Iron Road Live Stream
Wolf Jaw / Hollowstar / Black Tree Vultures / False Hearts - 18/7/20
Online live review by; DeeDee
In these days of the living nightmare that is Covid 19 and the effect it has had on live music, it can only be a positive way forward to live stream a few bands in a Bristol studio so we can at least experience something worthwhile on a Saturday night. Surely that is what the majority of us gig goers think? For now it’s the best we have that is 100% safe. Live streams may carry on well into the future, when the threat of catching the plague has somewhat passed, if a majority of people are still reluctant to stand side by side, in fear of any lingering contagion. Of course watching the events unfurl from the Iron Road live crew and presenters, wasn’t without some cause for concern, although we were reassured safety measures were in place and government guidelines followed.
At £12.50 a ticket for 4 bands, albeit on screen, I thought was a decent price to pay, so I settled down in front of my Mac, for the introductions and first pre-recorded interviews. The two main presenters Pete Mally and Natalie Loren Asteria, took us up to 7pm talking to event organisers, including Stu Philips and the Iron Road main man Muttley Van Zant, then on to the first band False Hearts. We learned how the project was put together and brought up to speed with the way the team want to progress.
Formed back in 2016 in Cambridgeshire, False Hearts are a 4 piece fronted by Emma Hodgson. A favourite band on the circuit they are forever on the road and have built up a wide fan base, with their power laden, feisty and melodic style. Tonight we heard the debut EP, ‘Dirty Little Soul’ in its entirety, being the first 4 tracks of the set. Backed by awesome effects from the studio wizards, the band got under way with ‘Break’, ‘Take Control’ and ‘Addicted To Pain’ showing us what they are made of, gutsy, structured riffs and the intensity of Emma’s vocals. ‘Cynical Love’ with its steadfast rhythm has a heavier feel and blends the bands abilities. ‘Dream On ‘ and ’See Me Now’ were followed by the newer songs from the second EP ‘Remedy’ that came out a couple of months ago. ‘Enough Is Enough’ builds into a dynamic track, ‘Breathe Again’ is slower and more poignant, while ‘Misery Loves Company’ gains pace, with another decent riff. They finish on the title track ‘Remedy’ that has a gentle intro and is a flowing finale. Great set and a fine way to start the evening.
In between bands, we hear more from Pete and Natalie, who talk to False Hearts again but this time with questions from the online audience that have joined the ‘social bubble’. This time it’s live, so a bit chaotic and off the cuff, as you expect with Pete! But it brings some normality to the show with all the unrehearsed chatter you face at gigs. They sit down with Black Tree Vultures for a more formal interview before the band take to the stage.
On stage at 8pm sharp and full marks for being on time with the running order, are one of the South Coasts most impressive bands, the Black Tree Vultures. Straight into ‘Veins’ thumping brutality is chucked out with vigour. ‘No More Empathy’ released last year, has a spellbinding riff and frontman Celyn Beynon takes the opportunity to demonstrate his style of vocal prowess. He would be the first to acknowledge that his method doesn’t stick to any rules. As we descend into the new single ‘Pull Apart’ with it’s low bass tones from James ‘Ched’ Cheeseman and rugged guitar from Aaron Hammersley, the band have fully warmed up and I have to applaud how tight these guys play together. ‘Unforeseen’ and ‘Downfall’ continue with the same hard pressing force and then the AC/DC type number, ‘Bitter’ enters with its unrelenting pace and the additional backing vocals of end to end ‘Whoa’s’. ‘Run Back To The Dark’ is a new one and Celyn explains how it is related to mental health issues and the struggles that go hand in hand with depression. A more darker song with gentle chords, it was however a pleasant twist. ‘Thanks For The Memories’ from the 2018 EP ‘Sanity Isn’t Perfect’ has the most eloquent of a bass rhythm, low and reverberating. Followed by the singer thanking everyone, the last song ‘Devil’ was dedicated to the Iron Road crew, great track with a slinky intro, chunky vocals and a chanting backing chorus. Left to dual for a while Ched and Aaron created an interesting instrumental break in the performance. Good one to finish on and from the online comments they made a lot of people happy and quite a few new fans.
After the interval there was a pre-recorded interview from Hollowstar and a live Q&A one with Black Tree Vultures, the format seems to be working and it leads nicely into Hollowstars set.
After getting together back in 2015, the brothers Jack and Joe Bonson and friends Phil Haines and Tom Collett, all from the St Ives area of Cambridgeshire, have gone from strength to strength in 5 years. One of the most popular new bands on the block, Hollowstar wow us with their original take on melodic, bluesy and hard stomping rock. The vocals of Joe are passionate and his good looks warm hearts galore, while the massive riffs and mellow guitars of Tom and Phil, give Hollowstar a style of their own. Jack Bonson provides the driving rhythm behind his drum kit, so altogether they are one of the most engrossing and talented young bloods around. Tonights set is mainly the debut self titled album that was released in May 2019. ’Take It All’, ‘Down By The Water’ and ‘Let You Down’ are all familiar to the huge fanbase watching online. I can imagine the large amount of singing and dancing going on in front rooms and gardens around the UK and most probably further abroad. They carry on with ‘Invincible’ that has a mash of guitar riffs and adhering lyrics. ’Think Of Me’ is the quiet step down and with its haunting manner, is sad and a beautifully written piece, we all sing along again, many with tears in our eyes. ‘Money’ has the incredible guitar intro and ups the tempo, grinding into a groove. ‘Sinner’ is another favourite, which the band recently updated with a lyric video and t-shirt, check out their facebook page for details.
The cover of the Free classic ‘Wishing Well’ which is usually on the live setlist, is a most welcome addition. If you haven’t seen or heard a band before, a cover can always help to break the ice. Hollowstar provide a perfect version of this timeless song, allowed to let loose, the guitarists are on fine form. After ‘Overrated’ with its more swaying and swaggering tempo, they play ‘Feel The Burn’ from the 2017 EP ‘Some Things Matter’ it just has to be included, it’s that good. ‘Good Man Gone’ with Phil’s amazing solo and punishing drive, returns us to the album. Another we can sing, as it has the most fabulous chorus. There is only one way to end and it has to be ‘All I Gotta Say’ and if you have never heard any of Hollowstars work, this is the one to listen to, it will get you loving them I promise. The words ‘Bye Bye Baby Goodbye’ will be your head for weeks.
Post performance interview live with online questions and Pete in his Hollowstar T-shirt, sees the band looking exhausted. Reminds me of the last time I saw them at the Iron Road in Pershore, god that was a hot evening, I think they were nearly passing out from the heat. Hollowstar, you nailed it as we say. Wolf Jaw are interviewed next, with Nat firing the questions.
Setting out in 2014 as The Bad Flowers, the 3 piece now known as Wolf Jaw, are from Cannock in Staffordshire. Consisting of Tom Leighton on guitar and vocals, Karl Selickis on drums and bassist Dale Tonks. The band have toured with Jared James Nichols, Crobot and Scorpion Child as well as playing festivals such as Steelhouse, Wildfire, Stone Free and Download, where in 2019 they played 3 times on 3 different stages, that has to be a record ! They hit the Iron Road Live stage at 10.20pm for a hour long set, made up of tracks from their 2 albums, ’Starting Gun’ from 2018 and the immaculate ‘The Heart Won’t Listen’ that came out last year. ’Hear Me’ rumbles with the low rhythm of the guitars and aggressive vocals from Tom. It has dirty hooks, messy strings and a captivating undercurrent full of soul. ‘Lions Blood’ carries the same rough riding theme, as it oozes blatant chords of dissidence. ’The Fighter’ has drumming that comes out quite strongly and actually Karl is a great sticks-man to watch. ‘Secrets’ from 2018 is a moody number, bluesy and having a simple but catching melody. ‘I Ain’t Ready’ with its storming bass and the more gentle approach of ‘Let’s Misbehave’ show how Wolf Jaw can vary their technique with elegance. I like the way this slower ballad increases in texture as the guitar comes crashing in, turning it into a mind blowing endgame. A couple from 2019 ‘Piece Of Me’ and ‘I lose My Mind’ which has a slogging and exceptional riff, bring us to ‘Thunder Child’ and the bass solo to top all bass solos. This is a really good track and one that gained a lot of radio play when it came out. The clever title of ‘Should’a, Would’a, Could’a’ having a heavy and pulsating rhythm, gives off a lot of energy, it just jolts along and I wonder where the title came from ? After the heavy and thunderous ‘Beast’ the last one up is ‘City Lights’ one of their older songs that featured on the 2016 debut EP, but can also be found on ‘Starting Gun’. A slow, hammer pounding of a number, with more sombre vocals, it breaks midway into a storming rattle and a brilliant way to finish the show.
More Q&A with the presenters afterwards, as they came off stage. One question asked was ‘what’s your favourite tattoo ?’ this prompted Karl to reveal his Bad Flowers tat on his chest, which he got just before they changed their name! Never mind dude, it still looks cool.
Right up to 11.30pm, when the last goodbyes were said, I was rooted to my seat. Hats off to all involved in making this happen, it wasn’t without some technical problems, that’s the reality of live broadcasting, but all credit to the crew, presenters and those behind the scenes. I believe more Iron Road Live screening events are being planned, so I for one will be back for more.
5/5
Iron Road Live - Facebook
Quote from organiser Stu Phillips after the event -
‘Thank You Thank You Thank You to all of you guys who "came" to the show last night. I want also thank from the bottom of my heart the Production Crew at Pytch who were simply incredible, Paul Southernwood from Touring Solutions who was the Production Manager, Richard and Barney Tour Bus drivers from Jumbo Cruiser, Ian & Ross who are our Trucks at Stagefreight, Nicola our Artist Liaison from Skinny Kitten Events, Damon from Pixel Shred our Digital guru Natalie from Asteria and of course Muttley Van Zant for well just being Muttley tbh......All of the Bands brought their "A" Game and we are already planning the next one..... and last night was recorded so keep an eye out for the edited highlights! THE SHOW MUST (and will) GO ON!’