Revival Black / Scarlet Rebels / Bad Dog / The Unresolved
The Station Cannock - 17/1/20
Live review by; DeeDee
The first show of The Rising Tour and what better place to start than at The Station in Cannock. Scarlet Rebels and Revival Black are joint headliners for the upcoming dates, support acts will differ on the road, so tonight they are joined by Bad Dog and The Unresolved. Quite a decent crowd in from the off.
THE UNRESOLVED are from Coventry and formed back in 2015. New vocalist Thomas Gould was recruited mid 2019 to join ranks with founder member Darren Bickerton on guitar, who according to the website has been in hundreds of bands, so I won’t list them here! Seriously though one of Darrens' main influences is Jake E Lee. Bassist Nik Lavithi, also in the band from the beginning is a punk lover, the combination of these two, gives us the original sound of The Unresolved. Drummer Adam Gostick completes the line-up.
Embarking with a Jam to warm up the strings is a refreshing way to get the show moving. Soon to follow is ‘Here To Stay’ an easy going rocker from last year, that was released as a single. We listen to Gould, who offers heartfelt vocals, amid some seriously smooth guitar from Bickerton. ‘End Of Time’ was on the 2016 EP ‘Blackened Skies’ it has another dose of fine 6 stringing. ‘Burning World’ features a delightful bass intro and ‘Escape Reality’ a song about turning to drink, are probably the best performed songs of the set. Goulds' voice seems to adhere on these two, as the tones are lower and the tempo pulls up a little. The latest single is ’Snake Eyes Of Lady Luck’ which has more amazing guitar. Don’t let this band escape your attention; they are playing a few more shows in the near future, so check them out.
For more on The Unresolved check the website www.the-unresolved.com
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BAD DOG is another band that has so far eluded me. Coming from the Isle Of Anglesey, these 4 are on a mission to travel further this year in order to gain more fans and credibility along the way. Well, it’s a good start here in The Station, there’s always an appreciative crowd. Martin John Byast on vocals and guitar is a natural front-man, he can work an audience no problem, he’s full of good humour and interacts confidently with us. When we laugh at his attempt to pronounce ‘Cannock’ with his Welsh tongue twisted, it’s a sure sign Bad Dog are not afraid to take chances. I am so impressed with the choice of guitars from Oli Owen, classy looking and he plays with so much style.
The Self titled EP, that was released last year, contains 4 of the best, ‘Dead Mans Shoes’, ‘Hot Stuff’, ‘Jupiter’ and ‘Primal Scream’, it’s a little gem and I guarantee it will give you a lasting taste of Bad Dog. Strong, original rock and roll, plain and simple, a recipe that never fails. Look out for them in 2020, they are at HRH AOR in March and back at The Station on May 9th for the ‘Turn It Up’ festival.
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SCARLET REBELS another Welsh outfit, are main support tonight. (I believe they will alternate with Revival Black to headline on this tour). Always a pleasure to watch these guys, there is so much feeling in their songs, I find them captivating. I am not alone, as Scarlet Rebels are always short listed for awards and almost always end up winning. Last years debut album ’Show Your Colours’ even came in the top 100 on the iTunes charts.
Naturally we are graced with plenty off the aforementioned album, ‘Heads In The Ground’ with its’ sleazy hook and Wayne Doyles’ clear as crystal vocals, is a rousing beginner. ‘Part Of Me’ has that Southern Rock simplicity; it just saunters along with more poignant lyrics. We go back to the ‘Void’ (the bands previous name) days, for ‘Let Me In’ but no Scarlet Rebels show would be complete without it, it’s the one where we all help with the backing vocals. The band are on fine form tonight, Chris Jones and Josh Townsend the guitar duo, are note perfect and there are some stunning solos. Drummer Gary Doyle with bass player Pricey hold their own with the rhythm all the way, you can’t fault them. ‘No One Else To Blame’ lets Wayne have a chance to shine, smooth vocals with an almost velvety texture. ‘Heal’ is undoubtedly a masterpiece, how can a song be so beautiful? Soft and tender, a ballad to surpass all ballads, more like a lullaby really. When it does break, it does so with so much passion, it’s a sheer joy to hear it live. Finishing on a high with ‘You Take My Breath Away’ we are left in awe, as usual.
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REVIVAL BLACK headline tonight, the reincarnation is complete with Dan Byrne taking up the mic. Strong bass from Jamie Hayward on ‘So Alive’ is soon complemented with the added guitars and Dans' high voice. Even Ash on sticks, can be picked out hitting his kit with precision. Great start and it continues with ‘Hold Me Down’ which is more of a groove and ‘Give You The World’ which has the most coolest of finger picking guitar from Alan Rimmer, in fact Mr Rimmer must be one of the coolest guitarists of his generation. Of course most of the numbers are from ’Step In Line’, their debut album and ‘Midnight Oil’ is one that does stand out, totally erotic, dirty blues, one that a number of bands would have loved to have penned. A cover of Deep Purples ‘Burn’ is more Hughes than Coverdale but retains the feel. ‘No Secrets, No Lies’ is a return to the album tracks, Dan may be new to the band, but he is already quite a charmer, The Station audience are putty in his hands, we clap and sing whenever he signals us to. The title song ’Step In Line’ is another that’s full to the brim with clever guitar from Rimmer and Adam Kerbache, with the additional punch of a background riff. Finishing on the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic ‘Fortunate Son’ brings the house down, you nailed it guys. Previously called ‘Black Cat Bones’ this Liverpool band are on a new path and from what we witnessed tonight, it can only be upwards.
Plenty of chances to see Revival Black on the road this year, check out socials for more details.
Excellent start to The Rising Tour, there are loads of dates around the country in the next three months, so no excuse to miss this incredible experience.
Thanks to TMR Management, KOL Promotions, WDFD records, Shaun, Toby, Keith and Pete.
5/5
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