Month: November 2018

Sigrid

Sigrid and Oli Fox – Sunday 4th November 2018

Posted on by Music Fan

For the second day running I’m off to a gig however this time my partner is coming and it’s time to change both the tempo and music as we’re off to see Sigrid kick off her latest UK tour.

Having moved last year, we’ve found it difficult to get to London and back, so we’ve decided to try Birmingham as a location for gigs. I last went to Birmingham on a Tuesday and was able to get a train home but not this time. For some reason the last train home was at 21:30, yes that’s right about 30 minutes after Sigrid would be on stage. Is it any wonder that people drive rather than use public transport? So, my partner booked us a parking space in the car park next to the venue and we set off earlier enough to get pre-gig food.

Arriving and parking up was straight forward and as we left the car park we noticed about 20 people in the queue about 2 hours before the doors opened. Being a Sunday and the fact that trains were almost non-existent meant some of the food stalls above New Street Station were closing. With limited choice available we opted for the staple Portuguese chicken emporium for a sharing platter. It was quite full, and people were starting to queue outside so eventually they opened the upstairs bit.

After this we returned to the O2 and the queue had grown to be very long. I’d joked that we may well be the oldest people there and judging by those around us I was probably right. I also thought that it would be mainly young women and was right about that too but there were a few couples and a bit creepily some middle-aged men but then Lissie also attracts that demographic too.

Eventually the queue started moving and we arrived at the doors. The women got their bags searched whilst the men got frisked!! Would I have had both done if I’d had a bag? Now there’s an interesting question. Once inside we head to the facilities and meet back at the mixing desk. The stage is lit in blue and is already blanketed by an almost impenetrable wall of smoke. That’s a bit weird I thought. Drinks in hand I notice it’s a lot easier to get served, not many over 18’s perhaps!! Whilst we wait for the first act we spot a couple older than us, Yeah, we’re not the oldest 😊 Although I suspect it does little to raise the average age above 20.

As I laugh I’d come with my comfort blanket, dressed in my newest Lamb of God t-shirt, the one adorned by the “Weeping Angel” and I certainly get some odd looks and although I do get a single nod of appreciation from one chap most people look away quickly 😊😊

Oli Fox

First up is Oli Fox who is late. We’d speculated that he’d be a lone singer/guitarist because stage hand had placed guitar picks on the microphone stand, but no on he comes with drummer and keyboard player minus guitar. He’s young, early 20’s, and performed with the same lack of confidence and self-belief as Rahul in The Great British Bake Off which is interesting as he’s up there performing for a very large crowd. If you’ve made it this far then have some confidence that things are on the up as there’s 100’s of other people out there wishing they were there instead. Musically I thought it a bit wishy-washy at times, his voice was OK but when he goes for the really high notes it falters into that whiney sound that can happen when you overstretch. I like a good strong vocal performance and when it’s pared back as Oli’s here then the vocals really must shine, they have to be the instrument and that strong vocal performance comes with confidence so we’re back to his constant “hope you’re enjoying it/like this one” type of comments. A guitar gets produced and it’s possible it’s this, or the next, track that made me stop and really listen. The musical quality is much better, there’s some bass in the beat, the drums are vibrant, and Oli’s voice is much steadier, stronger and has a more mature quality to it. With this song, I think may have been called “The Worrying”, his performance is much more assured as though he believes what he’s singing, it’s punchier, the vocal range is less and the style suits him a lot more. I enjoyed that one alone however I do find that the music moguls will go for whatever is the latest selling point rather than finding the strengths of the performer and shaping their career in that direction. If Oli can come back with more of that one song then I’ll be happy to listen again, but I suspect management will think differently.

My Review Score – 5

At the interval I’m actually sweating and feeling the oxygen levels dropping with the smog from the stage getting thicker when at last I feel a draft as someone found the switch to turn the aircon on! I make my way to the bar for one of those 2-pinters the O2 venue’s sell although I don’t need to because the queues are short. However, we’ve got a good position and we want to remain there. Looking around I see that the place has filled more and there’s people there for whom the school desk may be a welcome headrest tomorrow 😊 My t-shirt has drawn a few more stares and a few mutterings, I’d hope the same would not be true if someone wore a Sigrid t-shirt to a metal gig. Music is music people just played differently and I bet there’s a fair few here that belt out Sigrid on full volume.

Sigrid

To be honest and fair I’d heard Sigrid when she was part of BBC Sounds of 2018 and, from the selection available, deservedly the winner so I knew what to expect. The lights dim, and the backing band come on stage dressed in black, at least I’m not the only one now! As soon as Sigrid bounds onto the stage the cheers and screaming begins so in go the earphones. My partner comments on this and I explain I can take 100+Db when the predominant noise is at the lower frequency but the high frequency screams of younger people at 100+Db hurts my ears 😊 Sigrid is more brightly dressed in white t-shirt, jeans and flowing green jacket and bursts straight into “Sucker Punch”. We strain to get a view as most people do because, despite the raised stage, Sigrid is petite, and we only get glimpses as she bounces into view. Yet despite her size her voice is big, as big as any established rock/pop star and can even reach the lofty heights of operatic quality.

Throughout her set Sigrid appears completely happy, she smiles even during those songs she describes as “sad” and whilst during those songs her dancing is subdued she’s still bouncing her way round the stage. In fact, it’s the kind of dancing I can relate to, slightly jerky with a wobbly quality 😊 but it’s her voice that’s captivating with a large vocal range as she effortlessly reaches the heights that Oli tried before.

The show is minimal, almost basic, in the staging and lighting which compliments her style and music very well, yet I wish they’d turn off the smoke as it’s still very hazy. Sigrid appears to be the girl next door who has wandered onto the stage by mistake but there’s no mistaking he musical ability.

The crowd love her and join in enthusiastically, sometime too enthusiastically, with the singing and dancing. Unfortunately, despite standing still, I’m now behind two young women who are part of this enthusiasm and one keeps bumping into me and seems to time this when I’m trying to have a drink! Oh, and she’s got long hair which I get a taste of at one point but fair enough that happens at the metal gigs too 😊

Sigrid is rattling through the songs as most are of the short electronica pop variety with catchy hooks and a lightness matching the way she moves over the stage. Things get a tad more serious when she kicks off “Fake Friends” which may well be about bad influencers in your peer group which many of the younger ones in the crowd seem to relate to as they join in the “might as well shut down” part of the chorus passionately. This is followed by a slower one that stops the crowd, “Savage In Our Blood”, that’s pared right back to basic keyboard with just Sigrid and a backing singer harmonising in a spine-tingling kind of way because despite her infectious joy this one is tinged with sadness and a sense of loss. She ends her set with the song that made her name and gave her loads of mainstream attention “Don’t Kill My Vibe”. That really kicked it off with the pop equivalent of a mosh pit everyone swaying their bodies around.

As she leaves the youngsters are screaming her name calling for more which she duly obliges with a 3-song encore. However slightly worryingly is her voice having a wobble and got a bit croaky and this is only day 1 of the tour. Personally, I blame the smog inside the O2 which was probably quite drying on the vocal chords and hope it’s not from overuse.

Sigrid’s performance was powerful in both delivery of lyrics and vocal quality (wobble aside) and whilst most of her lyrics relate to more youthful themes they are also uplifting for us oldies who have been there and already have the scars. Most of the time the music is like a spring day bursting with fruitfulness and potential and that she delivers it with self-effacing charm only helps.

My Review Score – 8.5

Slayer

Slayer, Lamb of God, Anthrax and Obituary – Saturday 3rd November 2018

Posted on by Music Fan

The day after this gig I ached all over, not from the ravages of surviving the mosh pit but from the sheer ferocity of the music and force of nature the bands brought to the SSE Wembley.

The evening started with a train journey to Wembley Stadium which is next to the SSE, what used to be called Wembley Arena. The area has changed a lot since the last time I was here, with many new high-rise blocks being built. First stop was somewhere to eat and the shopping area next to the arena has plenty to choose from. I selected a pizza place and settled down with a beer having been placed next to a family who must’ve been feeling hungry judging by the amount of food that arrived. As they were leaving the mum apologised as the kids, all under 12, were getting excited and just missed bumping into me whilst I was still eating, “don’t worry” I replied but I was grateful nonetheless. They were pleading to go to the park and I thought they were on their way home.

Pizza finished I made my way to the arena to join the queue to get in hoping I’d be in time for the first band as my son had recommended them. At security I showed my pacemaker card and was ushered round the side of the barriers by one guard to another who stood looking rather bemused. He got the message eventually and after a pat down I looked for the way to my seat.

Obituary – 8

I entered the venue just as the band came on and because there were people standing along the barriers I joined them, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to see from my front row seat. Eventually we were moved by security which became something of a regular thing albeit perhaps once per band. My son was right, Obituary were tearing up the riffs with a very solid performance and it was great to see the arena about half full. Whilst death metal isn’t usually to my taste this was something else. They started off with “Redneck Swamp” a storming instrumental introduction to what I would describe as melodic death metal. However, they soon hit the full death metal stride with gravelly vocals and exploding bass lines. There’s very little chat which allows them to squeeze in 8 tracks ending with the title track from their first album “Slowly We Rot”. A thundering climax to a great set.

What isn’t great for the arena is the lack of space for toilets resulting in large queues even for the gents. I get chatting to a couple of people and recommend Amplified Festival to them. I then head for the bar and more long queue’s and a mix up by me of the prices, I only had my eye’s tested 3 days ago as well 😊. On my way back to my seat I see the dad from the pizza place!! And say hello, hoping he’s got headphones for the kids, I’d brought mine and did use them for some of the time.

Anthrax – 6

By the time I got back Anthrax had started and I had neighbours. The back-drop features mainly skulls and Anthrax were specks beside them from where I was sitting. Things were kicking off in the standing area as well with a circle pit beginning to form. We were informed part way through that this was their 4th time at Wembley having played with Iron Maiden and Motorhead. For me Anthrax didn’t appear to be as thrash metal as I’d expected and some of their set blended into one giving me the feeling that it was all a bit samey. Perhaps down to song choice, sound issues or just me and my ear plugs 😊 However there were quite a few people enjoying themselves.

Time for another breather and I venture to the merchandise and simply must have a Lamb of God t-shirt because the logo resembles the “Weeping Angels” from “Dr. Who” but after queuing for 15 minutes they’ve not got my size, so I got the next one up. Walking away I decide to try another merch desk and asked to swap which they were happy to do. I returned to grab some more refreshments before taking my seat ready for the next band. By now the arena is looking virtually full and I’d taken a selfie which the security guard was happy for me to do as long as I didn’t go near the edge!!

Lamb of God

Lamb of God

Lamb of God – 10

The set for Lamb of God is starkly black and white with what appears to be a version of the American flag but with a single star. I presume this isn’t a reference to Texas as the “Lone Star State” but something else especially as all the colour has been removed. Before I can ponder this more the opening spoken words to “Omerta” ring out and as the music begins the band appears to the largest roar of the night so far. Their set lasts about 45 minutes and it is a bruising encounter both aurally and visually, I’m not using ear plugs and the stark colourless backdrop lends a furious intensity to the lighting. As usual at a LoG gig Randy Blythe is a tornado whipping round the stage screaming the lyrics with a passion and intensity I’ve come to appreciate. Below me this opening has lit the blue touch paper and the powder keg of the standing crowd has ignited as several pits explode into existence at once. LoG don’t let up ripping straight into “Ruin” before delivering a blistering performance of “Walk With Me in Hell” which has really turned the heat up and I’m sweating while head banging sitting down! Their playing is exceptionally tight as though their “hiatus” has brought a renewed vigour to the band, drums are heavy and vibrant, lead and rhythm guitars blistering, bass guitar thunderous all supporting and being supported by the volcanic vocals. “512” almost has me out of my seat joining the other chap now thrashing about on the walkway but he’s swiftly dissuaded by security, so I content myself to joining the vocals and jumping in my seat. Then there’s a gap in proceedings allowing everyone to pause for breath before they finish with a tumultuously thundering version of “Redneck” that sees an enormous circle pit develop from the fusion of two others, a maelstrom of sound, light and energy that at the end leaves us breathless but wanting more. I witnessed their tremendous upstaging of Megadeth in 2015 and together with this flawless performance of precision and power Lamb of God are overdue their own headline gig.

I needed a break after that and joined other like-minded people once again. However, this time things threatened to get out of hand as some idiot decided that queuing was not for him. He pushed past everyone muttering something I didn’t hear and was called back by his friend who then had to go and get him as people were getting edgy. He tried again bumping me in the process, so we made eye contact and again he was pulled back. Next, I felt something on the back of my head followed by laughter, OK calm down I thought, let it go. Everyone who knows me will know that I usually walk away from confrontation, after all wars have never solved anything but having thought about it decided that was enough. I turned around and looked him straight in the eye “Do you have a problem?” I asked, “no not me” was his reply perhaps thinking that was enough but he was then taken aback by my response “I think you do perhaps you’d like to tell me what it is” he said nothing and was looking rather subdued, his friend stepped in saying something like “he’s ok had a bit too much drink” and “Here we’ll buy you a drink” to which I replied “I don’t want a drink thank you I just don’t get what his problem is with me”, his friend said he’d take care of it. I returned to the queue chatting to someone next to me and we heard Slayers intro start just as we were about to get served. As I turned to leave with my drink the “friend” again apologised, and I told him I didn’t have a problem with him, but his friend could get into trouble if he wasn’t careful.

Slayer – 10

Lamb of God upstaged Megadeth last time they were here but if anyone could follow that performance it would be Slayer known to their legion of fans as “Slaaaaaaayyyyyyyeeeeeeerrrrr”! I may have missed the intro, but I was in my seat ready for “Repentless” to come rolling out of the speakers like an enormous clap of thunder. This wall of thrash metal is enhanced by inverted burning crosses, a backdrop festooned with pentagrams and huge gouts of flame Rammstein would’ve been proud of. Given that Slayer have been around for 30 odd years or so they have a large back catalogue to craft a set from. However, never having listened to Slayer before and unashamedly admitting I was here for Lamb of God I wasn’t aware of when the songs were from. One thing though that was evident was that it really didn’t seem to matter. Each song was delivered with a ferociousness that belied age, raw power with abrasive lyrics underpinned by scabrous (I mean that in a good way) harmonies that turned the crowd below into one giant seething multi-horned beast. I thought it was warm before, but now yet more fire is flung outward in all directions as the back-drop changes to reveal “Slayer Nation” and an army of skulls marching on. Yes, they certainly have their army, a legion of fans and, thinking of the kids from the Pizza place, new ones too. I’m enjoying it as there is something primeval about this an almost illicit gathering of black worshippers at the alter of thrash metal gods. At the end of the set, one in which there was only a cursory chat interlude, they deliver a riotous trio of tracks culminating with the aptly named “Hell Awaits” ‘kin hell that was brutal.

But there’s more to come and with a back drop of a fluorescent ravaged skull and pentagram they kick off the encore with “South of Heaven” before unleashing the beast that is “Raining Blood” where the “congregation” go wild. This is a band that is going out on a high, a band that you can believe would have the Devil quaking in his boots with the sheer malevolent riffs screeching like banshees over our heads. Yet they’re still not done, and they finish with a superlative rendition of “Angel of Death” that causes Armageddon in the circle pits below as they are determined to remove all oxygen from the arena with the amount of pyrotechnics they’re using. There are huge cheers, a mass of horns, applause at the end and some wistfulness in the belief that this is the end for Slayer.

As I said ‘kin hell that was brutal and tomorrow I would wake feeling battered and bruised without entering the seething mass of the mosh. But! I was damn glad to have witnessed Slayer in all their might and been a very small part of, what we believe, is their farewell tour.

As I leave to go for the train home I walk past the mum and daughter from the pizza place! We exchanged hello and that we’d had a great time as we go our separate ways. People who met for the briefest moments and witnessed the triumphant passing of the greatest thrash metal band ever.