PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Last Saturday night I was in unfamiliar territory for me, namely Chelsea Football ground. Why was I there? To attend the launch party for Nico Tamburella’s new album, ‘Mind Cage’. The venue, ‘Under The Bridge’ is definitely a cool venue for music nights and due to all the photographs of bands on the walls, it feels like the club could be in any city. (Though it would have been better with less air con on and therefore slightly less cool?)
The support act for the evening was Liquid Fuse and when they took to the stage I can say that I was very much surprised. First because they were an old fashioned rock-n-roll band and second because they were so young. I have no wish to appear patronising and that is certainly not my intention by mentioning that, but I would not have expected a band of that age to have such a grasp of this style of music; they got it 100% and if you like rock-n-roll I strongly suggest you go see them. I wasn’t expecting to hear this style this evening and it was definitely a pleasant surprise. They played with style and as if they had been playing live for a decade or so.
Straight away I was genuinely impressed with Liquid Fuse; the singer clearly enjoys his role of entertainer and I always enjoy watching a drummer who can play with intent like that. To watch them you would think they were playing to a packed dance hall, and they would deserve to, if only as payment for getting to listen to their cover of The Kinks ‘You really got me’. I’ve put their website link below as a hint to you all, but if you’re not great at hints, then I shall have to spell it out. No, this is not metal at all and never will be, but it is rock-n-roll in its old fashioned form and that alone means you should go have a listen. (Spotify or ITunes will do the trick.)
At about 9.30 the room goes dark again and Nico Tamburella takes to the stage, which literally explodes in the way that you would expect to find towards the end of the final song of a set. After a long guitar instrumental there is a switch into a heavier sounding song. Now, normally with a band named after one band member, you would expect this to be the singer; in this case it is the guitarist, with the guitar parts being the most prominent feature and taking the lead. This is not to draw attention away from the rest of the band (drums, bass, keyboard and singer) nor to belittle their involvement in any way as this is not a one man band. This is very much a band and therefore the sum of all parts, however there is no getting away from the fact that it is Nico’s guitar work that takes centre stage on many an occasion, and certainly in each of the songs played that night.
So, if you are a guitarist and you name your band after yourself, you really do have to be able to deliver the goods – and let me assure you there is nothing lacking here. Nico is simply an amazing guitar player and just awe inspiriting to watch. If you love guitar solo’s and seriously fast shreds you will definitely want to check out their new album and see them play live. Though out the set his fingers literally fly across the guitar at breath taking speed and at times seem to get even faster. It was fantastic to watch. I personally love the parts in songs where the guitar and drums are left to go for it and there was plenty of this that night.
Overall the style is one of old fashioned metal with the drums going fast, and the singer performing with umpf and energy. Later there’s a change with a bit of funk and blues style thrown in for good measure. We are told that the album ‘Mind Cage’ is about the emotive look at the struggle that goes on in your own mind, sort of a look between the dark and the light, with everyone telling you what to think – but do you want that? The title track from the album is good song to start with if you’re new to this band and for me summarises the thought behind the album well, as there are parts where each element plays against each other – helping to demonstrate the struggle in your mind. Even the sections where everything blends together still manages to feel a bit raw and confused, which it should.
I would tell you more about the new album, but if you listen to the title track, you’ll find that you won’t need my encouragement. It’s available for download via ITunes as well as on Spotify (I’m listening to it right now) so get on there and give it a listen!
So, instead of waxing lyrical about the new album I’ll instead fill you in on some of the other unexpected highlights from the evening in the form of special guests. The first being from Pete Way, bass player in UFO. This was not something I was going to miss so I made my way towards the front of the stage, and the attraction must have been mutual as later on he landed right at my feet, and I have total respect for him for not missing even a heartbeat of the song but keeping on playing – pure class! But just as I was being impressed by Pete’s playing skills, Nico joins in with the action and suddenly I have 2 top musicians at my feet. Now that’s getting right in on the action. This launch was certainly giving me more than I had bargained for, and why not – it is after all a celebration of a process.
This really was turning into a bit of a party which is always a bonus, though perhaps bargain is the word I should use as by my reckoning they were playing for around 2 hours! This was one mammoth set indeed and I feel I need to end this review by saying that I love the fact that I get to go to these events and witness such musicianship, and I include everyone who played that night in that statement.
Cheers for a top night Nico!
http://www.adixtionmusic.com/nico-tamburella.html
Set List
Intro
No Time For Sadness
Shine On
She Is a Killer
Rock On Riot
Save Me
Voices In My Head
Dawnie’s Blues
Superstition
It’s Enough
Mind Cage
Hey Joe
Fading Away
Sleeping With the Devil
Thrill Is Gone
Highway Star
I’ve Seen The Angels Falling
Live Until We Die
Midnight Jam
Highway To Hell
Miss Sensation
