Grand Central, Manchester, Thursday July 1st
Metal isn’t usually my thing. I’m more of a Deep Purple/Shredded Wheat kinda guy. However, I found myself conducting an impromptu review, Charlie Brooker-style (ledge!) and interview, Michael Parkinson-style, with two metal bands while having a drink with my mate Charlie Jegwegs.
First up was Affliction of Faith (don’t be put off by the promo pics covered in blood – they’re fine!), a Warrington-based band. I only caught the tail end of their set last night and was initially put off by the way lead singer Lee (nice guy) had discarded lyrics in favour of growling. Even more off-putting was the guy sat by stage left drumming along on laptop bag; is this a new thing that’s passed me by, like denim shirts and green shoelaces? Anyway, the more I listened to Affliction of Faith, the more I liked them. If you’d like to judge for yourself check them out at the Warrington Music Festival on the 19th July. Should be a biggy!
A quick ciggy later and a brief thought about the lovely Georgie Thompson from Sky Sports News and I was back for Gone Til Winter. The room was really buzzing now as lots of people had come to see them. They didn’t disappoint the faithful as they blasted out track after track, surprising me with how catchy they had made their hard sound.
The lead singer Talena was a glowing haystack of loveliness, and even joined me and Charlie for a chat after the gig. Charlie, the bloody idiot, had forgotten to take out insurance on his camera (which I have told him to do SEVEN TIMES) so he isn’t carrying it with him for the time being and no pictures wereth taketh. Oh well – you win some you lose some! Anyway, you can catch Gone Til Winter at the Witchwood in Ashton on Thursday, or wait until September where they will be on with Killing Machine at Moho Live.
I interviewed both bands after their gigs so will try and get some of that stuff up next week.
Overall, a fun and unexpected night, bookended by a few Builder’s Tears (pints) with Charlie and topped by a £2.80 slice of Abdul’s finest (a kebab) and a few spins of the roulette wheel.
recommend