A horribly cold night in Manchester meant the
thought of travelling to a gig was not top of my list or desirable things to do.
However, when you have a bill stacked with three of the finest up and coming
rock bands, there's no better way to get rid of the chill.
Welsh native, Buffalo Summer opened the night with a tight set that was loose and oozed groove. The standout moment was when the band showcased one of the lead tracks from their self titled album from 2013. The band really do know how to push peoples buttons live with their energetic performance being played out before a crowd wanting to see every band on the bill.
Welsh native, Buffalo Summer opened the night with a tight set that was loose and oozed groove. The standout moment was when the band showcased one of the lead tracks from their self titled album from 2013. The band really do know how to push peoples buttons live with their energetic performance being played out before a crowd wanting to see every band on the bill.
Throughout the tour, Scorpion Child and Monster
Truck have traded closing duties; tonight it was the turn of Scorpion Child, so
Monster Truck followed Buffalo Summer. Both bands carry many of the same traits
musically. The classic rock feel of the songs clearly show that this is not
just a 60/70’s throwback. Inevitably, the rotating cycle of style has found
many bands of this ilk ‘must see’ when they hit the road. Tonight’s sold out
show is a clear indicator of this.
Monster Truck’s use of organ in their songs sees
the Deep Purple references hard to dodge. The gravelly tones of lead vocalist
Jon Harvey sound excellent. With this grit being ably backed by a band that
plays tighter than a nut, the band sounded absolutely tremendous, albeit sound
checking as they went along! The crowd lapped up every moment of the Canadians’
set and were more than happy to sing along with the big choruses that the band
supplied.
Scorpion Child took to the stage with the
Roadhouse completely packed. Room to manoeuvre was at a premium. As previously
mentioned, the motifs were very similar to that of the bands already showcased.
One of the things that struck me with Scorpion Child was their ability to shift
tempos quickly and seamlessly. The chorus of Polygon of Eyes moved from epic,
arms aloft chorus to fast paced, ballsy rock in the blink of an eye. The
soloing from the guitarists was clinical throughout the set, and the energy
made sure that the gathered masses were treated to a stunning set, and capped a
stunning night. Rock and roll is very much alive.
Words
by :
Dominic Walsh
