Sick Circus
The Cavern – Liverpool
29th June 2011
It isn’t often that you come away from a gig of the unsigned variety, you have never seen before live, and still singing the band’s first track, but this is what happened after this gig!
Sick Circus is: 5 extremely talented musicians with awesome stage presence, determination and sheer writing ability.
They have the ‘hair’ the looks, the make-up and big catchy hook lines (that make their way into your head like a maggot going through an apple) indeed a great winning combination.
Formed in August 2008 and hailing from the Liverpool area, these guys nailed their 30 minute set at the Cavern.
Their first track *Forever Feeling This Way’ was and still, is my favourite track and executed brilliantly. Although I will say guys that I still prefer the ‘older version’ from my space, as I think it is much more punchy than the newer one as it sort of lacked the vital oomph factor, but none the less enjoyable to witness live!
Each track was attacked from all angles with brutal ferocity, ‘Down in the Hollows’ also stood out for me, as being a ferocious track with some awesome vocals from Mike and murderous drumming from Danny, together with that catchy bass line from Oli, and awesome riffing from Ant and Ryan, great track!
Mike the band’s voice filled the Cavern with such screaming splendour, to whispers from the females in the crowd of ‘Oh he’s hot!’
Oli took the stage by storm and started jumping so high at one point I thought he might crack his head on the ceiling, and at the third song ‘In My Cell’ stripped off to the waist, at which I did feel my temperature rise a few notches!
Ant, as cool as ever gave the occasional pout and delivered some amazing riffs to the excited female audience.
Danny, although quiet off stage, really came into his own, and gave out some amazing blast beats in front of a massive display of the Liverpool scene which was illuminated behind him, which really added to the effect.
Ryan, under a mass of what can only be described as a Lion’s mane was clearly enjoying the set as well as the attention from the crowd, stopped to poke his tongue out at me as I moved closer to snap a photo of him in mid song and blistered through the track with some awe inspiring rhythm guitar.
My only gripe was that the set was just not long enough and it seemed over just as it had begun.
Sick Circus certainly delivered a set that was packed with sheer professionalism, and definitely ticked all the boxes for me. So not just a ‘hair’ metal band as they go so much deeper than just hair alone…… but it helps!
Amazing how their eye liner stayed immaculate under the sweltering lights of the Cavern, but it was them melting everyone else’s faces off!
It was like being transported back to the 80’s in the time of Motley Crue and Wrathchild, but Sick Circus had more bite than a rabid Tiger and more hook lines than an expert fisherman. Even the band’s girl-friends looked cool and resembled ‘real rock chicks’ unlike some of the female’s attending gigs, who seem rather ‘out of their depth’ at such venues. Well done Jess and Rhi!!!!
Ant said before the show that they were going to try out a more progressive/technical side, which should be interesting to see where this takes them, but for now these guys hold the winning card and brought a little piece of history to the Cavern (and I am NOT talking Beatles here!)
They blistered through their set with extreme precision from beginning to end with a cacophony of thunderous riffs and awesome screams. A truly awesome ‘live’ experience and one I only hope I can repeat anytime soon!
Special thanks to Polly for her help and friendship – awesome meeting you Polly!
Members:
Michael Lothario – Vocals
Ant Lothario – Lead Guitar
Ryan Van Delyce – Rhythm Guitar
Oli Hazarian – Bass
Danny Barnes – Drums
Set-List:
Forever Feeling this Way
House of Pain
In my Cell
Down in the Hollows
Knockout
Bone Crusher
