LIVE REVIEW:
Fables Last Stand @ Three Tuns Gateshead, Friday 19th Dec 2008
They say rock 'n roll is dead. Well, if tonight is anything to go by, then reports of it's demise are well and truly premature!
"Don't believe the hype!" they say, but having
already listened to some of their material on numerous web postings, it would seem the current buzz around this band of Geordie rockers may actually be justified - especially based on tonight's performance.
As a front man, 'Roachie' has his craft nailed down. Take the bastard child of Steven Tyler and Rod Stewart, give it a crate of Brown Ale and Roachie is the end result. With a voice that's both raw and very expressive, his delivery perfectly fits the band's sleazy rock style. Never still and effortlessly projective, this man has got it in spades.
Phil (drums), Dan (guitar/keys) and Al (bass, also of well respected local act Skinflint) are excellent musicians, laying down the rhythm for lead guitarist Twiggy to groove off.
Some of the solos he played were pure perfection and the simple yet infectious hook line from outstanding song 'Japanese Rain' is still in my head now.
One of the worst stormy nights I have seen for a long time combined with both the credit crunch and that fact these boys are the support act on the Quireboys bill at the Carling Academy on Monday along with Remedy (a
show not to be missed!) must have had a serious impact on the attendance, which wasn't as good as expected - but at the end of the day that was everyone else's loss, because there won't be many more
opportunities to see this band for free, or at such an intimate venue. Fans of Aerosmith, Hanoi Rocks, the Faces and Rolling Stones are going to love this band.
Fables Last Stand are definitely going to be
making a big noise on the rock scene real soon. Get along to the Carling Academy on Monday and keep your ears pinned for their debut album due early 2009, but in the mean time check out my review of their EP 'New Breed' over on Komodo Rock.
EP REVIEW:
Don't believe the hype - or so they say. Well here's one band who thoroughly deserve the current attention they are receiving among many industry observers.
'New Breed' shouts out their intent with it's heavy catchy tune and beautifully worked slowed down latter section, 'Stray Dog' is a throwback to bands like Hanoi Rocks and 'Shooting Star' hangs it's hat on a classic Rolling Stones riff - but it was ballad 'Don't Come Down' that first grabbed my attention when I heard it on their Myspace with it's laid back Black Crowes feel.
If this EP is anything to go by then these sleazy hard rocking Geordie boys are destined to make a big name for themself. Nice arty cover too.Excellent live, see them support the Quireboys at Newcastle Carling Academy on Monday 22nd December. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Last Updated: December 21, 2008