Lost Angels / Saints Of Sin / Gypsy Jack
Robin 2 Bilston, 21/10/19
Live review by: DeeDee
This was one gig I didn’t want to miss, the Lost Angels are the embodiment of the ‘Rock Star’ phenomenon. These guys have played with everyones heroes and hang out with the coolest dudes in California. We arrive early in time for the soundcheck and I have been allowed to interview them ! The day just gets better and better.
Local band GYPSY JACK are the first of the three bands on tonight. Vocalist Marty Rose, is resplendent in an outfit that Freddy Mercury would be proud of, I guess that’s who Marty reminds me of, with a sprinkling of Prince and Justin Hawkins to complete the look. Style with a capital S is the key to this band, they have loads of it. Flanked by Nick Jones on guitar and bassist Jonah Paul, Marty has his own way of strolling around the stage, making full use of what little space there is. Most of the set is made up of sleaze packed rock n roll numbers such as ‘Disavow’ and the new single ‘Heartbreaker’. ‘Charlie F**king Blow’ is one of their best numbers and just when you think that’s the norm, they slow it up for ’Nightshade’. Covering ‘Another Brick In The Wall’ is a brave decision, but pays off. Backed by some solid drumming by way of Chris O’Toole, Gypsy Jack show us they are serious contenders to reach higher levels. It’s not easy performing early, with fewer punters in the room. The sound echos and it takes balls for a relatively new band like this to remain focused. So in what were difficult conditions, my respect guys.
SAINTS OF SIN from Christchurch, now a four piece, are main support. I have only seen them once before, at the recent HRH AOR in Prestatyn. On that occasion, I wasn’t really giving them my full attention, for some reason or other. So I am concentrating tonight, no interruptions. The set comprises of tracks from the new album ‘Saints Of Sin’ starting with ‘The Big Bad Wolf’ a melodic rock anthem, with robust vocals from Rui Brito. ‘Alive’ has the most wondrous chorus and just sweeps along beautifully. ‘We’re On Fire’ and ‘Cryin Eyes’ have great harmonies, which is a big part of Saints Of Sin’s appeal. The power ridden ‘Heart Attack’ introduces us to more from guitarist Marcus Sparxx Jenkins, who pulls out some impressive solos throughout. After ‘The Living Dead’ with its deeper cuts and more strident guitar, they end on the older ’21 Shots’ which stars Rui again. His amazing voice is backed by simple strumming, then the song builds and escalates into a more aggressive attack. A fantastic finish and a polished performance, loved it.
The LOST ANGELS are made up of 4 guys who you might struggle to recognise, but believe me when I say you have probably seen them individually, playing in your favourite bands over the years. Let me introduce them, Ryan Roxie on guitar currently with Alice Cooper. Bassist is E J Curse who has played with Gilby Clarke and Silent Rage. On drums Troy Patrick Farrell, who has been with White Lion, Pretty Boy Floyd, Poisons C C Deville and the late Jani Lane of Warrant and is currently with Gilby Clarke. Vocalist and guitarist Eric Dover was with Jellyfish, Slash’s Snakepit and also Alice Cooper. Yet, despite all the glory, the Lost Angels are down to earth and take it all in their stride, to us it sounds so beguiling, for them it’s only rock and roll.
With so many influences over the years, the band are able to pick and choose from a vast array of songs that have inspired and remained favourites. First up is ‘Action’ all the way from 1975 this ‘Sweet’ classic takes me back to watching TOTP’s ! ‘No More Mr Nice Guy’ and ‘Helter Skelter’ follow and then it’s a chance for Roxie to take the lead on ‘Me Generation’ from his solo career. They are enjoying this so much and the audience appreciate the quality. More Alice Cooper with ‘Man Of The Year’ and ’Tell Me’ a White Lion track. I am in awe with the cover of Badfinger’s ‘No Matter What’ where Dover’s vocals are spellbinding. That’s not the only surprise as they swagger into The Faces’ ’Stay With Me’.
No let up, as we hear ‘Sin City’ and ‘Radar Love’ this is just so cool. They look so comfortable as well, the hats, scarves, worn jeans and makeup , is part and parcel of the lifestyle. So fitting that they finish on ‘California Man’ by the Move, not only stating where they are from, but Roy Wood also lends his name to the bar here at The Robin 2. What a show, I understand this is a fairly new project that Troy has instigated and they are feeling the water a little, with these few dates. So hopefully the feedback is all positive and they will return when they can re-group and are not busy touring with megastars.
I finally get the interviews at midnight !
5/5