Club Q – Blacken the Name – My Life in the Making – Hours to Destroy – Sail On – Artemis Redeemer

Posted on April 2, 2013 by gigglepics13

Blacken the Name
My Life in the Making
Hours to Destroy
Sail On
Artemis Redeemer

It has been widely discussed and commented that Ashford has not had much of a metal/rock scene for quite some time. Original band gigs have been some what lacking for this genre, so there was a lot of hype around this, along with some concerns that it may not be well attended. This gig was put on by Below the Radar Events and Promotions in an attempt to try to kick start the local scene again, with the intention of putting on more regular gigs if all went well.

This was a little different than Below the Radar’s usual gigs, in that Dan Wyatt from Blacken the Name also helped to organize it and will be running future ones from Club Q, as the Ashford section of Below the Radar. Dan managed to acquire Club Q (snooker club) as a venue for these gigs, which was the home of the Ashford Rocks gigs in the past, so has seen plenty a rock and metal bands in its time.

If there were concerns about attendance, there needn’t have been as the venue was packed out by fans of metal and this has now secured the venue for future gigs. So guys, keep your eyes peeled for the next one, as to keep the scene going this requires future good attendance!

Artemis Redeemer are a 5 piece metal/hardcore band from Kent. I say are but this is not strictly true as they are actually splitting up. This gig was their penultimate, there last being with Palmreader and Bury The Hatchet at the Beercart Arms in Canterbury on April 11th. So if you like what hear/see (track featured at bottom) I suggest you get along to this gig. It will be the last opportunity to catch them live and being their last ever show, I’m pretty sure it will be a stonker! Despite being nearly at their end the band put on a strong set of hardcore metal. Lead vocalist Sam Hubbard produced some very strong vocals backed by hard riffs for some real head banging music.

Artemis Redeemer

Sail On brought something a little different to the lineup being a pop punk band. Local lads from Ashford they seemed a little concerned they wouldn’t fit the lineup but they needn’t have. This pop punk band actually have a screamer (well technically he has left and another band member is filling in) and are not exactly a ‘soft’ sounding band. I recently reviewed them at a gig in Folkestone, so wont cover the same things again (see here for last review) but I can say that they still have all the energy of a kid eating blue smarties and still have their kangaroo (yep previous review read needed there). The crowd really enjoyed this set and it was nice to see that their front man has gained a lot of confidence since the last time I saw them. A strong band with a really great sound, highly recommend you catch them at a gig.

Sail On

Hours to Destroy a pretty new 4 piece, experimental metal band from Canterbury. I photographed these guys at a gig a little while back, one of their early gigs and have to say what an amazing bunch of guys these are. To say it was an eventful gig would be an understatement however. The very last song of their set, the very last bar, I’m leaning in with my camera to get a shot of the final moment. As I look through the lens I see Richi’s (lead vocalist) eyes just roll back in his head as he literally keels over. Falling backwards he hits his head on the window sill and knocks himself sparko! The next set of photography is missed by me as I’m delivering first aid and holding his head together, which has a really deep gash and all he can say while waiting for an ambulance is: “Will they have to to shave my head? My hair man!” So I was a little concerned about this set and we did have a discussion regarding performing all future gigs in a sumo outfit and crash helmet (which I would love to photograph!). Moving on, experimental metal is a great description of this band, the bassist Tom Shepherd is actual bass/synths combined. Literally! Being a previous dub step solo artist they wanted to bring his synths into the set so came up with a genius idea. A nano pad was purchased which runs through a laptop, the keypad is velcro’d onto his bass and he plays it live! Extremely strong vocals from Richi Lewis, tight guitars and drums and a unique sound with some really interesting lyrics. This band is going from strength to strength and they clearly love what they do. I suggest you check them out!

Hours To Destroy

My Life in the Making are a 4 piece metal band from Ashford/New Romney and to be honest, there is not really anyone on the scene that hasn’t heard of these guys! So having not done much of late these guys are back and back with a vengeance and it was clear to see that there are a lot of people very happy about this. The band had a very big turn out and the second they hit the stage a crowd gathered eagerly awaiting their set. I was really looking forward to seeing these guys after hearing so many awesome things about them and yes I can confirm, they are awesome. A fierce drummer who managed to break a fair few sticks in his fury, had an amazing kit adorned with Animal from the muppets which is very fitting. Lead vocalist Ken Graham has a strong and pretty stunning voice, backed up by Ted Clark’s earth shattering screams the combination is very powerful. Chopping riffs and powerful bass lines, put these all together and you have yourself a slightly different brand of metal but one I like, A LOT! Really pleased to see these guys have a few gigs coming up.

My Life In The Making

Blacken The Name a 5 piece metal/experimental band from Ashford. Yes these are local boys but no matter where they perform they have a really loyal fan base that follow along and its not hard to see why. I’ve seen/photographed these guys a good few times now and they never fail to amaze. Although every single gig is action packed, it is very rare for me to be able to say that every set is different. These guys keep me on my toes and you have to be very alert around them for numerous reasons. You just never know what will come next or what a band member will do. There are times I wish there was two of me as while taking a shot of something, out the corner of my eye I can see something else going on which I’m kicking myself for missing. Lead vocalist Dan Wyatt rarely spends any time on stage at all, preferring to be out in the pit with the fans and giving them the opportunity to join in with vocals frequently. Note I said pit! I have never attended a Blacken gig where there has not been a mosh pit and these can get pretty mental. I always need to keep my wits about me but man do they produce some amazing photo’s. I usually end up hanging around the speakers so I can duck behind for safety if necessary or onto the stage itself. This gig was spent on my hands and knees at rhythm guitarist John Shaw’s feet! Awesome sounding metal came off stage with huge amounts of headbanging, even from the band and lots of windmills off stage. The finale was a metal rendition of Ricky Martin – Living da vida loco and the crowd went mental. The mosh pit filled up with both men and women and craziness ensued. Definitively a band to go and see, just watch yourself near that pit or get involved!

Blacken The Name

Review by Sarah Quinn – GIGgle Pics

Artemis Redeemer – We are Society Find band on Facebook

Sail On – Things Are On The Up Find band on Facebook

Hours to Destroy – Find band on Facebook – Give their page a like as they are currently just finishing recording their debut EP and details will be released there. A track will be inserted here once completed and into the metal track section of the blog for promo!

My Life in the Making – Find band on Facebook – Track to follow so please check back as we are in the process of sorting!

Blacken the Name – Jekyll and Hyde Find band on Facebook

Here follows a very, very small amount of the evenings photography. For the full evening (believe me they are worth seeing, 196 photo’s) please go to, Facebook, this gig only

Photography by Sarah Quinn – GIGgle Pics

Blacken The Name

My Life In The Making

Hours To Destroy

Sail On

Artemis Redeemer

Up For The Let Down – Had Enough track Review

Posted on March 25, 2013 by gigglepics13

Up For The Let Down – Had Enough

Up For The Letdown, Medway purveyors of pop punk have produced with “Had Enough”, a track to warm even the frozen bits. Yep, and I do mean those bits.

From the opening twenty seconds of enticingly heavy guitar chug with a snatch of double kick drums, to the step-up in tempo and lead singer Lex’s vocals which announce themselves with an energy last heard from Katie Jane Gartside and Daisy Chainsaw (if you don’t know her, look her up, various search engines are available)

The regular changes of pace within these four and a half minutes show that UFTL aren’t just trying to be different, they’ve succeeded. However the lyrics of the song are simple, Lex has had enough. Enough arguing, enough of the world taking everything it can and giving nothing other than grief back. Well if you get nothing in exchange for this, dear members of UFTL, then you have every right to feel mightily aggrieved as this is without doubt a delightful glowing earworm, one of those pieces of music that will stick in your head, regardless of whether or not, you’ve had enough

Max

Reviewer on behalf of GIGgle Pics

Find them on Facebook

2 Up For The Let Down (36)

RokanRolla – 22.03.13 – Avenge Thee + Naime – After The Enclave – The 27s

Posted on March 24, 2013 by gigglepics13

Avenge Thee + Naime
After The Enclave
The 27s

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!

Avenge Thee + Naime

The 27s – It Was Nice Knowing You – Find them on Facebook

After The Enclave – Crucified – Find them on Facebook

Avenge Thee + Naime – Ear of the Horse – Find them on Facebook

Here follows a very, very small amount of the photography from the evening. For full gigs photo’s, please got to Facebook, this gig only

Avenge Thee + Naime

After the Enclave

The 27s

Avenge Thee + Naime

Beercart Arms – Ariya – City of Ashes – Training Icarus – The Overnight Angels – Commit This To Memory

Posted on March 21, 2013 by gigglepics13

Ariya
City of Ashes
Training Icarus
The Overnight Angels
Commit This To Memory

Tuesday 19th March 2013 at the Beercart Arms in Canterbury saw an unusual and awesome line up of 5 bands put on by Below the Radar Events and Promotions. Yes you heard right, 5 bands, so I knew it was going to be a busy night, I didn’t realise how much fun it was going to be however.

First on the line up Commit This To Memory an alternative rock band from Kent. Now I wouldn’t have said that this band actually fit on what was a pretty heavy line up but I was wrong. Yes they have a much softer sound than the other bands playing this gig but they put on a set the crowd really enjoyed. They are not your normal alternative rock band on the local scene by far, having a real American rock feel to them! In fact I would also at times say they have a slightly retro feel. I could almost imagine them playing across the airwaves of an American dinner or on stage at a 60’s high school prom. That aside they have a harder edge with some real punchy riffs, accomplished melodies and a lead vocalist with a really distinct pitch perfect voice. I like this band a lot and think they can easily fit into many different genre line ups and be appreciated. I’d recommend going to see these guys, something a little different.

The Overnight Angels a female fronted heavy rock/metal band from Kent/London came next, dropping the evening to its harder tone. A very young band both in terms of time together and in members but they work together very well indeed. A jaw dropping performance ensued on stage that commanded your attention at all times. The crowd were drawn forward and engaged extremely quickly and lead vocalist Niki J Angel knew how to work them. At the age of 17 this girl has bags of confidence on stage, maybe suggesting some performing arts training somewhere but I could be wrong. At times the band had a real Evanescence feel to them, including the vocals and you can easily see this is a band they have been influenced by. Performing a mixture of covers and originals we were even treated to an awesome bass solo (something I haven’t seen often). My only negative comment would be that male backing vocals were not as strong as lead vocals but then with a voice like that, it would be hard to compete with! Hugely talented band that seem to just gel together perfectly which was evident by the raptus applause and serge at the stage end of set, to grab one of the 10 free CDs on offer. I have a good feeling about this band.

Next up should have been Training Icarus but with some issues of getting to the venue, City of Ashes stepped down a position on the line up and came next.

City of Ashes a Rock/Alternative/Indie/Post-Hardcore band from Eastbourne took to the stage as part of their 10 date The Water Snake Tour across the country. So let me set the scene, I move forward with camera in hand, slightly puzzled as to why there are crates/boxes set up in front of the stage. Duh a podium of course, why keep that talent nailed to a stage? Vocalist Orion Powell kicked off by elevating himself above the crowd via said makeshift podium in a manner fit for a large festival stage. This band excite me I have to say. I’d never seen or heard them before and the pure, clean vocals simply blew me away. Not all metal bands have that element, where you can hear every word of the lyrics, but these do. The mixture of heavy screams and gentle almost soulful melodies are just astounding, mix that with soaring guitars and powerful drumming and you have yourself something kind of special. They moved between songs which screamed of gentleness and vulnerability (The Highest Point of Living) back into hard hitting pure metal in a way that just made your mouth water. I don’t think I would ever get tired of watching this band perform and am delighted they are sharing their music across the country right now!

So next came Training Icarus a female fronted melodic metal band from South East London signed to Ravenheart Music label. The band had experienced some pretty rubbish luck with equipment and getting their drummer to the venue and therefore had to move up a slot on the set list. After more issues, this time with their mp3 player and backing tracks, they hit the stage in a manner that could not be ignored. Vocalist Leigh Turner’s voice is of a standard that you do not see in a small venue very often but given they performed at Bloodstock a couple of years ago, this is not entirely surprising. It’s extremely evident this band has been together sometime by their polished performance. Hard hitting energetic drums, soaring guitars and high hitting notes are just the start, put that with a synth backing and you have yourself some really good metal. My only confusion is as to why the band use such a heavy backing track? With talent like this, I just feel it would be better to simply have more musicians in the band to ‘live’ produce the same sound and give it a more organic feel. Being a huge fan of live music it just took the edge off for me but that is just personal preference and opinion. You cannot take away the standard and quality of the music or performance from them.

Last but by no means least saw Ariya a British Progressive Metal band from Kent, hit the stage. Now this is a popular band, evident from the hoards that were already waiting front of stage as they assembled. I wondered why the hype I have to say, until they started to play. The tiny stage saw 6 band members cram themselves in with keyboards, synths, guitars and drums… impressive in itself. Vocalist Alex ‘Alpen’ Temple took to the mic and it was evident from the start that this wasn’t just a metal band. You could be forgiven at first for thinking you had walked into a live comedy show to be honest. A quirky character that had instant appeal started by informing the audience of his germs, snot etc both verbally and visually, stuffing tissues up his nose. When the band stopped the banter with its fans and substantial crowd that had gathered, I was surprised at what was produced. A hugely fun but extremely credible metal set exuded off stage with metal screams that left your ears ringing for days after. Performing mainly original material, at the end of the set the band member described as Chris Powell – Synth/Saxophone/beard swapped places with Alex to perform an amazing rendition of Pussy by Rammstein. I can easily see why these guys have such a faithful fan base following them around. Personalities that draw you to them, coupled with a really accomplished set of metal musicians, make this a band that I want to follow around supporting, with tissues hanging from my nose!

Sarah Quinn – GIGgle Pics

Ariya – rebirth Find them on Facebook

City of Ashes – Falling Star Find them on Facebook

Training Icarus – Now or Never Find them on Facebook

The Overnight Angels – Run From Here Find them on Facebook

Commit This To Memory – Please check back as these guys are just finishing recording and will be updated in next few weeks with a track! – Find on Facebook

Here follows an extreme small amount of the photography taken on the night of this gig. For full nights photo’s please go to my Facebook page, this gig only

Ariya

Training Icarus

Commit This To Memory

City of Ashes

The Overnight Angels

Commit This To Memory

Ariya

RokanRolla – 15.03.13 – Go-Zilla – Up For The Let Down – Circle of Reason

Posted on March 17, 2013 by gigglepics13

Go-Zilla
Up For The Let Down
Circle of Reason

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.

Go-Zilla

Sarah Quinn – GIGgle Pics

Go-Zilla – Chasing Shadows

Find them on Facebook

Up For The Let Down – I Fear Sharks

Find them on Facebook

Circle of Reason – Chasing the Sun

Find them on Facebook

Here follows a very small amount of photography from the evening. For full evenings photos, please go to Facebook page, this gig only

Go-Zilla

Up For The Let Down

Go-Zilla

Up For The Let Down

Circle of Reason

Beercart Arms – 07.03.13 – Spit Like This – Slam Cartel – Avenge Thee + Naime – Embryon

Posted on March 9, 2013 by gigglepics13

SPiT LiKE THiS
Slam Cartel
Avenge Thee + Naime
Embryon

I KNOW THIS LOOKS LONG TO READ… FOR A REVIEW ITS MUCH LONGER THAN USUAL. HOWEVER, ITS NOT LONG ENOUGH, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME, AS WHAT FOLLOWS YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE!

Thursday evening at the renowned music venue Beercart Arms in Canterbury saw a very special and mixed line up that worked together in the way peanut butter and jam does. This was a gig I was hyped for, not often for a start I get to photograph and see 4 completely new bands. Put that together with the reputation of all bands and the rumor that Avenge Thee + Naime would be performing with 3… yes 3 drummers and well, it wasn’t going to be a spectacle to miss! An awesome line up put on by Below the Radar Events and Promotions.

First up Embryon, it was clear from the start these guys were going to put on a great stage show, just from their appearance and stance and I was not disappointed. At first they appeared to be quite old school rock in their visual performance but the songs that came off that stage soon told a different story. Vocalist Dave Frawley looks like he was born to perform and is able to to rock out like a super star whilst keeping tight clean vocals. The stage saw poses and stances worthy of an arena, hair billowing by a fan in a way that looked like they were shooting a music video and a drum kit that you should bow down to and worship (provided by SPiT LiKE THiS). Taking the performance off stage and pushing the mic into the crowds faces, made the audience interact in a way that is so hard for first on the line up bands to do. This oozed of the bands experience of performing and the ability to work a crowd. The final song of the set saw front man Dave, even pluck a poor unsuspected lady from the audience and twirl her around the floor in a manner fitting more of a masked ball than a heavy rock set! Performing and playing to the camera in a way that gets me more excited than any thing should on a Thursday evening, this is a band I want to see again!

Embryon

Next up Avenge Thee + Naime. Watching this band set up, it became very clear from the off that this was not going to be your normal average band or performance. If you hadnt heard of this band then you would be forgiven for standing scratching your heads while they set up, off stage… not a single band member anywhere near the stage in fact. Looking like a flea market with carpets laid down on the dance floor, 3 drum kits set up face to face with topless (partly bottomless too in cases) drummers strewn over the floor. Granted they usually only have 2 drummers (only… lol) tonight saw a special with a drummer leaving, it was his last performance, new drummer and existing drummer in tow. You knew from the off that earplugs were more than a must, well if you actually wanted to hear anything for the next couple of weeks! Vocalist Adam Wesgate puts on a quirky performance, dancing around the floor amongst the crowd in a totally unique manner (this could never be copied), even sitting on the floor at times and stopping to just stare or point at a person. A slightly uncomfortable experience at times for sure but wow, it does the job of capturing your attention. If that’s not enough the drummers hit their kits one at time, climbing around on top of them like small children on a climbing frame at the local playground. At times they fell into poses like the un-dead and gradually came back to life in a frenzied attack that made you fear for the poor drums lives. The set ended with drummers falling in somersaults (yes falling) off their kits in heaps of drums, chairs, bodies and broken sticks everywhere. This is a performance that not one single person in the world should miss, even if you hate metal!

Avenge Thee + Naime

Slam Cartel came next and you had to feel a little sorry for any band that had to follow the previous set. Being a 3 drum and Glam Rock/Horror sandwich was always going to be a hard for any band and in fairness I feel that they should probably have been moved down a slot to gain the crowd appreciation that they deserved. However, this does not detract from the bands performance both visually and musically in anyway. A strong band, extremely good at what they do, gaining airplay on such radio stations as Planet Rock, shows you the caliber of these guys and they put on a more than credible performance. Being joined on stage by the infamous Bobb the Pineapple (appeared on stage with Rage Against the Machine and has his own Facebook) saw a band with a front man that sure loves what he does. Hard hitting rock belted on and off stage as vocalist Giles Van Lane frequently went walk about, interacting the with audience and demanding that they paid attention. This is a front man that you never want to take you eyes off, not only due to his enigmatic manner but also due to his love of stealth attacks on those that turn their backs (I learn this quickly!). Playing to the camera at all times, getting up real close and personal and even including the camera in a song this band sure know how to play to their fans. I was even invited on stage by the guitarist at one point to photograph the drummer and he playfully then tried to block me and proceed to dance around me! A really fun band with an awesome sound that I can’t wait to see perform to a larger crowd.

Slam Cartel

Last but no means least SPiT LiKE THiS an Alternative Horror-Streaked UK Glam Punk band hit the stage. Clear from walking into the venue and seeing their merchandise stand and the way these guys were dressed, this was going to be a show and a half… Performing as part of their NormalityVille Horror Tour these guys look like they had just stepped of set from The Rocky Horror Show stage, which is quite fitting as they performed an amazing cover of Sweet Transvestite. So amazing you would be forgiven for thinking these guys had actually wrote it or it had it written for them. The band has a stunning female bassist ViKKi SPiT who fits better than an old shoe in the line up and sure knows how to glam it up! I was never quite sure if this was a stunning musical West End show or a hard hitting punk/glam rock band but either way I loved it. Punchy hard hitting songs, visual performances of the likes you will rarely see, a front man that can interact with an audience in a way that would make the most accomplished jealous .. this band knows how to have fun. Random moments of creating a conga around the floor, an audience member having ‘titties’ drawn on his naked chest with a marker pen and banter that would cut anyone dead makes this a band at the top of their game. I could never get bored with watching these guys… a total must see!

SPiT LiKE THiS

So there ends a review which is much longer than it should be but equally not nearly long enough to convey the feelings and emotions that this gig induced. The buzz from this was amazing and although I try to stay neutral on opinions and reviews, its impossible to do so with this one. I’m breaking my rule and saying this was one of my favorites both personally to watch and to photograph. I can’t put across enough the spectacle in words, so hope that my photo’s will do the job for me. A tiny amount of 169 photo’s taken on the night will appear below so I implore you to click the link to the Facebook page and look at the rest! A random day started with a Facebook friend request from a pineapple, ended in an even more surreal and random way. An evening that will stick in my mind for many years to come!

Review by Sarah Quinn – GIGglepics

SPiT LiKE THiS – Sick
Find them on Facebook

Slam Cartel – Handful of Dreams
Find them on Facebook

Avenge Thee + Naime – Ear of the Horse
Find them on Facebook

Embryon – Lost
Find them on Facebook

Here follows an extremely small amount of photography from the evening, for full evenings photo’s please go to Facebook, this gig only

Embryon

SPiT LiKE THiS

Slam Cartel

SPiT LiKE THiS

Slam Cartel

Avenge Thee + Naime

Slam Cartel

Avenge Thee + Naime

Embryon

Beercart Arms – 03.03.13 – Electric River – COLT 45 – One Day Elliott

Posted on March 4, 2013 by gigglepics13

Electric River
COLT 45
One Day Elliott

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!

Hear track Electric River – Hold Your Nerve
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Hear track COLT45 – Chasing Yesterday EP (2011) – 01 Chasing Yesterday
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Download their debut EP for FREE

Hear track One Day Elliott – So Far, So Good
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Here follows a very small amount of photography from the night. For full evenings photo’s, please go to my Facebook, this gig only

One Day Elliott

COLT 45

Electric River

One Day Elliot

RokanRolla – 21.02.13 – Insult – The Eyes – The Half Wits – Tres Camaradas

Posted on February 22, 2013 by gigglepics13

Insult
The Eyes
The Half Wits
Tres Camaradas

So a freezing cold Thursday evening saw a night of Punk and Rock hit the RokanRolla, Folkestone’s only dedicated music venue. Now this was the first time that the RokanRolla venue had seen a full-on line up such as this and it was an evening that did not go entirely smoothly. Writing reviews for gigs can be extremely rewarding but equally at times it can be difficult. The whole point of reviews is honesty, otherwise there is no point and to be honest I would be discredited pretty quickly if I was anything but. This is one that I’ve not looked forward to writing because it involves a venue and bands that I work or have worked with on several occasions. I’ve had to put some real thought into this and I think in fairness I will keep details to a minimum and try to focus on all the positives of the evening.

So first band up was Tres Camaradas, a local Rock/Punk band that is very new on the scene. In fact last night was only their fourth ever gig but had I not been told this, I would never have known. They performed a really tight set for a band that have performed so few gigs and if this is where they are at now, I can only say that the future holds bright things for them! One to keep an eye on.

Next up were The Half Wits, another local band of pure Punk! These guys have a devoted following on the scene already and it showed. This was not the first time I’ve photographed this band and I’m pretty sure it will not be the last. Always exciting to work with as their aggressive Punk lyrics see their fans hit the floor in a big hard way… producing some amazing photo’s and an insight into the world of Punk. On first glance you would be forgiven for thinking that these guys and their fans are foul mouth yobs out to cause trouble (foul mouth may be right when it comes to the lyrics of course)… but this is exactly the type of generalization that gives certain genres an unfair and misunderstood reputation. In fairness its hard and brutal music with even more brutal moves on the floor but this does not mean that it follows through in general. These guys are awesome at what they do and if you are into your pure Punk… check them out!

Next followed The Eyes, a band that I can only describe as more Rock than their Hard Rock genre. I’ve photographed this band on a few occasions now and they are exactly what they say on the tin… they also know how to party just as hard as they perform. Being completely honest and they admitted this themselves, last night was not their best performance, seeing technical problems with equipment among other issues, but as Rock goes these guys know exactly what they are doing and always put on a full on show well worth watching!

Now to the headline band Insult… well as the photo’s will show these guys were unable to play on the night. As I mentioned earlier, the evening did not go off without incident and I will try to pass over the details as much as possible. However, the fact that there was an altercation cannot be ignored as it was partly the reason the headline act was unable to play due to time running out. It is not for me to pick apart the what’s and why’s of events, I have attended many a gig in the RokanRolla with no problems, I have photographed the bands on a few occasions, never with any problems… sometimes things just happen. On this occasion Rock and Punk did not mix!

However, any problems were over extremely quickly and handled impeccably by door security, for which he should be commended. Everyone involved calmed quickly and I feel it was no reflection on those involved… it was just a real shame.

Insult are a local Old School Punk band, in fact the lads are from Folkestone and had a fair following of fans waiting to see them perform, so there was much disappointment all around. For myself, their sets always produce great photography and so does their crowd. In the interest of fairness, as I wasn’t able to get any photographs of them on their headline night, I will still place their track, link to Facebook and links to previous gigs photography I have done of them. Again, if you are into your Punk, you must check these guys out as they really no how to do it in style!

As usual, here follows a very small amount of the evenings photography. For the full evenings photo’s please go to Facebook, this gig only (well worth a look, lots of photo’s of both the fans and bands… Insult made it into the fans photo’s!)

Hear track Tres Camaradas – Sink
Find them on Facebook
Download their full demo for free from soundcloud

Hear track The Half Wits – SOCIETY
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Hear track The Eyes – Gravytrain (studio version)
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Hear track Insult – Face in the Mud
Find them on Facebook

Find photo’s of these guys at previous gigs I’ve photographed here: Bar Below gig – Beer Cart Arms gig – Platform 5 gig

The Eyes

The Half Wits

Tres Camaradas

The Eyes

Beercart Arms – I.R.I.S- Wheres Billy – Left of the Right Side (last ever gig) – Escape the Ocean

Posted on February 20, 2013 by gigglepics13

I.R.I.S
Wheres Billy
Left of the Right Side
Escape the Ocean

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

IRIS – Lie For Me
Find band on Facebook
Official website
Record Label Facebook

Escape the Ocean – Exit Wound
Find band on Facebook
Official Website

Left Of The Right Side – Skyward

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 🙂

I.R.I.S

Wheres Billy

LEFT OF THE RIGHT SIDE

Escape the Ocean

I.R.I.S

RokanRolla 18.02.13 – Hey Joni – Charlotte Rose Ellis – Sophie Metcalfe + Simon Giles – Mitch Emery

Posted on February 19, 2013 by gigglepics13

Hey Joni
Charlotte Rose Ellis
Sophie Metcalfe + Simon Giles
Mitch Emery

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!

Hear track Charlotte Rose Ellis – Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush
Find Charlotte on Facebook