Friday Night Live at RokanRolla in Folkestone saw something a little bit special. Something that has only been seen a couple of times and will not be seen again. Those who didn’t manage to get down to this gig really missed out. A free night of quality live music, not something you get very often.
First on the line up was a band I had not seen live before. The 27s describe themselves as Rock Alternative Post-Punk band from Maidstone and although they have been together some time now, with a member at university, they have not been gigging for sometime. However, this didn’t really come across on stage with the quality of the music. I would slightly disagree with the bands description of genre, although there were definite undertones of rock and post punk, on the night I felt they had an almost Brit Pop feel to them, the likes of Blur/Oasis at times. The band put on a great set of covers and originals (more heavily weighted to originals) with a mix of mellow, chilled, melodic to upbeat and energetic. Each song was very distinctive, producing a nice varied set. It’s a shame these guys aren’t out gigging more but with one EP already released, they are looking at recording another very soon. Check them out, I think you’ll like what you hear!
The 27s
After The Enclave, a hard rock band from Sittingbourne are a band I have seen a few times now. This is a band who do what they do, very well. Lead vocalist/front man Micheal Stubbs has a pretty astounding voice and his visual performance draws you in like a mermaid calling to a sailor! You can’t help but watch this frontman as he struts his stuff and rocks out in an appealing mix of head banging and confident rock stances. Put this together with some awesome riffs, energetic drumming and you have yourself a real hard rock/metal set that I don’t think you could get tired or watching or hearing.
After the Enclave
Avenge Thee + Naime, Metal/Experimental usually 2 drummer band from Canterbury. With members Chester Bartholomew Weschke Boyd and Marc Prentice performing their last show, this was their last ever 3 drummer madness gig. I’ve reviewed this band before so wont go and on again (see here for last review) but I will say this still remains the quirkiest metal band I have ever seen. Words can not describe the madness that ensues. This band is just as much about visual performance as they are sound and to walk into one of their sets can produce some shocked and amazed reactions. Still one, if not ‘thee’ strongest bands on the scene for putting on a ‘show’, I somehow do not feel that the new line up changes will detract any thing at all. This is simply a band that everyone has to see once, even if metal is not your ‘thing’. Before they perform you can feel an electrical charged buzz of anticipation building in the room which never seems to quite disperse. An experience you will never forget!
Friday Night Live at the RokanRolla in Folkestone saw something a little bit special last week. Andrew Kesby, local promoter put on a special birthday gig for himself, booking some amazing acts. It was a slightly unusual, mixed line up with customers and music lovers being treated to a mix of Alternative Rock, Pop Punk and Dance Rock.
First up were the hugely talented Alternative Rock band from Southampton, Circle of Reason. Not a band I had seen or heard before due to them not being local but wow, these guys are not to be missed. Describing themselves as an Alt rock, prog, melodic, metal, indie band, it was clear that they were going to be something a little bit different and they didn’t disappoint. Swinging seamlessly between heavy guitar riffs that would make even the most heavy metal band envious, to moving down tempo, while keeping the rock vibe, and becoming more melodic and strangely beautiful. Lead vocals that simply captivates the audience attention range from being as smooth and warm as a hot chocolate on a winters day, to hard hitting with not a bum note in site. Fearsome drumming and guitar riffs that simply make you just want to move your body and you have yourself a band that you want to see more and more off. Engaging to watch and a really lovely bunch of guys! Get out there and see them, you will be very surprised, I think they could turn anyone into fans of this genre.
Circle of Reason
Second came female fronted Pop Punk/Rock band from Medway, Up For The Let Down. I have seen these guys before at the Beercart Arms in Canterbury but Friday night, they were on form! Front woman Lex engages the audience in a way that is rarely seen, moving in and out of them offstage, while singling the odd member out for special attention. I rarely see a crowd so engaged with a band at a gig, but these guys were even posing for photo’s with her during the set. Lex produces strong punk vocals so crisp and clear you feel yourself being drawn like the lure of paddling your feet in cool soothing lake on a hot summers day. The band produce and bang out some extremely catchy numbers, to the point I even found myself singing along at moments. Combing fast guitars and a rarely seen female lead vocalist make this a band that you simply cant not like. These guys are piling on the gigs at the moment so check them out on Facebook and go and show them some love! You won’t regret it.
Up For The Let Down
Last but by no means least came the Dance Rock band from London Go-Zilla. I’ve seen these guys once before and reviewed them when they were actually really poorly lads, so was looking forward to seeing them again at their best. Wow, they were at their best! A very unusual genre of music and one that I actually found hard to categorise when I downloaded their free album, these guys put all the fun of a fairground into 30 minutes of jumping, dancing awesomeness. Attaining a lot of attention recently from the likes of Kerrang and Front Magazine, it’s very easy to see why. I don’t think there was one person in the venue that could not resist jumping up and dancing to these guys. There music is more catchy than the flu virus and its clear that they LOVE what they do. Dancing around on stage they look like they are having so much fun that you just want/need to join them. You could never come away from one of their gigs feeling down or disappointed. The buzz you get from watching this band should actually be available on prescription. If you don’t go to one of their gigs, you are simply doing yourself a huge disservice in life.
So Sunday evening at the Beercart Arms in Canterbury saw something rather special. Electric River headlined on the very last gig of The Big Cheese Magazine Tour with their support COLT 45. The local band hit the road, starting in Glasgow where they met with Cumbrian band COLT 45 for the first gig of a 9 date tour. Over the course of 11 days the bands played in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Carlisle, Manchester, Leeds, Ipswich, Leicester, London, finally finished last night in Canterbury. Each location saw them joined by local bands on the lineup and from the sounds of it, the lads had a blast.
Local support for the last gig of the tour came from One Day Elliott, a 4 piece Rock/Punk/Metal band from Maidstone, at least that’s how they describe themselves. They incorporated all three of the above in an accomplished manner, surprising me with a Capella track which, theoretically you would not think could work. Wrong, it did! A very surprising set which could have easily induced a mosh pit but equally saw toe tapping and head nodding, not an easy feat to accomplish in combination. Vocalist Paul not only smashed every song but had bundles of charisma and a unique style of moving on stage that just made me want to join him… In all a surprising mix that left me craving more.
Headline support COLT 45 ‘came bursting out of the box‘ in a manner that should not be humanely possible at the end of a 800/900 mile tour. Describing themselves as a three piece punk/alt rock band from Cumbria with big hooks, big riffs and poor circulation, I can confirm that they are exactly that. The sound produced on stage was loud, proud and melodic with harmonies and riffs that were pretty staggering. I have to point out that vocalist Neil, had the most visually beautiful guitar I have seen in a very long while, although it completely dwarfed him on stage. In fact he even joked outside that he ‘used the case to sleep in on tour’. My only disappointment, they are not local so a long way to travel for a gig. Guess I’ll have to settle for listening to their EP!
Headliners Electric River pulled in a large fan base as always, seeing a good mixture of people lined up at the front of the stage awaiting their performance. I do have to point out though, that the band does seem to have a larger young, pretty, female fan base than most. From the off the band showed they meant business producing heavy melodies and catchy numbers that made you want to jump around and dance. I can honestly say that these guys had more energy on stage than at 3 year old after drinking a litre of full fat generic fizzy drink. It’s not hard to see why this band have such a strong, loyal fan base and they never fail to blow me away with their strong Punk/Rock n Roll style.
Watching from the sidelines with my camera, it was very clear both bands have had a blast on tour and made life long friends. Belting each others tracks out from the audience I think its fair to say that both bands had a lot of fun. An awesome way to finish a tour!
Sunday night at the Beercart Arms in Canterbury saw a most wonderful night of Indie music. Below the Radar Events and Promotions moved out of their usual genre and comfort zone and put on their first ever Indie gig at the Beercart and wow what a treat. The line up was absolutely first class and the audience were treated to 5 – yes 5 bands/artists, with a headline act that blew everyone away. Putting aside the headliner, all 4 other acts were extremely strong and alone would have left the audience feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. As it was, everyone leaving was heard to be praising the line up and evening in general and inquires were made as to when the next will be (which I might add is next Sunday, 3 March when the amazing Electric River play their only Kent gig on their current tour – for details please click here)
First on the lineup was the lovely Lonnie Storey as a solo act. From the start it was clear that Lonnie is used to the comfort of his fellow band members from Loaded Pistola, as he did appear slightly uncomfortable and nervous at first, of course this could also be due to being first act up which is never an easy slot. He also experienced some minor technical sound problems during his set but this did not detract from his very credible and enjoyable performance. Nerves put aside the voice and guitar skills were very evident from the off and Lonnie got the evening warmed up extremely nicely with a set of covers and original material, slightly adapted from his band. He set the tone very nicely for the acts to come and gave us all a sneak peek as to what the evening was going to offer. I’d personally be very interested in hearing him play with the full line up of Loaded Pistola and will be keeping an eye out for them at future local gigs.
Next up The Alamo was a very last-minute step in and wow, what a replacement. A young acoustic band with musical influences from Foo Fighters, Mumford and Sons, Ed Sheeran and Led Zeppelin, they recently performed a cover of Californication for the increasing popular Live in the Living Room YouTube channel. Having only recorded demo’s so far these lads are just finishing the mixing of a recording that I will be able to bring you hopefully within the week. Judging by their performance last night I would highly recommend you check back to hear their track. This band performed an extremely tight set with vocals and harmony’s that blew the room and myself away. I will definetely be keeping an eye out for these guys in the future and hoping to catch them at a gig really soon.
The third band of the evening was one that I have had the pleasure of seeing/photographing before, Moccasins. Another very last-minute lineup change, agreeing to play with only a couple of hours notice, this group of local lads never fail to impress all those that see them. The energy and immense sense of fun on stage shows how much these guys love what they do and they produce a very interesting and slightly different sound of rock indie. Very well positioned on the lineup, their lively set upped the tempo of the evening at just the right point, setting the tone for the last two acts to come. These bands have obviously played a considerable amount of gigs and their stage presence and way with the crowd wins over even the most reluctant of members of the audience. You cant help but smile when these guys play. I highly recommend you check them out at a gig near you!
Fourth was another band I have heard/photographed before but I’m not going to say too much about the band themselves as I am about to write a feature article on them. I will say that they are a 3 piece band from Canterbury called The Doctorates that play a mixture of covers and original material. The first time I saw them play was very, very early on in their beginnings and I just have to say how far they have come as a band in such a short space of time. I would almost say that apart from the sound produced being vaguely familiar, they were almost unrecognizable from what I had seen before. Their performance and confidence has jumped ten fold and they certainly deserved their support slot on the lineup. This band is definitely one to watch and if you are into your Indie music I am pretty confident that you will love these guys. The lead singer/guitarist Nick Tompkins has really found himself on stage with both strong vocals and visual performance to boot. In all this is a band I feel sure is going places and can only grow from strength to strength.
Well now, onto the headliners, the most awesome Van Susans. Now I have to say that I had heard a fair amount recently about this band, in fact they seem to be surrounded in hype right now. Having heard they were headlining this gig I looked them up on Facebook and if I’m completely honest was a little skeptical. At only a few shy of 36,000 likes I started to do a little research and soon discovered that they have an extremely credible line up of musicians. In fact their violinist Holly McLatchie (also vocals) has an extensive musical background and has performed for Prince Andrew during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Putting all this aside I still held off on my opinion and refused to listen to any of their music until I had heard them live. I’m very glad I did… they totally, utterly and completely blew me a way. I found them mesmerizing to watch in performance, finding it hard to tear my eyes away and actually concentrate on photographing the band. The unique blend of instruments carrying across the venue transported me into a place that made me completely forget that tomorrow would be a miserable Monday morning, that it was snowing and freezing cold outside and I had a long drive home ahead. Smashing out songs from their old EP and their new album entitled Paused in the Moment, these guys clearly love what they do, performing is a passion. I would also like at this point to state, that they have the happiest, smiliest drummer I have ever had the pleasure to photograph, which does however mean that the band tends to turn to him on a regular basis due to his enthusiasm… which is great, expect when you are trying to get photographs of all members facing front. That however is the only complaint I could possibly make about this band and I hardly think that counts as criticism. At one point the guys put down their guitars and broke out the drums with such energy I was surprised that they had any thing left to finish their set, but finish they did with a song called Cha Cha Bang, even getting audience participation of clapping along at the right points. I can honestly say that having brought home their album and EP I have listened to it on loop today… this is a band you need in your life!
Here follows a very, very small amount of the evenings photography, for all photo’s please go to my Facebook page, this gig only
Van Susans – Served Cold – from their Debut Album Find them on Facebook – already at just shy of 36,000 likes Official Website – Debut Album can be purchased here
These lovely people are offering you a FREE DOWNLOAD from their Debut Album “Paused in the Moment” – CLICK HERE
Well this gig at the Beer Cart Arms in Canterbury, was both epic and tinged with sadness. Every single band that played at this gig totally smashed it and put on an awesome show but it was the band Left of the Right Side last ever gig which made me (and many, many others) very sad.
First off credit has to go to Below the Radar Events and Promotions for getting a spot on line up, all bands complimented each other well and any briefly encountered technical issues from the last couple of gigs were no where in sight! Now onto the bands…
First up where Escape the Ocean, a band that plays Progressive/Math Rock and although I have only seen and photographed them as a full band on two occasions (also once as an acoustic set) they never fail to impress. The band has an incredible amount of energy on stage, so much that they actually wear me out just watching them, let alone trying to keep up with them with a camera. Vocalist/Guitarist Lee Morrison manages to fling himself around the stage and almost eat the microphone (literally) without so much as breaking out a sweat.
Escape the Ocean
Next up was the awesome Left of the Right Side. The best I’ve seen them perform but this is not surprising as it was their last gig and they were pumped for it. A Rock / Pop-Punk / Progressive band they belted out a full set and had they not been allowed to perform an encore track, I fear there would have been a lynch mob or riot. The crowd was well up for this set and both sang along to familiar tracks with smiles all over their faces and got some movement going on the floor. The screaming, chanting and clapping at the end of the set and demand for “one more song, one more song” only showed how much this band was/is loved. A little surprise for their last ever gig was also on the cards which I was lucky enough to get photographic evidence of… guitarist Shaun Taylor and drummer Matt Downes switched things up for one song… or part of a song and actually swapped instruments. This left Matt shoe less on stage playing a guitar and Shaun drumming like a loon, both of which extremely credibly I have to say. Shaun did in fact admit to me today that it was the first time he had ever drummed in front of anyone other than the band and he was terrified… you would never have known so all credit where credit is due guys. The band is splitting due to work commitments only and are still firm friends. Some of the lads are looking to start a new project in the future and I wish them all success with this and look forward to running a feature on that new project… stay in touch lads, you’ve been a joy to work with!
Left of the Right Side
So moving onto Wheres Billy, an amazing rock band that traveled from Tunbridge Wells to play this gig. They performed at the Beer Cart Arms back at the very beginning of October 2012, when I was just starting out and I didn’t really manage to get any decent shots of them, not this time I’m so very glad to say! I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed their set and they were a pleasure to do photography for. Some real powerful, strong songs and vocals came off stage with stage presence to match and great interaction with the crowd.
Wheres Billy
Last but not least, as they say, was the evenings headline act, I.R.I.S. An Alternative Rock / Post-Hardcore band from Deal signed to Engineer Records these guys never disappoint. I’ve only photographed them on two occasions, one of which was in fact last night and wow… couldn’t possibly be bored in any way because despite working with them only a couple of weeks ago, they introduced new tracks into their set last night. Nicely performed, the energy these guys exude on stage is evident from the sweat produced and seen in the photo’s. The crowd love these guys and it’s really not hard to see why, I highly recommend you get along to a gig to see them because even the photo’s will not do their set justice!
I.R.I.S
OK, OK I know I’ve rambled a bit here tonight and this has been much, much longer than usual, but being a last ever gig and an awesome lineup and top evening, it needed a few more words than usual… so let’s get down to the stuff you expect, music, links and pics!
Here follows a very, very, did I say VERY small amount of the evenings photography. For full evening, all sets please go to the Facebook page, this gig only
Find band on Facebook – they may have played their last gig but these lovely guys are bringing you one last song from their EP so keep an eye out on their page!
Wheres Billy – Aches, Pains & The Quiet Life Find band on Facebook And one of their music videos 🙂
Showcase Monday at Folkestone’s only dedicated music venue, RokanRolla saw an incredibly strong line up of bands and acts. Crowds flocked in to see the RokanRolla’s very own Sophie Metcalfe accompanied by Simon Giles play a strong set of covers, with people dancing along. However, opening the evening was the talented singer/songwriter/DJ Mitch Emery who warmed the crowd up in a big way. At one point he even grabbed an assistant out from the crowd up on stage to the delight of the audience.
Following Mitch, Sophie and Simon was the extremely talented Charlotte Rose Ellis, who put on a stunning set of keyboard and vocals. Charlotte recently auditioned for the esteemed The BRIT School and the rapidly growing hype around this young girl was evident with JNG Records attending this gig.
Last but not least was a talented young band Hey Joni who are obviously already very popular judging by the following that came along to see them. Playing what they class as an Emo set, the music was not what I expected when they first turned up and the gig was timed perfectly for the release of their EP yesterday. This band had a lot of energy on stage and despite the odd broken string and pick they put on a credible set.
Here follows a very small selection of the evenings photography, for the evenings full photo’s please go to our Facebook page, this gig only . Like what you see and hear? Check the artists out, find them at a gig near you and get down and support them!
So, a valentines evening at the RokanRolla just proved how popular this venue is now becoming, visually you couldn’t ignore the numbers in the crowd or the standard of artists/bands performing. First up was Karl Higbee, member of metal band Mistiksin and radio DJ for 105.9 Academy FM, he performed an amazing acoustic set of both covers and originals, setting the standard for the night.
Next up was the awesome Alie Cotter from Blaise Paisel, a band that is more than on the up and of course she didn’t disappoint. With a distinct voice that carried around the large venue, her set was very much enjoyed with her band members joining in on some songs from the audience.
Then followed The Lightworker… a two man set of acoustic/pop music saw the duo smash out a set despite both being riddled with germs. They blew me away enough to check out their tracks on SoundCloud this morning and it didn’t disappoint.
Lastly was Elle Rayenne. These guys say they have not gigged much recently but wow… you certainly wouldn’t have known it. Their energy on stage just drew you in and it was clear these guys were having fun. I downloaded their free EP this morning and have already listened to it twice… link to which will follow.
So here follows a very small amount of photography from the evening. For the full evenings photo’s please go to Facebook, this gig only
This was a gig I really wanted to go to. I missed the opportunity to photograph Tank Trap before so was very pleased to get the opportunity last night and they did not disappoint. Thumbscrew and the Flicknife Barbers were recently recommended to me and again… WOW, so very glad I caught these guys and had the chance to capture the moment. Both bands I highly recommend you check out.
Big thank you must also go to Platform 5 in Ashford for allowing me to come along and capture their evening. The hospitality of this venue was amazing and they give so many bands the chance to perform, you really must get down and catch a gig at this place!
So here follows a very, very small amount of the photography taken from this evening. For full evenings photography please go to, Facebook, this gig only
As the night’s music began the four members of Tank Trap emerged from the crowd and took to the stage. Tank Trap brought their style of blues rock to Ashford. Showing their many talents front man Ian Day revealed a new one. The ability to break any mic just by touching it. One by one he fearlessly slayed mics like they were marauding dragons until he made peace.
A little taster of a review of the evening from Banned Reviews… read more here
Thumbscrew and the Flicknife Barbers – Gerry Attrick
Tank Trap – Bite The Bullet You lucky people, kind thanks Tank Trap, this is their title track from their latest EP which you can buy here Find band on Facebook
Another awesome gig from Below the Radar Events and Promotions at this amazing Canterbury music venue the Beer Cart Arms proved a very strong line up! The Beer Cart Arms has become one of Canterbury’s most sort after venues for bands playing and this line up put on by a promo company that is pulling some major bands just proved it.
Now, don’t get me wrong because one thing I am is honest, this evening was not met without its problems at all… there were issues through the evening which proved a real shame but in the world of live music… well I’d like to say S**T happens lol but well, it does.
Starting with Go-Zilla… ill but man did these guys still have an awesome amount of energy on stage. Now I work with many bands on a weekly basis but this was actually a genre out of my zone… not any more is all I can say!
AUDIOSHOCK next, sound issues which was a huge shame BUT with Chris Martin having given these guys a shout out, well they would never be bad! lol
Borderline:Fire up next and again the energy was just awesome. Slight technical issue but not that most would have ever noticed… watch out for gigs.
VIVID NATION… a band I’ve had the pleasure of photographing a few times now… these guys always blow you away and are one of the most down to earth bands on the circuit… Highly rumored to be going places… all I’ll say is, don’t miss one of their gigs.
So, for someone who never reviews gigs… I felt this one needed a small one, it had issues, which was a HUGE shame but in the same respect had an amazing line up, each and every band you need to see!
So here follows a very small selection of the evenings photography (yep that’s the bit I actually do, do lol). For the full evenings photo’s please head over to our Facebook page, this gig only
AND THE WINNER IS: DARBY WOODALL OF SQUIDINK (come see me at the next gig we are both at for your prize… two free shots on special offer or equivalent) Photographic proof of prize will be posted lol
This was a pit photo taken to Mistikisin version of Let the Bodies Hit the Floor
GIGglepics 