SIOBHAN MAZZEI/NEW AGE GRACE/DEAD RAZE
Soundhouse 11th November 2023
Strayed down the road Saturday night for a gig at the The Soundhouse... attraction for me was New Age Grace who i had seen and enjoyed a couple of months ago, and tonight they shared a bill with two bands who were totally new to me.
First up a guitar/drum duo, DEAD RAZE who had been invited down from Liverpool by New Age Grace. This duo really had something different and special about them... they delivered a scintillating set of rock/punk, fine guitar work, especially the slide playing, and hugely powerful drumming. The fact they ended with a scorching version of MC5's "Kick out the Jams" gives a suggestion of their intent and style. Very powerful, very energetic and incredibly good... a band that made dancing along irresistible... Love this band
Next up was New Age Grace who had impressed at the previous gig and did so again tonight. A terrific tight rock band with a great lead singer, who despite a cold, still delivered with a great voice. For a point of reference maybe somewhere around a much harder version of Vinegar Joe.
The drummer, without trying to batter the drums to pulp drove the beat along with the help of the powerful bass playing. The guitar work was a fine accompaniment to Amy's singing, and delivered some fine solo passages in the instrumental sections.
Atop it all Amy's voice soared and shone as she sang the songs, without going into the throaty shouting that can happen with a rock band in full flight... a great controlled performance
Another cracking set from this really fine band
Closing the night was Siobhan Mazzei... I confess i was expecting a solo act, but she was leading a really great band featuring drums, bass and guitar as well as her own vocals and guitar. Siobhan showed herself to be a fine songwriter and delivered the songs with huge confidence and a lot of humour through the set... indeed she proved to be a real character. Whereas the previous two bands barely let the pace and energy slip, Siobhan's set showed light and shade, where several pieces started quietly, sung quite softly with feeling before erupting into full on thrash... The whole band was terrific, and Siobhan a bundle of energy and dynamic performer, and rocked along gloriously and infectiously climax in a manic blitz of rock with Siobhan almost doing contortions whilst thrashing her guitar as the last piece built to its climax.
I couldnt separate the bands... all three delivered a glorious slice of rock and roil, while all being totally different... and I think each of the three equally good..
No mistake... this was a really great night
Keep music live... keep music real... support your local venue
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