With Just A Hint Of Mayhem

Music reviews, gig reviews, fun trivia and extra added random stuff!

Dead Space Chamber Music – Fulford Arms – Monday 17th November 2025 November 26, 2025

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 3:30 pm
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While I love seeing bands that I know and love again and again I equally love seeing artists that I have never seen before. This show at the fabulous Fulford Arms had three bands that I had never seen before. First up it was Eldermother who are a wonderful combination of harp, cello and dark heavenly ethereal vocals. They opened with a haunting, mesmerising cover of Radiohead’s “Street Spirit (Fade Out)”. Their original songs chase perfection and in most cases achieve it. Particularly “Water Wings” which apparently comes from a defunct Folk/ Black Metal project. I certainly hope that project is “refunct” <sic> one day! The working of a WB Yeats poem to music was magnificent. There was another simply spine-tingling cover. If you thought that the Johnny Cash version of the Nine Inch Nails classic “Hurt” was emotional then think again. The cover of “Hurt” by Eldermother brought me to my knees as it ripped at my heart, absolutely stunning.

Luna Cult Club took to the stage next. I feel that if Bjork was to die, and I hope she doesn’t, she would come back and haunt us in a most wondrous way through the music of Luna Cult Club. If the early Human League had been possessed by the screaming souls of every woman killed at the Witch Trials of the 1600’s then “Being Boiled” would have sounded more like Luna Cult Club than Mr. Oakey and pals. Luna Cult Club are Stygian dark goth electro in both appearance and sound. This is formed from both skill levels and musical prowess. The veiled shadowy look of the two female singers was eerie and hypnotic. Meanwhile the synth, keyboard musical maestro reminded me very much of a young Brian Eno.

Finally it was time for Dead Space Chamber Music. They are described as “a gothic / experimental / doom group. They reinterpret historical material, taking forms and melodies that are hundreds of years old and shape-shifting them into new and varied contemporary works. Incorporating improvisation and use of ‘found sounds’, and with vocals spanning medieval Middle English, Latin and Welsh, they blend elements of dark ambient, post-industrial, avant-classical, sacred chant and dark-folk in their powerful and atmospheric music.” It is impossible to disagree with that summary. On stage they convey a delightfully wonderful weirdness and I can honestly say that I don’t believe that I have ever heard anything quite like the sounds that they produce and let’s face it I have been on the planet for fucking years! If someone ever wants to do a decent remake of British folk horror classic ‘The Wicker Man’ (not like that atrocious Nicholas Cage remake) then Dead Space Chamber Music should be given a free reign to write and record the soundtrack. This band give you deep, dark, and we are talking very dark, folk with gothic incantations and post witchcraft incantations. If Stevie Nicks took a full gothic turn after appearing in ‘American Horror Story’ she might have ridden this kind of supernaturally driven soundwave. The use of a bow on the cymbals gave some very different percussive tones (and in Jimmy Page style), as did the dropping of small pebbles (well at least I think that is what it was) onto a metal tray. I also felt that from a voice perspective and in some of the songs they sounded like a reincarnated Jefferson Airplane but with a 21st Century vibe. In my dreams I forsee a Dead Space Chamber Music collaboration with Yoko Ono. Can anyone make that happen? I would definitely see Dead Space Chamber Music again. You need to check them out!

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The WJAHOM Interview Podcast – Strip November 16, 2025

Filed under: Interview,Podcast — justwilliam1959 @ 10:19 pm
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Join us for an interview with one of York’s best upcoming bands, Strip. Just a few weeks ago they were finalists in the Fulford Arms Battle of the Bands. Take a listen to hear how they came to be and what comes next for Strip and so much more. There is a bit of background noise, because we were in the delightful Golden Ball Pub in York! Just click here to take a listen!

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Vagabond Fulford – Arms, York – Wednesday 8th October 2025 October 18, 2025

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 9:21 pm
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York band Vagabond invited me to review their recent gig at the Fulford Arms after I reviewed their support slot for Asylum at this same venue back in December. Back then I said this about them “This band has great potential and my advice is ditch the Oasis cover and get some more original songs.” They promised not to do an Oasis cover, did they keep that promise? Read on and find out! The show was presented by Warren Records of Hull.

First up it was Culture Clash from Hull. They were raucous, loud and frankly fucking ace. They are in possession of some great riffs and excellent songs, some of those reminded me of early Manic Street Preachers. But they weren’t just full speed punks, they had 99% of the crowd sitting on the floor for a delightful slow number. To be fair at that point the punters probably needed a rest after some monumentally mental moshing. Kai from the band also makes comics and bought a copy of his latest, Mr. Zombie. It is weird, wonderful and simply bloody good!

The second band on the bill were also from Hull, they are called Sovereigns. They emanated a real 70s prog rock vibe early in their set. Then they moved onto some rather special pop rock songs which simply made you want to dance, especially their current single “Do You Wanna”.

Vagabond were clearly fired up for this headline show, they exploded into a fiery set . They were rambunctious, brash, roaring, strident and were clearly having fun. They displayed a degree of arrogance, which frankly stems from them being absolutely on the button and on fire. They played a set of their own songs and clearly they are growing into a great band. At times I even sensed some shades of Motorhead style thrash. They appear to draw inspiration from bands like the Sex Pistols, Blink 182 and early Clash. I am also pleased to say that they kept their promise and didn’t even go near Oasis, and nor did they need to. They won Jorvik Radio’s Battle of the Bands earlier this year. Vagabond are most definitely a band to watch and they could be huge in 2026. You heard it here first, possibly!

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Jamnesty – Fulford Arms, York Friday 11th July 2025 July 13, 2025

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 11:22 am
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On a baking hot July evening, the Fulford Arms in York was lit up with an electric mix of energy, activism, and genre-hopping joy for this year’s Jamnesty gig, a fundraiser in support of Amnesty International. (If you would like to donate, just click here) The lineup was packed with local talent and rising stars, each bringing something distinctive to the stage, a fiery combination that nearly blew the roof off. It was also great to see so many staff and students from Huntington School on the night and on the stage!

The evening opened with El & Ewan, a duo whose stripped-back acoustic set delivered a punch of raw honesty. Armed only with guitar and their voices they gave us a delightful set of gorgeously performed, mostly, sad songs. They both seemed a little nervous, but that didn’t stop them from playing a simply gorgeous cover of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know”.

Next up, the Sparrows took the stage with a richer, bluesy, dirty garage rock sound. There were covers from the 60s to the 90s from artists that included the Stone Roses, Johnny Cash, Oasis (sadly), James and the Beatles. “Sit Down” was a mega hit with the crowd as they swayed, then stomped, then whooped. A huge shout out to the drummer who was, frankly, phenomenal! A great set from a fresh band.

The tone shifted both dramatically and delightfully with The Fruity Pebbles, who brought neon energy and a funk-pop vibe that was danceable and addictive. They had the room bouncing from their first song. Beneath their wonderfully playful façade was tight musicianship and a band that clearly seemed to have rehearsed well. Their take on Abba’s “Voulez Vous” poured funk into an already funky tune and the emotion was off the scale as they closed with a powerful take on Robbie Williams’ “Angels”.

Next it was a chance for deep groove to meet grit as the Apocalypse Disco lived up to their name. This was a fusion of funk, disco, and dystopian theatrics. Think Giorgio Moroder meets Nine Inch Nails in a synthy warehouse rave, or perhaps the Prodigy on speed. Frontman Robin led a hypnotic performance of “Alive” that turned the Fulford Arms into a sweaty dance floor, the ceiling was dripping sweat too. The apocalyptic groove ran deep as the duo showed that they were easily the most danceable protest music of the night. Namaste motherfuckers!

Then came Fendry, whose headline set proved exactly why they’re one of the UK’s most talked-about rap acts right now. He gave the early part of his set to the mightily talented Rashevos (I hope I spelled that correctly).After that Fendry commanded the crowd from his first rhyme to his last cipher. He has confidence, style, skill and just the right level of arrogance. He has the talent to be as big as Skepta or even Eminem. Fendry is a rapper and grime artist originally from York, but now based in Wembley, London. His recent rise has been through the PenGame rap battle circuit and a string of energetic singles, he continues making waves in the underground scene. He is undefeated in several battles, including wins against JM and Domi Dusk. He gave the crowd a bold, beautiful end to a night of music that meant something.

Jamnesty 2025 at the Fully wasn’t just a gig, it was a statement. The Fulford Arms provided the perfect DIY venue vibe, and the acts each channeled the spirit of resistance, rebellion, and release in their own way. Whether it was acoustic melancholy or disco-punk anarchy, the message rang clear: music can, and will, fight back! Our world needs more nights like this, if you fancy organising your own Jamnesty event then click here for more information.

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Sleuth Gang – Fulford Arms, York – Saturday 17th May 2025 May 25, 2025

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 8:02 pm
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I have not reviewed a Sleuth Gang gig until now. Although this was the fourth time I have seen them. I was one of the judges for the Fulford Arms Battle Of The Bands contest last year so saw them in the heat, the semi final and the final. But before I talk of the Gang known as Sleuth let me tell you about the two support acts. First up was Mooseknuckle from Leeds, they play some hard driven metal driven punk and it is so good it would be impossible to ignore even if you were ordered to. The singer prowls around his front of stage mic stand like a caged panther and what a fucking awesome punk rock voice he has. Stu, the guitarist, shows some great guitar god shapes and his riffs are immense. Meanwhile new drummer Elliot knows how to attack the drums with sublime style. This is the first time that I have seen Mooseknuckle, it won’t be the last!

Next up it was Dharma Hounds all the way from Essex. They don’t just wear their social conscience and politics on their sleeves they are clearly impassioned and driven by it. This is a band that this currently shitty world needs. The songs from their current EP are fucking awesome, particularly the title track “Nah”. They play punk like they were born to it, but they can do so much more too. They threw in some great skanking sounds with a cover of the Pioneers 1969 UK number 21 hit “Long Shot Kick De Bucket”. That part reminded of a couple of of punk bands that knew their way around reggae and ska, the Clash and the Members. The singer sings some outstanding punk vocals and in the slower almost spoken moments he sounded like Scroobius Pip. I had never heard of Dharma Hounds before this gig, now I am definitely a fan!

I has been an honour to be a judge at the Fulford Arms Battle of the Bands contest these past few years and in awarding the Judge’s Wildcard to Sleuth Gang after the semi finals there was no doubt that this was the band that blew me and my fellow judges away. As you know they went on to win it last year with a blistering set. Now they are back at the scene of their triumph to headline the Fulford Arms. What are they like? Imagine the Beastie Boys backed by Led Zeppelin with Liam Howlett producing. This was a towering set even by a band who appear to set their own musical standards so high. There were three tracks from their debut EP ‘Initiation’. Of those it was “Pity Party” that had the crowd eating out of the band’s hands. Their cover of the Prodigy’s “Omen” had an electrifying and mesmerising outing. Every song was a highlight, but if I had to pick one that stood out from the rest it would probably be a single that they released in February, “Grit Your Teeth”. If this band does not yet have your attention please tell me why not. You need to rectify this right now. Sleuth Gang will get bigger and better and I reckon they will be around for a very long while. They remain authentic, “for real” and as punk as fuck! Whose gang? SLEUTH GANG!!!!

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Lene Lovich – Fulford Arms, York – Friday 2nd May 2025 May 17, 2025

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 3:41 pm
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The last time I saw Lene Lovich was back in 1979, nearly 46 years ago! Then it was at the Hammersmith Palais. This time it is in one of my adopted cities finest venues, the Fulford Arms. Before I tell you about her York show I need to tell you about the two support acts. First on stage was the Insect. Imagine, if you will, the Sisters Of Mercy spliced with a pre-mega fame Adam and the Ants and crossed with a happily angry and definitely not oh so quiet Bjork. Their sound is a brilliant fusion of glam and goth, This was not just about the music this was also a gloriously full on performance. The singer somehow reminded me of Fulford stalwart and kingpin Chris Tuke, I wonder why? 😉

Next up was the much touted and hyped the Gospel. They sound like Birthday Party period Nick Cave working with Bryan ferry and being produced by the ghost of Jim Steinman. The sound comes across as a percussive rock opera for the 21st century. Initially, while their songs are very good and superbly executed I felt they all sounded a little bit samey. I also felt that the drums were a little too loud in the mix. However from the point they played an incredible goth gospel style cover of Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” they exploded into another universe. Did I not hear the early part of the set properly? The slightly slower pace of the song that followed the Madge cover was eerie, predominantly driven by the ‘Psycho’ shower scene style string sound. This song also had a wonderful female vocal with ethereal soulful fragility. They closed with a cover of Cockney Rebel’s “Tumbling Down” which was breathtakingly good. I think I need to listen to more of the Gospel.

Finally it was time for Lene Lovich. She wore a dark gothic style black veil as she was escorted to the stage through the fired up punters. It might be a very long while since I last saw her play live but she still has the knack of making her set of glorious songs exciting. There was not a duff song on display. Whilst many in the crowd went apeshit for huge 1979 smash “Lucky Number” the highlights for me were “Blue Hotel”, “Monkey Talk” and “Angels”. Although the hairs on the back of my neck were raised when the spectacular “Supernature” was played. I feel that Lene has always possessed a great sense of her immense talent and who she is without any sense of arrogance. She doesn’t just dare to be different she has, to paraphrase David Bowie and “turned to face the strange” and making otherness her home. At times you could imagine that Lene was in fact a Sally Bowles for these times with nods toward a 1930s Gin Palace. She seemed to be enjoying herself immensely too. I do not intend to wait so long before I witness Lene Lovich again! There are still a few dates left on this tour, if you can still get a ticket the do it!

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Ruth Lyon – Fulford Arms, York – Friday 28th March 2025 April 4, 2025

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 10:18 pm
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Do you remember that wonderful band Holy Moly and the Crackers? You do? Well the band are no more but front woman Ruth Lyon has now embarked on a solo career. I was lucky enough to catch her live at the fabulous Fulford Arms in York last week. But before I tell you about Ruth and her band I need to clue you in on the rather splendid support artist, Sara Wolff. She is a very talented Norwegian troubadour. She writes and sings sublime, sad (mostly), story songs. I could chill to her gorgeous sounds with a late night cold wine or on a sunny day with a pint or two. You need to check her out.

Ruth Lyon throws her wonderful vocals over the sublime sounds created by a band that perform with the skill and panache of a 21st Century Blockheads. Their musical vibes are soulful, jazzy and gloriously gorgeous. Ruth’s voice has the clarity of crystal glass tapped with metal and sounds like it communicates with just you as it entices you into her world which I reckon is almost certainly a better world than this one. A lot of the tracks played in this show will be included on her debut solo album which is scheduled for a June release. “Books” which is a tale of book hoarding which many of us can relate to is wonderful. “Wicker Man” is stunning and Ruth set some homework by asking us all to watch the “Wicker Man” video. I did and I love it! “Flood” is magnificent and I love the main lyrical hook “all I am is a bag of bones”. That line also features on the Ruth Lyon tote bag on the merch table. The new single is “Perfect” and frankly it is.

The emotion in Ruth’s songs and her voice is palpable and almost sentient. “Hill” sums that feeling up perfectly and as the lady herself said that the song is for anyone who has ever had their heart broken. So that is all of us, right? Ruth’s banter with her audience was delightfully entertaining. She said that she challenged herself to include words in songs that are hardly seen, or never seen, in lyrics. Hence Encyclopaedia in “Books” and Car Boot Sale in “Dust”. Her new album will be mega, so get listening to some Ruth Lyon NOW!

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Asylum – Fulford Arms, York – Wednesday 26th February 2025 March 4, 2025

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 8:58 pm
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The volume of gigs so far for 2025 is simmering nicely. This was a bill with three bands and only one, the headliners Asylum, that I have seen before. First on stage were Rejected Reality a classic power trio playing punky power pop seething with emotion. The band were tight and played off each other really well. A huge shout out to the drummer who smashed it like a boss! The vocalist has a great range of emotions that fit like a glove with the bands ace original songs. Their Billie Eilish cover was brave, bombastic and brilliant. I am not sure which alternate reality rejected this band but in my opinion they are more than welcome in this reality!

All photos of Rejected Reality by Mia Scudds: @mfshots

Drop Dead McPhee were up next. They are another trio with some real rock finesse. They reminded me occasionally of Nick Lowe, particularly from the Brinsley Schwarz days. They also offered some fine slices of later period Fleetwood Mac in some songs, particularly the Mick Fleetwoodesque drumming. Their vocals and harmonies were divine. All three of them seemed to be having a great time on stage and that, for me, always adds an extra level to some already great songs. I don’t believe that any of them are called McPhee but I am also confident that they are all very much alive! Drop Dead McPhee are definitely a band to watch out for. They will appear in these pages again very soon!

All photos of Drop Dead McPhee by Mia Scudds: @mfshots

I last saw the headliners, Asylum back in December last year and they were good then. They are even better now. This was another absolute banging, funky, heavy and fun set from the band. Like the earlier bands Asylum seemed to be having a great time. If ever a band was able to easily defy being dropped into a genre box then Asylum do that really well. “Trombone Alone” has a jazz element thanks to said trombone. Meanwhile “Move Along Down The Line” is a controlled and chaotic punky classic. At times they sound like the Kinks in their full 60s pomp. Then you can hear a Clash influence in “It’s All An Illusion”. The new song continues in a Clash vein evidenced by some thundering Paul Simenon style bass playing and even more added trombone. The crowd were completely enthralled by Asylum. This is the only Asylum you need in your life and with them there is no need to wear a strait jacket or live in a padded cell, unless that kind of thing floats your boat! Get some Asylum in your life now!

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Catch! – Fulford Arms, York – Monday 24th February 2025

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 6:56 pm
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I try to never pass up the chance to see a band or artist that I have never seen before, so this was an easy choice. There were four bands on the bill, none of which I had seen before. This was another gig put together by the delightful human known as Simon P for Northern Radar. I have been going to Northern Radar gigs for many years now and Mr. P has never let me down with the bands and singers he puts on. Did that change with this gig? Read on to find out!

The first to take the stage was the Expression, vocally they made me think of Lene Lovich and Siouxse Sioux to name just two. The band were as tight as hell with a dark post punk feel to their sound. Their original songs were good and show a potential for greatness with perhaps a little more work. The cover of the Stone Roses “I Wanna Be Adored” was superb, but the Mazzy Star cover was an absolutely sublime highlight. They closed their set and nailed their grunge credentials to the wall with an immense cover of Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box”. This was a great set to kick the night off.

Next up it was the Fruity Pebbles, a band largely born from the remnants of some Huntington School 6th Form bands from recent years. A truly eclectic range of covers which ranged from Abba to Chappell Roan via Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse and others. Their original tune “Smooth” is a neat, summery, jazzy pop song which is likely to get better and better the more they play it. They showed their chops as a great band, once again very tight. But it was the brass section that showed themselves to be tighter than the proverbial duck’s arse. Front man Oscar, who wasn’t meant to be fronting this set, is a true trouper and a born performer. If he is not working in music or entertainment in the future then frankly the world is fucked! The Fruity Pebbles know how to party and they party hard!

Strip were next and they are full of effervescent pop punk energy. While their originals were good their covers were truly stunning, especially the bombastic opener, a fiery run through of Green Day’s “American Idiot”. Who knew that song would still be so relevant now, some twenty years later. Strip delivered perhaps the best mosh fest of the night. This lot are fucking good indeed!

Finally it was the turn of Catch! to hit the stage. They are a York Uni band that are talented purveyors of melodic pop rock with an undercurrent of prog in some songs. They have an additional vein of classic 90s bands like Republica and Elastica running through a number of their songs too. Overall they have a wealth of close to awesome songs in their cannon. Sadly by the time Catch! arrived on stage the crowd had shrunk a little. Why do so many people up and leave after “their” band has played? But who cares, Catch! truly captivated everyone who chose to stay. The vocals were perfect as was the more than tidy rhythm section. A special mention to the lead guitarist who never dropped below stunning with his magnificent arsenal of riffs and solos. Party driven fun made the moshing last a long while and the A Simple Plan cover was anthemic and delightful. Apologies in advance for the bad Dad joke/ pun, but you really need to catch Catch! soon! Click here to check out their latest EP on Spotify.

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GOO – Fulford Arms York – Saturday 8th February 2025 February 23, 2025

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 9:15 pm
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I am more than two weeks late with this post, humble apologies to everyone who played. But I am old school and write my notes in a paper notebook. Said notebook was misplaced, but now I have found it! This was to be the first time I had seen GOO and who would turn down the chance to see a band with such a great name? Certainly not me. But before I tell you about GOO, let me tell you about the first support band. They are a classy four piece band called Juku which according to my limited knowledge is a Japanese word meaning a school offering intensive education outside normal school hours. Juku are the new band formed by Dan and Naomi who are the duo that made the Snakerattlers such a great musical force. This is quite a change of direction for the Snakerattlers pair and they have created an immense new sound. I found them reminiscent of some of the finest 90s female fronted bands such as Lush and Elastica. I had to agree with Mr. Tuke on that point. Whilst they reminded me of those great 90s bands Juku have a much harder, punkier edge to them. I guess that the lack of interaction with the audience was deliberate, after all their socials are clear in their REJECT FAME message. It certainly added some mystique to a band that is hard, dark, deep and frankly simply fucking awesome! Such a great set despite Naomi suffering from a cold!

While the poster shows GOO as headliners they played second rather than last. This is done as a means of keeping punters in the venue when a band that is new to York plays at the Fully. What, sadly, often happens is that people come to see “their” band and then fuck off somewhere else and miss the headliners. Personally that kind of behaviour pisses me off, but hey if that’s what people want to do then fuck ’em! Keighley band GOO have endless, boundless energy and a bag, that might be deeper than Mary Poppins’ bottomless carpet bag, loaded with great songs. If you put Bis, Garbage and the Eels (when Mark Everett is in a happy mood) into a huge melting pot and then add some 21st century Beach Boy style harmonies then GOO would be the result if the pot was simmered over a light pop punk heat for an hour. The band were clearly having fun and smiling became infectious while listening to them. Later in their set they showed their versatility with a shift to a majestic post punk sound that evoked the sound of early and very raw Blondie. The lead guitarist has a latent talent for adding a gorgeous vein of classic rock vibes to the band’s sound. “Call In Sick” is wonderfully warped, weird and wacky with a chorus that I am still singing in my head two weeks after the gig!

Suspicious Liquid closed the show. They are a very talented York Uni band with an incredible guitarist in Danny Durie and vocalist Vanessa Toyn’s voice is spot on. Her singing made me think of what might happen if you spliced the voice of Siouxse Sioux and Dolly Parton and sent them in a psych punk direction. The vocal washed across the venue in a proggy, punky heavenly projection. Their cover of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” was operatic and outstanding. Suspicious Liquid are often epic, cinematic , anthemic and at times mesmerising. I have one small criticism, on some of the earlier songs Stephen seemed to be playing a different tune. I am not sure whether that was a sound issue or not. The highlight for me was their amazing cover of Frank Zappa’s “Muffin Man”. I had heard them play this at last years Battle Of The Bands contest at this venue. Covering Zappa takes skill and guts and oh boy did they pull it off with this take of one of my favourite Zappa tunes. Their closing song (which might have been called “Shadow Boxing”) was spilling over with finely balanced emotion and had the whole band on their best form of the night. I felt that this was a set that began without a great spark, but they warmed up and by the end they had lit their own musical Olympic torch!

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