‘Three steps in, Birmingham’
Well, I don’t mind if I do, and seeing as you asked so nicely, I shuffled forward ready to be publicly dissected by these young’uns who arrived all the way from Bristol – oi, no laughing at the back. Their Thrash chariot laden with goodies that even the most miserable git would lay themselves down for.
Martyrs Saint are a new name to me, but I’m a nosey old bat, so I watched keenly as I settled down for the evening’s shenanigans.
I was initially a bit nervous as I wasn’t sure of who I would meet and then the glorious Phil of Phil the Room Promotions appeared to check our credentials to enter the pit. His sidekick Bruce of Broken Wolf (I cannot apologise enough for not recognising you), then Brad of Fallout Clothing bounced down the stairs as I was chatting to my photographic friend Connor and his wonderful mum. It turned out to be a great night to see so many people who are leaders in supporting a scene that is much maligned but is also much loved.
The band are Brandon Goodair -vocals/guitar, Amaré Hurley – lead guitar/backing vocals, Louie Hawkes – drums and Harvey Lewis on bass, a roarsome foursome that carry a valuable weight and maturity of live music in their bodies. Their EP ‘From Strength to Strength’ embodies talent, depth and understanding that analyse and criticise the world we are living in.
They came with a message of unity, of equality and the fact that we are all human, should be the common denominator, that we use to work together and work for the better. To say that with your full chest, is a huge responsibility, I feel it is a message we need to pick up and run around with until there is change.
They finished their set with the most incredible rifferama, from ‘Enemy of my Enemy’ after which we dispersed into a quiet corner with a drink to salute the new bands who hold such promise and presence, raise a glass for the saints, the sinners and the martyrs.
First off huge apologies to Thrash Mob, I am late with this piece because I could not find the photos I took of you on the night, in my defence, I have been trawling from event to event relentlessly this year, hopefully next time I see you I’ll be more careful. On a brighter note, thankfully my most photographic of friends, Connor was there to capture the show, so you will have some spectacular shots coming from him.
After winning M2TM Nuneaton, the next jolly mob to present their case is er, Thrash Mob, including more faces I recognise, Ruaraidh (Slaughterhouse Festival) on vocals, Karol and Charlie (ex-Thrashead) on bass and guitar, Alfie on guitar and Ty on drums, who complete a cocktail that coerces, and connives to chew off your left ear while whispering sweet nothings into your right ear.
All aboard for their debut single ‘The Executioner’ out now, and an EP ‘Hate, Rage and a Whole Lotta Killin’ which you will prepare yourself for and you will embrace with what is left of your shredded carcass after tonight.
The band are hot on your trail, with their chase you down, gutsy fretwork and drums that bulldoze through your central nervous system. There will be no alignment and no refinement, you will enjoy the chaos, you will escape from your ingrained and inveterate monotony and throw yourself at the mercy of the Thrash Mob. Lucky for you they are an affable bunch, friends out of the furnace, flaming hot and honourably Thrashsome!
A night of fun and hard work, the beauty of live music, in a sweaty basement, where any ‘Delusions of Grandeur’ you may have brought with you, were swiftly booted skywards.
Stick around my friends, you wouldn’t want to be late for your own execution.
Azra Pathan
Martyrs Saint/ Thrash Mob – 3rd October, Scruffy Murphy’s, Birmingham.