Guns for Girls
Claptrap Stourbridge 29/10/21
Live review by; DeeDee
My first visit to the Claptrap venue in Stourbridge high street, it’s situated upstairs where I remember the McDonalds used to be. What a pleasant set up, one room that has been transformed into a kind of cosy, art deco styled parlour. Lots of tasselled lampshades, ferns and comfy leather seating, with added touches of glitz. The stage is in one corner and it’s big enough to be able to view it from every part of the venue, really well thought out and it has such a cosy feel about it.
Young locals the ‘Tar_Gits’ are the support tonight and Maisie Gameson, who works behind the bar here at the Claptrap, is also the vocalist. The local, five strong band offer us quite an original set. I’m immediately intrigued with the two guitars being held by the guys, they look handmade and have no headstocks, they seem to give a lower sound as well, ( I learn later that they are made in Austria by Strandberg ). Maisie, despite being diminutive and looking demure, turns out to be quite feisty, holding our gaze as she sings ‘March 2 Sea’ and ‘Boiler Maker’ . It's an alternative style of rock and the bass features quite strongly. ‘So Come On’ and ‘Bleak’ follow and I am beginning to get my head around the Tar_Gits, I like the ease and unexpected vibes to their music. ‘Lets Go’, ‘Amsterdam’ and ‘Risk’ carry on the theme and they get a big round of applause from the audience, which I guess is mainly family and friends, but none the less truly well deserved.
I reviewed the debut album ‘Blood Harmonies’ by Guns For Girls and just fell in love with it. The three guys from Telford describe themselves as Post Grunge/Alternative Groove and as this is one of my favourite genres naturally it was a winner for me. With Halloween masks on, they get up for a lengthy set this evening and only after a couple of numbers they play the new single ‘Universal Ice Breaker’ lying on a never-ending gutsy riff with the overlay of sublime and melodic vocals, it’s another outstanding piece of work by the band. Following on with a few from the album, ‘Finale’’, ‘Secrets’ and ‘I Found A Way’, the appreciative audience, most relaxing comfortably on the sofa, do raise their hands to applaud. The delightfully titled ‘Dancefloor Crackwhore’ from the 2019 EP, also gets a rapturous reaction and the well received single ‘You Are The Gunfire’ still remains one of the best songs I’ve heard for a while. ‘Black Rose’ is more up tempo and is followed by ‘You Get What You Get’ also a little more stirring to ensure our undivided attention, while drummer Dylan Caine maintains the rhythm throughout. I said it was a lengthy show and without any intermission, they just carry on belting out song after song, we are on page 2 of the set list now. A cover of the Blur classic ‘Song 2’ is a chance for a singalong, then it’s more down to earth with ‘It Takes All Kinds, Baby’ another from the EP. This is turning out to be one of those gigs, where it’s cool to listen quietly and take in the soul of the band's music for what it is. There aren’t all the usual distractions you suffer at most gigs. ‘Over The Shoulder Of The Devil’ is the first track from ‘Blood Harmonies’ and has an immensely tense introduction, then it breaks into a whirling riff and Gavin Herbert’s velvety vocals. Of Course, Carl Haden’s bass plays a major part in the sounds of this band, but it’s astonishing how he manages to create such in depth chords. They finish with an encore of ’Straight Line’ it has a bouncy chorus and some nice guitar from Gavin, it’s a smooth way to bow out.
Guns For Girls have such a catalogue of well penned songs and the new single proves what an amazing ability they have. Fingers crossed there’s a follow-up album soon and if you do get a chance to see them live, you won’t be disappointed.
5/5
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