The weather Gods where certainly letting us have their wrath in the build up to this gig.
Bellowing winds and a months rain fall in one day made the drive over to Stockport slow and steady.
This free gig... Yes, free! Took place in The Blossoms pub (yes that one) in the upstairs function room. This was a night of heavy metal and I was up for it!
First up were Cry from North Wales. North Wales is North of South Wales (their words not mine). They're a 3 piece who remind me a lot of Biffy Clyro. They're all great musicians and for an introduction to a new artist for me I was impressed with their songs, and their overall playing. Give them a listen (Spotify link below).
Next were Blind Operator. They didn't chat much they just played. They call themselves a three-headed experiment in heavy fuzz. To be honest that's the nail on the head. Again these lads were brilliant and you can tell they've listened to Thin Lizzy because I did hear some influence there and their set seemed to fly. I can't find them on Bandcamp or Spotify so if you know where they have their music message me and I'll share it. Another band who are worth a listen.
Up next, the fucking incredible Novustory.
I first met Imogen and James from the band a few weeks ago at Bang Bang Romeo. We got chatting and dancing (as you do) and they mentioned that they'd supported them at their home town end of year show. I had no idea they were in a band and someone said to me you need to listen to them because Imogen's voice is amazing.
I don't say this lightly - they're fucking, monolithically incredible! They brought stadium rock to a pub in Stockport and it was insane. Their sound was immense. Imogen's vocals were like Hayley Williams early Paramore but better. Add this to James's (Ducky) drumming who's playing is intensely brilliant (so much so they've had to put him behind perspex); Ben on guitar who shreds like a beast; and then with Chris on bass who swags around like a bad ass because he plays the bass like one - and you have the makings of a band who have all the ingredients to be world beaters!
These guys will be playing stadiums in the next few years, Download and other rock festivals and they deserve every fucking success.
Not only are they insanely talented musicians, but they're also such incredibly nice people. They wouldn't be out of place supporting bands like Metallica ( I should know having seen them 5 times); Rammstien or Marilyn Manson.
I filmed their whole set because I wanted to capture the magic of them playing to such a small crowd. To have seen a band this good in a venue so intimate was amazing.
Despite Ben having a broken string and having to go off mid set, it didn't affect their performance. Despite his best efforts to restring on stage, he had to go off stage to sort it out and the band being the professionals they are carried on with bass, drums and Imogen's etherial voice. It was like an unplugged version of the song and it sounded fucking mint!
Imogen asked when Ben came back, if we wanted to hear the song played again with Ben because he's such a great player. We shouted yes and she's not wrong - they're all bloody brilliant!
If you get the chance to see these guys play soon, then take it. You'll regret it if you don't! Thanks to all bands for such a great nights music and to Leaf Promotions for putting on such a great event.
Novustory's full set is below - Enjoy!!
Spotify:
Blind Operator