Metrofest
Day Three – Featuring: Electric Discharge, Metro Manila Aide, Ten
Foot Wizard, Oceanis, Raw Bones, Pandemik, Reperium, Freq and Reaper
The Lomax
1.12.13
Overview
Well the mighty Metrofest was on its final leg (and me
on mine!) But what an amazing journey with none other than nine bands and all very
diverse from Thrash to Rock n Psychedelia!
First up were Reaper four young guys with only one
thing in mind and that was to slay! Ant the band’s lead guitarist effortlessly
brought to life his flying V, whilst Danny the bands rhythm section and vocals
brought in the humour along with two of the guys from newly formed ‘Exiled’ (Playing at Rampage on the 6th
December at the Zanzibar) together they created a solid foundation for Metrofest and paved the way for the
rest to follow. Superb set!
Pete Cattle giving it some stick!
Ant
Danny and Titch
Reaper joined by half of Exiled
Surprise of the evening I thought, as did many others were Freq who class themselves as ‘Punchy
Spacey Rock’ literally created the most amazing vibes possible with superb
harmonies. Such an excellent set that nobody wanted them to finish! Although,
Ivy needs to smile and enjoy herself more on stage as the look of boredom
seemed to wash over her face with each track, but this we all know could be
down to nerves, as it isn’t easy getting up there to the masses – but what a
band! Looking forward to seeing them play again for sure! Check out the track ‘Change’
it will change your life forever!
Freq
All change for Freq
Next up were Reperium and
although they had initial problems with their equipment still managed to sound
perfect! I have always loved these guys – seeing them play is just magic
although I do miss Tom’s vocals that blended well with Mike’s but realise that
Mike is just as capable if not more so, of doing those raucous growls! I was a
little disappointed that I never got to hear the ‘Kenny Lads Intro’ though but
that’s technology for you! Otherwise excellent set as ever!
Mike
Reperium
Reperium
Ant
Next Metrofest had some ‘digressive’
death metal – yes you heard right Pandemik
once seen never forgotten – these guys have more humour than a comedian on
smack! They bring a lot to the table and make any situation thrilling to watch
and can handle it with humour – made even funnier by Marc announcing after the
first track – “I’m knackered is that 20 minutes?” (Well it is DEATH metal after
all and for good reason!) Whilst being serious about their music, in true metal
head style, which is what makes them gripping to watch! Powerful and heavy as, Pandemik can engage any audience and
last night was no exception. Thanks for dedicating ‘Satan makes me kill’ to me, it’s one track that really does fuel
the frenzy and wow was it cool at the front of the stage with all that hair
flying about! Good job guys!
Pandemik
Pandemik
Roarrrrrrrrrrr - Marc
Another surprise to the evening’s events were Raw Bones. I had no idea what to expect when I saw the drums being
pushed to the back of the stage and replaced by three tiny wooden boxes, then a
double bass appeared, and a very battered looking guitar, such a primitive set
up, but what a sound! No need to worry about technical hitches here for sure – the
crowd of onlookers lapped up the unusual array of sound that emanated from the
Lomax stage and moved like they were being given electric shocks and this was music laid bare and joined on
stage by Freq’s drummer who bashed
out a good beat on his little wooden box - clearly enjoying himself. Very
diverse and unusual indeed!
Raw Bones
Jim - Apparently it's Phil
Raw Bones joined by Freq's drummer
There is no getting away from the thunderous vocal of Joe Maryani –
yes you all know him as the front man to Oceanis
– people who have seen them live before, usually try and steer clear from
the stage as much as possible for fear of being pushed, grabbed or throttled as
Joe literally ‘wears’ his music – it shrouds him so much it just takes him
over. Right ‘in your face’ stuff that you cannot ignore and the talk on
everyone’s lips... ‘Oceanis are
playing!’ And watch the smile appear on people’s faces! Oceanis have added more melodic tracks to their set which I believe
is to keep Joe calm (as if) but still superb to be able to focus more on the
other members as they usually get left behind when all eyes are on Joe – so a
very good move. Looking forward to hearing their new E.P and we were informed
that Oceanis are doing an E.P launch
night in Feb at The Lomax – so don’t miss that if you know what is good for
you!
The Mighty Oceanis
Oceanis
Concentration - Oceanis
It's Satan
Oceanis
You would think that following Oceanis
was a near on possibility, well you would be wrong because next up were ‘Ten Foot Wizard’ who without a doubt
are one fuel injected outfit of pure energy. Playing their first ever Liverpool
gig. Hailing from Manchester and no doubt causing mayhem there with their
stoner, blues brand of music that has more bite than a hungry snake! – although shame they had so little time on stage
as they needed at least a 40 minute slot for people to fully appreciate their
savagery! Absolutely brilliant set. Come back soon guys!
Ten Foot Wizard
Seddy
Ten Foot Wizard
Ten Foot Wizard
Ten Foot Wizard
Next up were the wonderfully outstanding Metro Manila Aide who without them Metrofest would simply just be a ‘fest’. Saul now wearing make-up
and some sexy leggings with a black n white belly top looked better than any
model I’ve ever seen! His smile never far from his lips and it’s been decided
that we should kidnap him and keep him in a closet so when you are feeling a
bit shitty, open the door to see that smile and then soon your troubles will
just diminish in a flash! But silliness aside Saul is one of the most decent,
honest and truly nicest people I have ever met. He looks after everyone is
truly ‘a man of the people’ and clearly adored by all who come into contact
with him.
The awesome Saul
Andy and John
This is what GOD looks like
Saul
John
Pete Roper also with the mighty Elephantom!
Spread the love Saul
John and Ropey who joined Saul on stage along with Andy on Sax
poured their love on the crowd who lapped up every second of it – you couldn’t
fail to be moved by MMA they are ‘something
else’ I am going to miss seeing them play every night now L
Over the past two days MMA
have headlined but last night saw headliners ‘Electric Discharge’ who came over from France and East London –
where they are based. However they sadly
weren’t my thing at all with a mish mash of rock and psychedelia but not as we
know it! Maybe the scene in France is a
lot different to here, although saying that, the final track they played did
outline their energy, so much so Frank got on stage with them to help out on
drums which was one of the highlights and I did enjoy the French sung track –
nice to hear a different language than plain old boring English for a change!
Electric Discharge
Electric Discharge
Electric Discharge
Electric Discharge
** Very Special thanks to Frank, Jo Hedges and Kath Murphy at the Lomax for being superb hosts, Kyle for the impeccable sound over the past three days. Saul for such an amazing event I won’t
forget in a long time, Todd Sloane and Mike Fleming from Shabhoc for accompanying me to the event on Friday and Saturday
respectively and Cuzzy Ian Laver for
being the best Cuzzy and friend ever, - glad you won the Metro Manila Aide T Shirt in the raffle! Dom Hignett for his engaging introduction for MMA. Great seeing Rowan Reid
again who says she has now joined a band – great news! And to Hunter who joined in the revelry by
supporting a gorgeous red dress! Good meeting up with Sam
again – (The mate of Mr Slap Happy Haribo) And by no means least a big big, thanks to all the bands who
played Metrofest: Metro Manila Aide,
RamRaid, 69 Watts, Midnight Playground, Sugarking, Smoking Ink, The Visitors, Jazzhands,
Fantasist, Elephantom, Crush Depth Experiment, Damp Old Man, Seven Days of
Night, Electric Discharge, Ten Foot Wizard, Oceanis, Raw Bones, Pandemik,
Reperium, Freq, Reaper and not forgetting Jason Thomas Richardson for his brilliant poetry.
The genius behind the sound of the Metrofest - Kyle
As the lights went out at the Lomax that gut wrenching feeling that
the intense three day event had indeed come to a close, but I shall take with
me some of the most remarkable memories ever, as well as the now fading little
red cross on my right hand... Roll on Metrofest
2014!!!!!!
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