Mayhem We are a duo - keyboards and vocals - but we sound like a band!

As a music journalist, I am someone well used to hearing performances covering the whole spectrum of ability, from very talented, to no talent whatsoever; mainly on the working circuit, encountering much from the bottom end of the scale, the flaws of which seemingly pass by, or go over the heads of the audience, mediocre musical acts often gaining acceptance despite (or because of) their lack of any talent whatsoever. So, when on a random whim, I booked MAYHEM into The Old Crown, Hayes, I was pleasantly surprised to come across that jewel one constantly seeks: a light hidden in the bushel, an act of great quality. Don’t get me wrong, on the surface, MAYHEM are basically just another covers band, with certainly not much more to offer in terms of choice of material than others treading the same circuit. The difference though, is in the depth of thought in the vocal arrangements, and the attention to detail in the performance of the songs. Someone in the band has true musical knowledge. The way the vocals are arranged and used is no accident, and the music has a depth and surety that is pure class. Carol’s voice is unique, and at many points conveys rare emotion for those who can hear. The two voices are a happy accident of coincidence; Carol’s rather treble voice, Billy’s gruff baritone, both interesting voices taken in isolation, but together producing a sound that is perhaps greater than the sum of its parts. The quality of both singers shows itself also in the faultlessly correct intonation, the thrilling blend and invention of the harmonies, the search for expression in the vocals, the subtle use of the arrangements to produce expression. Most of these subtleties are of course lost on the general public, but the band still have enough battle-hardened experience and know-how to ride out any waves of indifference, and overcome the hardest heart with a friendly approach to their clientele, patiently trying out various styles and eras, constantly striving to reach their listeners, despite a kind of yearning in the music for serious recognition. Personally, I found it somewhat sad that a talented band like this has to resort to some popular (and bland) material, but one must bow to reality, and work is work. Still, the musicians didn’t just accept the status quo of this material; they always had a few surprises in store in the way they approached any song, however scraped from the bottom of the barrel. Carol’s voice sounded at its best on songs like “SUMMER OF ’69” and “I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT”, but she shone through on harder songs too, like “LIVING ON A PRAYER” and “DON’T BRING ME DOWN”. Billy didn’t sing quite as many lead lines, but when he did, it was with a power and confidence that knew just how best to carry the melody, and the strength of harmony singing was in a different league from the average one would expect to hear in a situation like this. On “Living La Vida Loca” the dual vocals were outstanding, perhaps the most equal blend of the day, with other such highlights for me being “Don’t Stop me Now” and “I Wanna Know what Love is”. The locals however enjoyed some of the lighter material more, such as “Rockabilly Rebel”, square dancing their way through the afternoon with great whoops and hollers, playing their part in a very pleasant day in a very pleasant pub. There was a humorous moment when the lads at the bar joined in with “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” all pointing and dancing in the manner of Tom Cruise in “Top Gun”! A vivid sight to behold, for sure! The day ended with a raucous rendition of “Rockin’ All Over The World”, the two singers showing that they could rock it with the best of them when the chips are down. Can’t wait to see this band again. (10 / 10)
Andrew Staines

Jubilant jubilee jam Attimore Hall, Welwyn Garden City on Saturday 4 June 2022
Lemonrock let me know these guys were appearing at Attimore Hall, not far from my usual haunts. Went there, and though the crowd was surprisingly small, I wasn't disappointed. What a great band!
Alex, Tuesday 7 June 2022

In perfect harmony Private Function on Wednesday 23 February 2022
I like to think I know a thing or two about music (don't we all!), or perhaps I'm being a bit smug, having been a music journalist most of my working life. So when my friend, Tim, asked my opinion about a band to have for his business functions, I had no hesitation in recommending MAYHEM. I have only seen the band perform once, at a club in Hertfordshire, but, even with my so-called wide experience, I was taken aback to hear such superior use of harmony and dynamics, unusual in these settings to say the least. Of course, the subtleties of the music went completely unnoticed by the clientele, even though the band was very well-received, on the basis of it's well-chosen set of popular songs with a strong beat. The two voices are excellent in their own right, but taken together, the reward is even greater, a perfect blend of harmony, made all the more interesting by the clever use of the arrangements, which make the backing tracks - self-made by the band - seem to be bent to the will of the singers, not the other way round as is usual with someone singing to a track. Not only the vocals, but the supreme skill of a virtuoso keyboard player - when I later learned about his history, it all made perfect sense to me, someone who was responsible for a whole musical genre was not about to lose his touch. As for Tim, after hearing only the first few songs, he made up his mind to offer the band a residency. And so he should.......
Jack Diamond, Thursday 24 February 2022

Organised Mayhem Royal British Legion Harrow Club, Harrow on Saturday 18 June 2022
Not Mayhem at all, very together band with great vocals and stand-out keyboardist. Shame it was a bit quiet in the club (has been lately), but great songs and singing. A great Man I feel like a Woman and a rousing Light my Fire.
Richard, Sunday 19 June 2022

Me and my biker mates often stop in here, gigs vary, but it can be buzzing - this wasn't one of those times; a rainy day meant not many here, which was a real shame. When I saw the band on stage, I thought we were in for a lightweight pop act rather than the Rock we relish - wrong! It really was tough, some of the locals winced and complained about the volume, though it wasn't loud at all. When the guy sung Light my Fire, the place erupted! It was the best Jim Morrison rendition I've heard, great organ, great vocal, what a climax!