PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
As a venue The Borderline ticks many boxes, a nice intimate size, different viewing levels, decent toilets and of course the fantastic Crobar is right next door, with pre-gig happy hour prices. It was there, that over the summer Sons of Icarus almost became the resident band with a run of shows. Tonight they found themselves tottering around the corner to play a co-headline show with The Jokers.
Although it seemed most folk were still enjoying happy hour next door, those of us who had ventured into The Borderline were treated, for a 57th of the price of what Joe Bonamassa was charging earlier this year, to three great bands and a good old night of British rock’n’roll.
The Wild Lies opened the show and did so well. Vocalist Matt has a good and rather sexy rock voice. It certainly made my friend and I turn and wonder to the front to watch their fast paced show as they opened their set with ‘Heartbreaker’. Their 1980’s metal musical influences are evident and there are plenty of riffs to be enjoyed by this band.
The Jokers are a relatively new band who released their debut album in 2009, although I confess this is the first time I have come across them. They exuded more youthful energy than many bands half their age. Lead singer Wayne Parry is a great front man who interacted very well with the audience, hyping them up and getting them involved in the show, as well as using his s
tage space well. This combined with guitarist Paul Hurst cracking out the Angus Young moves during his solos, made for a totally rocking stage show.
The Jokers sure left a damn hard act for Sons of Icarus to follow, but they stepped up to the mark, playing one of the best gigs I have seen them play.
Sons of Icarus have good songs and are expressive on stage, getting off to a good start with ‘ROB‘ and ‘Make Amends‘. As they warmed into their set, the pace picked up and the change in them from when I first saw them some years ago is great to see.
Their music has got heavier, more stoner grunge rock than the classic rock avenue they started on, especially with the likes of latest single ‘Let It Burn’. This is a great direction to be headed in and singer Andy Masson 
definitely makes better use of his vocals on this track in particular. He can certainly belt the high notes, but has a better vocal range than he sometimes lets us see. Guitarist Steve also took the opportunity to crack out some solos during the set.
Although I came primarily to see Sons of Icarus play and saw them perform a damn good show, one of their best, for we were all begging for an extra number at the end; tonight belonged to The Jokers who definitely played the most entertaining set.
The Wild Lies Set List
Heartbreaker
Stone Cold Love
Falling
Angels
Relive the Ride
The Jokers Set List
Dr Rock Head
Rock’n’Roll Is Alive
Radio
Let It Rock
Angel
Hell To LA
Blood of Ox
Night Driver
Find My Way Home
Helter Skelter
NYC
Silver City
Sons of Icarus Set List
R.O.B.
Make Amends
Can’t Let Go
Not Myself
Falling
Higher
Please Come Home
Let It Burn
You Want It All
