Crowned Hyenas
‘You have to hold onto your dreams, because once in a while they come true’
Ozzy Osbourne.
So, I found myself skulking like sewer rat through the back streets of Coventry, only to be tempted by the waft of beer and crisps, I wandered into The Arches and found to my surprise – and theirs hahaha- that my friends The Fiendish Hyenas were playing tonight!
This natural pairing is a gift, both bands, Black Water Fiend and their co-conspirator’s, Crowned Hyenas have forged a friendship that is bulletproof, borne out of respect, trust and an astonishing rapport. For me, having the opportunity to see them again was one I couldn’t really miss. The Hyenas hissed and spat their way to Coventry, friendly, good-humoured and humbled by the attention they are receiving. We get on with the night’s proceedings as later, we are to be treated to a DJ set from a very special guest.
Black Water Fiend
We all have ‘Places to Be’ but tonight there was only one option, with a sold out venue, the bands could not have wished for a better crowd. Blazing through a short but sweet set, we have ‘Thick as Thieves’, and brand new single ‘Elephant’ all accurately indicating the measure of the evening. We temper the bar fight a tad so we can appreciate a cover of ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ it takes on the original, fearless, intense and edifying. It was a night to drink and throw a few sonic punches, both artists committed on a joint enterprise to cement their place in this industry. Their youth and drive to succeed accentuates the historical integrity making them exciting bands to watch, so catch them whenever you can, they are a huge bonus to the underground surge of heavy music.
Having briefly spoken to the bands in the bar, I could tell that we would be seeing a lot more of these two on the same bill at future shows. There friendship and their shared emotions and thinking reflects in stellar performances all round.
Black Water Fiend are here to party, with their debut release – which is out in the wild at the time of writing this- they have a lot to be proud of and a lot to shout about. Their work, their worth and their worldly experiences are now all yours to have and to hold. We hear tracks from ‘Borrowed Time’ and it is a real indulgence for the lucky few here. Danny – his brother Alex joins us tonight on bass- is a great band leader, always friendly and up for a laugh, and on that note, he hoists Matt Argyle on to the stage to down a pint, a party trick from the people pleaser. We get an appearance from Josh Sellis of Monastery to heighten the party atmosphere, friends supporting each other and encouraging the wider underground scene is what it’s all about. A climate of a hand up as opposed to pulling the drawbridge up is essential in these trying times.
We get a little teary for ‘Not You’ an emotional tribute to Dan, grandfather to Sam, always a great supporter of the band and taking a keen interest in all the latest happenings.
A loud, proud, brassy and sassy evening as we ‘Push’ ourselves over the line with ‘Protect You’ and head to the bar to refill our glasses as this room is about to explode with light and laughter from Benji Webbe. Onwards!
It is at this point that I leave, glad to have been a part of it and hoping that this is the beginning of another chapter in the story of this dream team of the grassroots scene.
Until next time……
Azra Pathan
Black Water Fiend/ Crowned Hyenas – The Arches, Coventry, 12th July 2024