Arts Club / 2.11.2016
Before I begin, I must clear up that this review is going to be wholly positive as I’m talking about 3 bands who I absolutely love and a 4th that I did very much enjoy.
As Liverpool Music Week announce its huge array of shows running from October 26th to November 4th, I couldn’t help but get excited at this one. 3 of the best bands in Liverpool, joined by one of the most exciting new touring bands in the country on one of my favourite raised stages.
Kicking the night off in a chaotic fashion that is becoming a real character trait for the band. They endearingly fumbled through several of their well-written and meaningful punk tracks before taking a break to figure out how the guitar they had been mistreating had broken. It was all good fun and their drummer managed to hold things together with a selection of elevator rhythms. Queen Zee got things back on their rickety track with a cover of Electric Six’ Gay Bar, a track or two more and were out. Now don’t get me wrong, I am in no way criticising the chaos, I’m all about it. We need bands like this, it’s refreshing, it’s pure, it’s raw. Queen Zee & The Sasstones mix all those qualities together and with their great songs, genuine anger and rebellious spirit we have a really exciting band on our hands.
Next up was the powerful 5 piece, Indigo Moon. By powerful I mean, powerful drum beats, powerful riffs, powerful rhythm, powerful keys and mega powerful vocals. All of these slick individual components that Indigo Moon boast give them an overbearing sound that you can feel. It hit your face, but not in a way that would hurt, kinda like a hit from an ergonomic pillow, soft but you definitely know you’ve been hit. I call it the psychedelic shovel to the face. As hair flies everywhere, you know this band look the part too. Looking and sounding the part are boxes firmly ticked for this band, as they have great songs too. The one last thing I’d like to see from this band is a bit of solid, confident crowd interaction, for me that would cap off a brilliant, energetic live set.
Thirdly, as the room really starts to fill up, Elevant take the stage. The 3-piece gallivanting-rock unit really meant business with this set. Whether it was the occasion or the sudden swelling of the audience but they seemed to hit a rich vein of confidence and form. They nailed every song, they put on a loud and energetic performance, they interacted well with the crowd and as a unit. This was probably the best of many shows I have seen Elevant put on. At points front man Michael gets carried away but I am certainly not gonna discourage that, in fact I enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy seeing people enjoy themselves then maybe you have your own issues.
Finally, Brightons Abattoir Blues hit the stage, unfortunately though a lot of people, at this point, hit the road. The room was now almost empty and it seemed to have an effect on the bands front man who could only bring himself to mumble into the mic between a couple of songs. Nevertheless, I always say it’s about the people who are there, not the people who aren’t. Abattoir Blues certainly have a coherent and crisp sound, they nail their alt-rock vibes consistently for half an hour. I enjoyed them so much that I stuck around to buy a 7” vinyl. I can see how their look and sound would have got them to the touring position that they are but they seriously need to bag some on stage personality if they want to get themselves a few rungs higher. Still though, sound wise a band I will be following from now on.
I had a great night and it is kudos to the LMW for putting together another great line up of bands. They clearly are very considered in how they have put this festival together. GREAT JOB!
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Reviewer Profile
Krystian Hudson is one half of YB!HQ. He is co-founder of Yeah Buddy! and the proud owner of a Nescafe Dolce Gusto coffee machine that (potentially) cost over £50.
Front man of defunct unsigned acts Anodes and Dirty Vagrants. Krystian writes from time to time but spends most of his time helping to make Yeah Buddy! awesome.
He is a support worker by trade but moonlights in promoting unsigned bands via Yeah Buddy! online, live and co-promoting Liverpool Calling festival.