So, I’m back again a week later, same venue, same stage with another four band bonanza, this time headlined by my friends Black Water Fiend, whom I saw before lockdown opening for Pop Evil.
Tonight, we have another fine mix of new talent, hoping to grab your attention and first up its local ruffians Serenity, who belie their monicker and come out blazing through a set of classic covers. Yeah, I know, cover versions are always a bit hit and miss, but to me they are just original works expressed in a different style. Serenity begin with ‘Detroit Rock City’ to set the scene then rip roar through ‘In Bloom’, and ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ all brazenly adapted by these youngsters. There is a confidence, in their stage presence, in their image and in their aspiration. The charge continues with a neat little guitar and drum solo, always good to see individual band members having their time in the spotlight, then onto a stonking version of Green Day’s ‘Holiday’ I really liked this one! Finishing with ‘Girls, Girls, Girls,’ they can leave the stage knowing they have given their all. I would definitely like to hear some original work from them, that would be very interesting.
Next up all the way from Norwich are the mighty Crowned Hyenas, a veritable foot stomping set of tunes follows as they belt out songs that acknowledge the audience, who in turn are responsive and obliging. It always helps if the artists know their efforts are being appreciated. Formed in late 2021, using their awareness and understanding to fuse together an amalgam of musical variations and subtleties, the ideal way to attract attention and garner a reaction. Armed with enough ‘Pills’ to knock out an ‘Elephant’ it’s time to face the ‘People Pleaser’ a brand new single out now. With frets to light up the night, these guys are the heavy rock equivalent of a bar fight, just dive in and ask questions later. You can feel the smoke trail they leave behind after each song, methodical, and purposeful, singer Matt Argyle is a joy to watch, chatty and smiling, attributes that make him instantly likeable. At a time when cruelty prevails, choose kindness and friendship, always, it is the way forward.
As with all new artists, they need the correct backing and promotion, and they will hopefully be laughing all the way to the bank.
Monastery make their way onstage, singer Liv Gardner stands tall, eyes scanning the crowd, mentally noting the target and then proceeding to wow us with her deep, dark voice, it’s a heady cocktail of doom/thrash/prog, what I call ‘War Pigs’ music because that’s what I’m reminded of. Heavy, but not burdensome, it is a measured and controlled dose of a genre that is sometimes much maligned. It’s time to answer the ’Devil’s Call’ and prepare for the ‘Descent’ into an arena of discontent and await your ‘Reckoning’ all sounds too familiar, but set to the throbbing, pulsating tones of Monastery, there is indeed something very monastic about their sound and delivery, monotone but not monotonous, cut and dried, you know exactly what you are getting.
The grand finale, Black Water Fiend, suitably dapper in black, looking very much like The Hives, and The Stranglers even. It was so good to see the stage adorned with their own banner and drumskin, as singer Dan said ‘it’s the little things’ makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Older and wiser, being dragged through the lockdowns, our men in black have survived, have emerged triumphant as their onstage personas shone through. There is a new drummer Kurt and new bassist Rhys, both have absorbed the essence and integrity of the songs and make a perfect fit. The fierce and feverish music tantalises, as Sam, Rhys and Dan dominate the stage, giving the show vibrancy and versatility. They command the audience, sounding incredible, refined and resounding. Rising out of the ‘Catacomb’ to ‘Wish You Well’ and wait for the ‘Apocalypse’ you may as well be ‘Talking To A Ghost’, a focused and energy filled set that shows a maturity and a thirst to continually improve their game. For me the highlight was ‘Not You’ a tear-stained number addressing grief. It reminded me of Matty Aubrey and his song ‘Doreen’ admittedly I was a bit lost for words.
A night of giving grassroots music a hand up, it was evident in the crowd reaction, receptive and jovial that proves there is room for new music, there is public interest and appreciation. An air of conviviality, settled amongst the fans and the bands, allowing for a mutual respect and admiration, I can safely say it was a win-win situation for all. Hats off all round, and may the odds be ever in your favour.
Azra Pathan
Black Water Fiend/Monastery/ Crowned Hyenas/Serenity – O2 Academy 3 Birmingham 14th October 2023