Metrofest - Day 3 - Featuring: Electric Discharge, MMA, 10 Foot Wizard, Oceanis, Raw Bones, Pandemik, Reperium, Freq and Reaper - The Lomax - 1.12.13

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 6^th 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!!!!!!

Metrofest - Day Two - Featuring Metro Manila Aide, Jazzhands, Fantasist, Elephantom, CDX, Damp Old Man and Seven Days of Night - Lomax - 30.11.13

Metrofest

Day Two: Featuring Metro Manila Aide, Jazzhands, Fantasist, Elephantom, Crush Depth Experiment, Damp Old Man, and Seven Days of Night

The Lomax

30.11.13

Overview

With a no show from ‘Marooned’ ‘Seven Days of Night’ opened up around 8.00pm for day two of Metrofest and in getting there pretty handy I saw them sound check – and well what can I say? ‘On Leather Wings’ was one of the most stupendous tracks I have heard and my out and out favourite genre too! – heavy electronica. ‘Finger Licking’ and ‘High n Dry’ were also just as memorable. As soon as that backing track started I was hooked like an unsuspecting fish on a line!  The band not only got into their stride but looked the part too! Very interesting and enjoyable set indeed! Looking forward to catching them again soon! Also worth noting that ‘Seven Days of Night’ have supported the amazing Aesthetic Perfection back in July of this year.

 Seven Days of Night

Jonny Seven

Well this was a bitter moment seeing the demise of Damp Old Man as it was their last gig ever - but the sweet moment knowing they are working on new stuff - two tracks of which were expertly played at Metrofest and will be going under the new name of Surprise Bear Attack! But whatever they choose to call themselves it will always be a pleasure to see them live as they just ooze gut wrenching rawness and power all the way! Great set!

 Damp old Man

 Damp Old Man

Damp Old Man

Bringing a really classy touch to the evening’s events was Jason Thomas Richardson – a man of many, many, words and all of them totally spot on! Especially the poem about Birkenhead. Maybe one of the bands could put Jason’s poems to music – now there’s a thing! I am pretty sure Saul could do it! But a very enjoyable set indeed.  Perhaps Jason should have got up on stage in between all the bands changeovers though, as I am sure he had enough material in his bible, whilst giving the audience something memorable to feast upon other than just a play list.

Jason - Poetry in Motion!

Crush Depth Experiment or CDX for short were up next – and for those who don’t know are two of the members from Seven days of Night - Keith and Jason. The music is again powerfully raw and ‘shouty’ - right up my street! Another band to watch out for and who simply lifted the atmosphere to far reaching decibels of pure magic!

 CDX

CDX

Around 9.30 saw the amazing Elephantom grace the Lomax stage and again such a stunning performance these guys are pure liquid gold and ones to watch as they have already gained their momentum now and really set the pace for better things to come – Roll on their next performance so I can proudly wear my new Elephantom T Shirt!

 Elephantom - the men behind the masks

Elephantom

On the last leg of their energetic set, Mike from Shabhoc arrived and commented he was liking what he was witnessing but after seeing ‘Fantasist’ at the SOS Fest in 2011 I can honestly say that they didn’t move me at all, but on seeing them last night at Metrofest they just blew me away! Giving a really captivating performance that was clearly enjoyed by everyone there and I will now be seeking out some music from them for sure.

 Fantasist

Fantasist

‘Jazzhands’ were I’m afraid, my Achilles Heel – never liked Jazz, never likely to like Jazz and just not my bag at all.  All those different time changes just confuse the hell out of me as it is like watching several bands perform together on stage but I suppose you have to be a musician to appreciate it, so I am told!  (Despite someone in the audience thinking I was a vocalist) definitely NOT! However the ripple in the audience as bodies threw themselves around said otherwise - but I am sticking to my guns! Jazz is NOT for me! On a positive note: At least they all matched in orange!

 Jazzhands

Jazzhands

Another raffle took place next and Saul took to the stage to give out more prizes – which thankfully last night everyone was there to receive their prizes unlike the night before... ‘tumbleweed’ along with more Metro v Food as two large pizza boxes were waiting for two hungry mouths, the smell drifting under the noses of the hungry horde and the two lucky guys receiving them and (different from day one of Metrofest) got stuck in as soon as MMA started playing, but again a lot of cheating going on as a small crowd gathered around the boxes and were ‘lifting’ a few slices – I could have joined them as by then I was pretty ravenous, but I declined!

 and the winner is........

 mmm Pizza

Oh no not again!

MMA were absolutely fantastic last night, much better than the night before although still good! Things flowed a lot more smoothly. Saul wore a beautiful little silver number that showed his chest off superbly, a grin never far from his lips, as he plied everyone with Jaegermeister and then sung his heart out on stage, with the crowd doing a lot of mental stuff at the front, although this is all part of the plan, as you couldn’t fail to be moved by the words or the music that MMA produce – it’s just as addictive as a class A drug but with no side effects!

 Saul

 John

 Ropey

 Pretty fetching in silver!

Bodies... 

A lot of familiar faces in the crowd for day two including Hunter – still in his sexy red number slurping Jaeger but at the end of the night when he changed into his ‘normal’ attire was hardly recognisable!

Last night the time whizzed by and I just couldn’t believe that I had witnessed 7 bands – Seven seemed to be the number of the evening, so maybe I should buy a raffle ticket this evening for round three of Metrofest with the number 7 in it? Roll on night three of Metrofest!