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!
If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog. You can also follow us on Instagram, Bluesky, and Linkedin.
Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch via EMail.
With Just A Hint Of Mayhem 