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Gravity Festival UK

The Station Cannock - Day 3 17/10/21

Live review by; DeeDee & Georgia P 

 

The last day of Gravity already, these weekends go so quickly. After a few interviews, including the first for impressive youngsters Magnalium and a laugh with Toni Gale of Shyyne, we can settle down for today's nine bands. Georgia joins us again today to lend a hand with the workload.  

 

Opening up the festival today, we have young rockers Magnalium taking to the stage. Unfortunately, their lead singer was taken ill, but this was no problem for Magnalium as they decided to troop on, playing an instrumental set for the viewers of Gravity Festival. They kick off the set with one of their originals 'Old Timer'. This was shortly followed up by two more originals 'Dodger' and 'Hey', a catchy song that had the crowd chanting at the top of their lungs. As soon as they finished their songs, they called Ashe Meakin (No Favors, Mercia) onto the stage, who had kindly offered to stand in for some numbers. They take us back in time as they perform their covers of hits such as 'Hotel California' by The Eagles and 'Sweet Child Of Mine' by Guns N Roses. Their set is finished with covers from bands such as Paramore, Blur and The Pretty Reckless. A big pat on the back to Magnalium for choosing to continue with their set, it was a brave decision and definitely went down very well with the crowd. (GP)

 

Next up on the roster, we have the NWOBHM stalwarts from Stoke No Favors and they sure know how to bring life to the party. The 80's rockers recently regrouped and have enjoyed quite a large amount of attention. Being here at Gravity today, only goes to prove how popular they are. The lineup consists of Ashe Meakin on vocals, (who has since left ), Pete Challinor on bass guitar, Dan Ogden on lead guitar, original and founding member Carl Ogden on rhythm guitar and Neil Ogden standing in on drums. They play older tracks such as ‘Are You Lonely’ and ‘Naughty Nellie’ which stand up to the pressure. They are mixed with a few from 2015, the opening ‘Take A Chance’ and ‘That Girl’ being a couple. It’s back to the 80’s for a blast of classic metal with ‘Walk Away’ and their final number 'Party' which builds into a stomp of an anthem.  Hey, No Favors, long may you continue. (DD) (GP)

 

West Midlands rockers  The Unresolved consists of vocalist Thomas Gould, Darren Bickerton on lead guitar, bassist Matt Cox and Adam Gostick on drums, Adam also manages the infamous Arches in Coventry. Heavy and distorted from the start with ‘Escape Reality’ one of the tracks from the last EP, recorded live at Adams Venue. Like the first song ‘Here To Stay’ was released as a single in 2019, tonight's live version contains more rumbling vocals that occasionally rise above the murky levels of the heavy rhythms. Decent solo from Darren which is appreciated by those leaning on the barrier. An older track ‘End Of Time’ has a ‘Hawkwind’ outer space bounce, love the 70’s touch. Even more retro is ’Snake Eyes Of Lady Luck’ dragging the riff to the extreme and having more cosmic interference, it’s absolutely mind-blowing. ‘Burning World’ has the most delicious bass intro and we settle down more as it carries its immense reverb around the room. Having formed in 2015, I think it’s about time The Unresolved got more credit, such a blistering set. (DD) 

 

It's now five to three and the crowds have started to pile in as Liverpool based King Voodoo  take to the stage. From 2019 ‘Fever' has sleazy guitar from Ian Johnson and the deep vocals of Jamie Suffield, which are backed with contrasting harmonies. A slow infectious groove, this song slowly crawls its way into every unprotected orifice. A new single ‘Raise Your Hands’ has a slow tempo and again the guitar has some intriguing chords on offer. Chugging, post grunge and Dave Hall on drums adds some awesome bashing. If you need to hear one track by King Voodoo that sums them up then listen, as we did, to the intense ‘Plain To Me’ it was off the bloody wall and hearing that bass of Joshua Carvell sink its teeth in, was the dogs. A cheeky cover of Queen's 'Tie Your Mother Down’ is inserted next and breaks up the set perfectly. Another new composition ‘Drag Me To The Water’ ends the performance, gosh they were really impressive. The merchandise is pretty cool too!  (DD) (GP)  

 

 

Quiet The Thief  are from Stoke On Trent and have been around since 2014. If you are a fan of Clutch and Queens Of The Stone Age, then this band should appeal to you. They have that classic thudding blare of Stoner Blues, that never fails to win over the mass rock lover population. ‘Preacher’ is the opener and then we are given ‘Witch Cleaver’ which should come with a health warning, as the riff is one of staggering pulsation. Guitarist and vocalist Stig Chell stands in line with Neil Bailey also on guitar and bass player Gaz Harding, so the three up front have this coordinated stance. The new EP ‘Fate Of Elison’ is well represented ’Star Crossed Lover’, ‘Free Fall’ comes before the cover of  Creedence Clearwater’s ‘Fortunate Son’ which fits in well with the originals. Also off the EP is ‘Open Road’ what a spectacular track it is, a flowing more melodic smoothie with delicate drumming from Robert ‘Norb’ Hussey’. ’Speed Freak’ is the last up and once again Quiet The Thief has been anything but quiet. Absolutely lush performance from them. (DD)      

 

 It's now six o'clock and we’ve had more cups of coffee than we can count, an attempt to keep ourselves awake over the busy weekend. We now have  Shyyne  performing, who are influenced by 80's sleaze rock. Tonight’s list is mainly from their latest album 'Go Your Own Way' and they kick off with ‘Said Goodbye’ and ‘Movin On’, everyone loves these four who are from just down the M6, in Wolverhampton. Getting started back in 2015, frontman Toni Gale and crew decided that the scene was in need of a bit of L.A inspired glam and Shyyne was formed. Not looking back since then, they continue to entertain with a few laughs thrown in. A personal favourite 'Broken Down Girl' and the more reserved ’Show Me’ land before the title track and by now the crowd have warmed up sufficiently to join in. A new song is given its first airing, we will keep that undercover for now, Toni is bound to reveal more on socials very soon. Causing chaos and nearly falling off stage is something we expect between the jokes and banter, Toni never fails. With unrehearsed  and cheeky bites, he is one of a kind. Leaving us with ’Take me Down’ and ‘Friday Nite’ it’s been a total disarray and totally brilliant. One thing you have to admire about this band is the great stage presence, Mr Toni Gale strutting around the stage, showing off the merchandise available over at their table. A rather lucky lady was even able to get her hands on a Shyyne beer, given out by the band themselves. (DD) (GP) 

 

 

Local Staffordshire band The Howling Tides started out in their younger days playing covers, but that soon developed into what we see tonight. A four piece led by Rob Baynes on guitar and vocals, who has this likeable personality and on stage comes across with so much warmth. Backed by Hayden Kirk on guitar, bass player Adam Brewell and Steven ‘Herbie’ Herbert’ on drums, The Howling Tides are now making a name for themselves and here at Gravity they are creating a mighty stir. The new single ‘Thalia’ and a selection from the self named EP, make up tonight's show. Loads of groove rock and soulful blues, with Rob's vocals giving them the edge, they certainly have charm. Watch out for them next year, there are plenty of dates being added and they go out on the road with Ricky Warwick in March. (DD)   

 

One of everyone's favourites, the Cambridgeshire band Hollowstar are fresh off the Mason Hill tour. Despite being exhausted, having just driven up from Looe, after playing Cornwall Rocks last night, they still get up and play with all the dedication we have come to expect from them. New member Carl has settled in now, but must be wondering what a rock and roll life is! The eponymous debut album, which is a masterpiece, is played pretty much in full and they cover Free’s ’Wishing Well’ which suits Joe Bonson’s voice perfectly. Tonight there are mixed emotions in the room, as we remember Tom Leighton of Wolf Jaw, the band dedicated ‘Good Man Gone’ to his memory and like many there’s a few tears running down my face. ‘All I gotta Say’ is one of the best loved Hollowstar numbers, it’s so crammed with energy and Phil Haines once again offers a cool guitar solo midway. Held in place by Jack Bonson on the stool, it’s always good to see these guys and tonight it was even more special. (DD) 

 

Leicester based Hells Addiction  headline tonight and bring their highly charged and energetic attitude with them. Ben Sargent is always a pleasure to watch, his strong vocals blast out unrelentingly and the crowd just love him. Having twin guitars from Dan Weir and Liam Sargent, increases the strength of this band both musically and visually, they are truly awesome to watch. Forming back in 2010 and with recordings under their belts like the V.10 EP and Broken album, Hell’s Addiction have so many decent songs they could play for hours, although even for an hour it’s a massive set tonight. Drummer Luke Morley and bass player Jason Green make the underpinning rhythm sound so resilient and the bonding is so evident. One band you just have to see live, they are playing Ampliyuletide in December and have a gig with Scam in the new year. Check out their socials to keep up to date, word is there’s a new 12 track album in the making.  (DD)

 

Yet again Shaun Haynes has managed to produce a celebration of all things that matter in the world of rock music. I loved the mingling of new, young and old. From the likes of young hopefuls Torque and Magnalium, who both shone and were so impressive, it made you realise that rock will continue well into the next generation. To the up and coming bands like King Voodoo and Straight For The Sun, to those more established on the circuit for instance, Scarlet Rebels, Twister, Devil Fire and Hollowstar, then right up to the NWOBHM legends Praying Mantis. Yes, we shared a few emotional moments, but we stood together as a family and that’s one thing music does, it brings us close. 

 

Roll on next year, I think Shaun has most of it planned already.   

Dedicated to the memory of Tom Leighton (Bad Flowers, Wolf Jaw) 

 

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