‘You could be watching Strictly’
Wise words from Preston (red or white roses, pick a side and let’s boogie -chews knuckles ferociously) singer Rich and his friends have been on this continuum of metal mayhem for thirty years, so they know a thing or two about overnight success.
Looking resplendent, if I may say so myself, in the very lovely specially crafted T shirt to commemorate this tour, we gather at the front of the stage and wait for further instructions.
Solitary dropped anchor briefly in Birmingham to play the Hatred album in full and throw in a few other tasty titbits for good measure. I first came across Solitary during the Moshin’ The Roof On campaign, in aid of Shelter, a veritable beast of a collection from the team at UK Thrashers led by my friend Neil Brannigan-Fuller and sitting pretty in the co-pilot seat is Phil Of Phil the Rooms Promotions, together they tirelessly worked to ‘Loudly Combat Homelessness’ and help inject some much needed sanity and care in our lives.
Hatred is a five album pile up, showcasing years of hard work and perseverance, and establishing a beacon, a lighthouse if you will, for all you weary thrashers out there.
This is like a homecoming tour, I feel the essential elements are covered more than adequately, the band, Rich, Royston, Andy and Gaz all fluent in fretwork, dynamic on the drums, vociferously vocal and crispy round the edges for communication and conviviality.
The visceral onslaught of ‘I Will Not Tolerate’ sets an incandescent scene that is all consuming and quite fitting in the current climate that has taken over our society. We have lost all sense and direction; we live off rage and impatience.
We commiserate ‘The Diseased Heart of Society’ with ‘cavemen noises’ as the lyrics are set aside for this one.
Solitary by name, sociable by nature ‘we couldn’t do this alone’ says Rich, they need us, we need them, reciprocity at its finest.
It turned out to be quite a philosophical, and thoughtful night as we contemplated how life is now and the how the struggles seem to be never-ending. We are aware and worried for what the future will look like.
There is no time for ‘Bitterness’ we all play the hand we are dealt; music keeps us going, keeps us grounded and it is an option for safeguarding and security. So, wrap yourself up in this comfort blanket, that is after you’ve had a thrashing good time as more dates are lined up, so get yourselves out there and support the scene.
From a reckoning to a ‘Requiem’ what will it take to be rid of all the Hatred?
As above, so below, so mote it be.
Azra Pathan
Solitary – 3rd October, Scruffy Murphy’s, Birmingham.