Breaking Bands Festival 2022 - Thursday
- Rock Media UK
- Jun 26, 2022
- 6 min read
Stoke Prior Sports & Social Club
Live review by; DeeDee
I do love this friendly little festival, not only is it just a short drive from home, but it’s a chance to see the bands of tomorrow. The main focus on Wednesday is to spotlight young talent and the Dragon Music Stage hosts bands from the Worcester and Bromsgrove Rock schools. One band that stood out was ‘7 Year War’ so much so, that when a slot became available on Thursday for a main stage appearance, they were invited to take part. Arriving early on Thursday and checking in at the Press tent in time to watch the young hopefuls, as they were on first.
As they took to the stage, I said oh look aren’t they cute, my friend shook his head and when they started playing I realised why ! They might be around 16 years old, but blimey there’s no holding back as they plunge into an original tune ‘Thin Ice’. It’s a creeping piece of trash metal with no let up. As they re-tune for ‘Betrayed’ another original, there’s little sign of any nerves as Tom on bass and vocals even asks for some audience participation. The cover of Metallica’s ‘Sad But True’ is bold move but they do a decent job, as the twin guitarists Cass and Ollie, can shred and pick out riffs with ease. With Sam at the back, this is pretty cool and the crowd is getting bigger as they hear 7YW from around the field. Another cover, this time Bullet For My Valentine’s, ‘Tears Don’t Fall’ even has more growl than the original. I learn they’ve only been together around nine months, which is so encouraging. Their latest song ‘Baby Killer’ thunders at the end of the set, with melancholy brilliance. Good to see so many people enjoying these kids, they were a last minute addition and what a show they gave us.
Sometimes getting a copy of the set list is enlightening. The intro for these guys, is called ‘Guitar Shizzle’, must be a Bolton phrase! Of Course it leads into ‘Battle Hymn’ which is just the first from the excellent ‘From The Darkness’ album. Loads of squealing guitar from Jack and as they explode into the riffing stomp of ‘I’m Not Bad Guy’ the ‘Forge Ahead’ stage is bouncing. Frontman Alex who also provides bass, joins rhythm guitar player Sam and drummer Morgan, for one of my favourites ‘Palace Walls’. It’s a tune that gains momentum as it ebbs and flows and has a haunting melody. The second single ‘Shadows’ is another that hits you with a slogging riff. Then Alex encourages us to join in for the chorus of ‘If The Gods Be Good’ which involves a lot of ‘Whoas’. Their debut single ’To The Light’ is the final enthralling statement and yes, that was a blistering bit of noise lads, cheers.
I saw this band at ‘Ampliyuletide’ last year in Gloucester and I was impressed with the charisma of vocalist Annabelle Z. She is a bundle of energy and as she warms up with ‘Jekyll Or Hyde’, her stage presence immediately draws the audience to the front and we even get some dancing. As she introduces a new song ‘A Little Piece Of Magic’ she squeals with delight, arms raised and pulled down, as a sign of success. Her voice is clear and the sound is remarkably good in the marquee. Coming off stage to sing among the crowd, with a smile that’s so infectious, we hear ‘Prince Of California’ and ‘A Thousand Miles From Home’ that offer a wide variety and Matt Pearce is so expressive on guitar. ’Take A Shot’ and the evocative ‘Monster’ end the set on a high. Leigh Holley on drums and bassist Luke Ward make up the four, from the South East, a band with quite a future.
Are all the way from Edinburgh and have been in existence for over 10 years now. Heavyweight rock borderline metal, but having some melodic moments, as these Scots fire up with ‘Underneath’ all these elements are soon apparent. Dave Cumming on drums and the swerving riffs of Fuzz Macintosh, introduce us to the doom sound, off the new ‘Elements’ EP. Vocals from Oli Bowker, are equally hard and robust, while emitting the dark and harsh lyrics. ‘Fall Asleep’ is an early one, back to around 2011 off the first EP. ’Sacrifice’ with its swirling guitar and the incorporating 5 string bass of Martin Gray, is more recent, so is ‘Broken/Disappear’ both being from 2019. I do like the intensity and drive they produce, they are also good to watch. Returning to ‘Elements’ for ‘Free The Fallen’ which delves into the abyss again and ‘Rodent’ where Martin sings the calming intro. It soon bursts into gear though, battling along with those heavy duty shifts. I liked them, hope they venture further south of the border again soon.
After purchasing my Welsh Slate ‘Mad Haven’ coaster and catching up with Tom, Alex and Morgan, who I seem to see every week lately, it was soon time for their show, in the marquee on the ‘Forge Ahead’ stage. Where I must confirm again, the sound is perfect. With a live album due out in ten days, it was only fitting that the three Welsh lads, played 99% of it today. Aptly entitled ‘The Wait To Continue’, a nod towards the pandemic, the title song is first on the bill. This is a truly wonderful performance, they storm into ‘Get Lost’, ‘What’s Left Behind’ and ‘The Truth’, all well received and I have to agree with many, that they are finally getting the acclaim they deserve. ‘Liar’ and one of the finest plays, of the more placid ‘Never Too Late’ follow on before the hammering of ‘Light It Up’ and ‘Are You Ready’ which has all the markings of a classic rocker. Bowing out on ‘Where Did You Go’ all three of them were outstanding today.
Luke and his band, end the night on the indoor stage. A guest headliner who is multi talented and is often seen in ‘Absolva’, who frequently act as Blaze Bayley’s backing band. Anyway tonight Luke has bad news and good news, his regular guitarist is unavailable, but he has recruited ‘Dakisis’ man Matt Jones to step in. Matt has a screen to read the music, but has learnt the songs in the last 24 hours! Matt’s bandmate Adam Harris is on drums as he is also Lukes regular sticks-man, hope you are keeping up? The solo album ‘Snake Eyes’ is well represented and the gentle but persuasive chords of ‘Medusa’ make it a striking piece of work. The theme continues on ‘The Fear Is A Lie’ which is off the 2018 EP. As Luke introduces the heavier ‘Absolva’ song ‘Never A Good Day To Die’ I am drawn to watch Matt. Hard to believe he has had just a day to fathom out these numbers, ok he has the help of technology in front of him, but crikey he’s brilliant. After another recent tune ‘Snake Eyes’ that is breathtaking and breaks up the tempo, it’s another ‘Absolva’ one, ‘Rise Again’ that regains the heaviness with its driving rhythm. ‘Inside Out’ and the favourite ‘How Doe’s It Feel To Be Alive’ are separated by a ‘Megadeth’ cover ‘À Tout Le Monde’ which is one of their more heartfelt tracks. The ‘Iron Maiden’ song ‘Wasted Years’ sees the trio being joined for a jam by members of ‘Fury’ and Gemma Lawley also of ‘Dakisis’. Nice to see so many on stage having a good time. Luke certainly knows how to put a set together, as they finish on ’Tribute’ by ‘Tenacious D’. Luke, Matt and Adam, that was faultless and thoroughly entertaining.
Sensational first day for me, I was blown away by the young 7 Year War, Mad Haven and Unknown Refuge. The discovery of A Ritual Spirit and the guitar playing of Matt Jones with Luke Appleton, made it one to remember. Back tomorrow, it’s another fun filled day with a tremendous line up.
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