack You Up’ are well received, this band never fail to impress. More bluesy intricacy on ‘6 Feet Under’ and the up tempo of ‘Control The Animal’, which was mixed by renown producer Kevin Shirley, ends the perfect set.
You have to think outside of the cardboard box for this combo. Two slightly bland Essex blokes, Adam on drums and Clegg on vocals and guitar, appear on stage at 3.15pm. There’s a small audience standing far enough away as to appear interested but not convinced and I’m sat near the front resting my ‘plates’ and making notes about the last band. They seem a little hesitant as they fire up ‘It’s OK’ and ’Tell Me Why’ but by the time they reach ‘Crooked Back’ the duo are supplying us with jokes, banter and I must state, quite decent tunes. The crowd has increased and have stepped forward by a few steps, I’ve stopped writing and now I’m engrossed in this alternative/indie sounding pair. Also from the last album, the title track ‘Exhale’ is a staunch rocker, fast and demanding with a tight punch. Towards the last lap we sample ‘Eye For’, ’Scream’ and then ‘Shark’ where the request by Clegg for the watchers to move forward and mosh, yes mosh, is answered! Unbelievable, we have people moshing and they are really enjoying it. The title song from the debut ‘Breathe In’ and ‘Little Death’ are the last and that was incredible.
I know Royal Blood and The Kills have paved the way for being just two strong, not forgetting Carter USM who has actually praised these guys. My copy of the set list is on corrugated cardboard, reminding me to never take my eye off the band, when reviewing.
Inside the tent another Glaswegian band are preparing to play. I liken them to Ward XVI and indeed they have shared many bills. This band, led by Evilyn Van Der Hyden, are more sinister though. Currently promoting the album ‘Hansel Und Gretel’, where the fairy tale takes a more ghoulish twist, it’s a macabre sight and the ‘characters’ wear masks as they perform. ‘Hellequin’ is the female drummer, the bassist is ‘The Harbinger’ and the two guitarists are ‘Pumpkin Head’ who does deliver some superb notes and ‘Jabberwocky’. Described as having ‘conceptual storylines’ Evilyn and her band are theatrical, colourful and extremely entertaining, especially if you like dark horror mixed with Avant Garde perception.
The merchandise table is equally attractive, as I wander over for a look. A lot of time has been taken to create some marvellous Splintered Halo products. These guys started out in 2011 and tell amazing stories through their music, I’m seeing more and more ‘theatrical’ bands of late, but these are certainly one of the best.
Have a new EP out called ’Time And Tide’ which is an absolute gem. The artwork is by guitarist Andy Cutty and shows a persons hand trying to stop a clock, with the sea in the background, both wait for no one as the saying goes. Naturally the Cry For Mercy set list today is made up of new songs from the EP.
‘Don’t Let Me Down’ is the signal to get to the barrier. I just adore Kev Plant’s voice, his ability to get in your veins, is almost like an addiction. Take ‘Drowning In The Light’ it has a hint of ‘Bad Company’ and just enough dusting of those classic blues, that evolved in the 60’s and 70’s, Savoy Brown and even Joe Cocker come to mind. Retro, maybe a little, but that’s why ‘Cry For Mercy’ are so appealing in this day and age of going back to roots. ‘Resist’ from the debut of the same name, has clear vocals and stable rhythm from Kev and new drummer Dan Smith. They are going down well here at ‘Breaking Bands’, the room is full and plenty of heads are nodding in appreciation. ‘Down To The Wire’, ‘I’d Change Nothing’ and the stomping ‘On And On’ continue the flow before the brilliant and catchy ‘Son’s & Daughter’s’ brings the roof down.
Despite being around for a good while now, this is a band I haven’t seen that often. Today I make up for my absence and stand on the barrier, because the visuals are just as good as the music. That Gretsch guitar of Dave Kerr’s is a stunner, this is one of the delights of being down the front. I love the swagger of ’Take My Pills’ and lead guitarist Andy Mewse, who plays a good looking ‘Zematis’. ‘Everybody Used To Love You’ is a single that’s been remixed and live it’s another with an enthusiastic pulse.
The album ‘Push Back Bravado’ is repped with the mighty ‘What it Takes’ where Alex Brookes, can demonstrate his drumming skills. ‘Valentine’ off the same piece of work, is also a mash of pleasant noise. ‘End Of The Day’ is one that breaks into various directions and is superb. Another step back for ‘Hell Yeah!’ with it’s distinct harmonies and it’s one we can sing along to. There’s a rip roaring finale as ‘Top Side’ blasts from the amps. Did I enjoy them, well I bought a T Shirt, so yeah!
With an album from 2020 entitled ‘The Sex’ it’s pretty evident the path ‘The Big Dirty’ take. Loud rock and roll but with humour that has an adult theme. OK for us peeps of the world, but maybe a bit lewd for the younger ones in the crowd. Despite the smut, they are completely entertaining’, Dirty Rider’ and ‘Devil Woman’ have huge chorus’s and frontman James is so captivating to watch. Even ‘Wham Bam (Thank You Ma’am)’ has a cheery side to it. Fast becoming part of the performance during ‘Whiskey Pistol’, James grabs his plastic gun and fires liquid, I assume Whisky, into the mouths of those in range.
They calm down for ’Sensual Lover’ bit like an afterglow, it’s more relaxed and there’s some majestic guitar from Christoph Dats. ‘Hush’ gets the marquee into full swing, proving this band know how to party and attract an audience. A nice intro for ‘Rhythm Of My Drum’ which builds into rapping splendour and eventually sends them on their way. I’ve seen them twice now in recent weeks and they do have a knack of charming you.
are one of the heavier bands on today. The more dominant slices of doom are echoed around the venue as they churn out ‘Disguise’ it’s a new single and a perfect opening song. Another single ‘Time Is Running Out’ raises the thrash bar and Leuan shows us his vocal prowess. The Oxford band dive into ‘Watch It Burn’ from the ‘Fractures’ EP and embark on destroying our hearing. I like the chugging of Matt’s lead guitar, he does have an approach to his riffs, that lets nothing get in the way. They announce a new album is due in October and the eponymous number ‘Before The Fall’ is tested on us. I like the screaming melody of ‘Locked Out Of Heaven’ with bass from Italian Marco being a major feature and then the demanding ‘Hearts Of Damaged Men’ flares up before us. Another new single ‘Valediction’, is even more weighty, guttural grating from Leuan and lower shreds from the guitarists. ‘The End Of Us’ with its rapid outpouring, is the last from Broken Empire and judging by the final audience reaction, I think they earned a few more followers after this.
The melodic rock outfit fronted by Rob Wylde are up next in the marquee and it’s packed solid for the well liked band. Bursting with attitude from the off, ‘We Belong’ is a smoothie, where as the newer ‘Atomic’ has that beat that summons fists punching the air and girls swinging their hips. Continuing with the new ‘I Don’t Need Another Heartache’ also from the last album ‘Itch You Can’t Scratch’ is an anthem type of shout and Rob handles this with expertise. Loads of applause as they belt out ‘One Step Away’ which is from 2017 so well known among the fans. Then the untamed ‘Rock And A Hard Place’ appears, brand spanking new and stuffed with harmonies, it does have it all.
Getting hot in here as they whip up the devoted with even more pleasurable numbers, ‘Can’t Wait’ and ‘Give Me Your Love’ are infused with warm chords from Miles Meakin on guitar and Shawn Charvette adds ample keyboards to increase the richness. ‘Summer Of Our Lives’ is the preferred encore, a wondrous set from them and even in this small area, they came across with a stadium sound.
are fast becoming the band I’ve seen the most. But every time I do watch them, I’m never left disappointed. Even when they’ve travelled hundreds of miles and look shattered after a run of gigs, they still go on stage and give it 100%. Tonight they are looking pumped and the four from Cambridgeshire are in front of a mass gathering of their fans. Joe Bonson greets us, as those familiar opening notes of ‘Take It All’ hit the air from guitarist Phil Haines.
‘Down By The Water’ has so much soul and the hook of ‘Let You Down’ sticks in your head. There are a good number more off the self titled album, but in-between the cover of ‘Simple Man’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd, is a notable addition. Joe manages to give it so much heart, I think even those old Southern boys would be impressed.
High pressure in the room now, everyone is clambering for a good view and as I stand next to my friend, Joe wishes her Happy Birthday! That’s how Hollowstar treat their followers, like family. The recent creation ‘Mr Jones’ is followed by the Free classic ‘Wishing Well’ which is another faultless version. I like how well Carl has fitted into the band, the guitarist is also on hand to back up Phil on ‘Overrated’ which is a more demanding track. Never missed off the set is ‘Good Man Gone’ dedicated to those we have lost and everyone's favourite opportunity to join in, ‘All I Gotta Say’ pops up last of all.
Amazing show, totally rocked the socks off. As we congratulate Phil on becoming a father soon, there’s a lot of hugs about the place, what a tremendous night.
That was enough for me, apart from having to drive home, I was so busy chatting to people that it was getting later and later. Only one more day can you believe it, I never get over how quickly these weekends fly by. So much to take in on the way back, another day with more new bands to follow.
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