Review Centre: Cover Bands

"Are you ready for love at first bite?", asked vocalist Belladonna, alongside her equally frightening bandmates, Datura and Wolfsbane on lead guitars, Deadly Nightshade on bass and Violet Mandrakia on drums, all who had ventured out of their crypt tonight, to trick or treat us to some classic vampish covers. Van Halen's 'Runnin With The Devil' immediately gave Belladonna something to get her teeth into, as did Ozzy's 'Bark At The Moon', with an impressive dual guitar attack from the aptly named Wolfsbane and Datura, her poisonous partner in crime. Lead Guitarist Datura (aka Ezra) continued to flower, leading her undead pack on The Shangri-Las '(Remember) Walking In The Sand', before their "oldie, but a goodie", and Fleetwood Mac's, (Peter) 'Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown). An eclectic list of classics continued with UFO's 'Doctor Doctor' and even Jefferson Airplane's 'White Rabbit' - both dispatched with frightening professional aplomb and a refreshing change from the standard covers that are churned out so often. "Any fans of Kiss?" asked MC Belladonna, cue 'I Was Made For Lovin' You', before another unusual stand-out, and a highlight for mine, Python Lee Jackson's (or Rod Stewart's for those of you that are a lot younger than me) 'In A Broken Dream'. Brilliant. The vampire banter continued, before Wolfsbane launched into the awesome opening riff of Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' (never tire of that one), although their vampish antics continued when they stopped during the intro of Blue Oyster Cult's 'Don't Fear The Reaper'. "What are we missing?" they asked. "More cowbell!" was the answer. Enter The Reaper (not The Sandman) on stage with trusty cowbell, although, seriously, this was another highlight of the set with great harmonies, spot on guitars plus some demon drumming from dear Violet. A special mention for the excellent Deadly Nightshade, who confided with me after the set that her bass guitar idol was indeed, the one and only Phil Lynott. Sadly, no Thin Lizzy in their set tonight, although from one girl band to another, The Vampirettes did salute The Runaways very own Joan Jett with 'I Hate Myself For Loving You' So pleased I wore my special edition Motorhead t-shirt on the night as they tore into Lemmy's 'Born To Raise Hell', with some more brilliant drumming from Ms. Mandrakia, before some 'Tainted Love', with Soft Cell's classic given the werewolf guitar treatment. And talking of Wolfsbane, "Lord" Alice Cooper's 'Poison' was the penultimate in the set, and despite pleads for "more", rather aptly Rainbow's 'Long Live Rock 'N' Roll', with a bit of audience participation and band intros, brought the night's proceedings to an end. A great set. Great content. Great musicians. Great fun. All in all a brilliant evening"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"It’s March and still raining. I’ve trawled through some serious procrastination to decide where I’m going tonight; at least three decent live music offerings in Chester that I know of. And I’m sure the others were brilliant. Marblehead Johnson are, in their own words, a “tribute to the British Britpop music scene” and a “powerful combination of passion and quality.” A tribute band, to me, equals lunatic professionalism. To tribute a whole scene is a big ask. Good covers bands are rare enough, taking that enormous and unlikely step beyond random amateur recreation. But these guys really do tick the box of perfectionist, professional curators though. Friday night was time travel night with a set list that captured the point where British alt-rock got (largely) happy and popular (in a good way). A guitar dominated, looping and lurching opener with Ocean Colour Scene and The Riverboat Song; polished and convincing. Second song in and I’m braving the dance floor with the pointy shoed brigade. A few songs further and they offer me proof of their professionalism. A very-very-very long time ago I was lucky enough to make it into Brixton Academy and unfortunate enough to catch James on a sincerely off night. And I’ve heard James and Sit Down many times since: at home, on the radio, in DJ sets and covered-more-than-it-should-be. One of those beautiful songs that gets tired through over use. And on this particular Friday night I heard it come alive; all vitality restored. There were the things I expected; a good dose of Blur and Oasis both, Stereophonics, Bluetones and more, then some referencing back to foundation stones with The Who and The Jam. Marblehead Johnson switched between styles and musical voices with conviction; into acoustic things and seamlessly back out again. The magic of seeing grown men dance without a pint in hand happened repeatedly through the two sets. On any given set you pray for that one song you don’t see coming; the track you might flick through on the album that becomes something else entirely live. So it was with Blur’s Charmless Man. That perfect Blur poetry, simple, direct and delivered with energy. Marblehead Johnson are a good distance from being charmless. They are careful collectors and curators of songs; fine musicians and performers.!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Music&Soul exceeded all expectations! The ceremony music was emotional, the reception was full of energy, and the DJ set was next level. They made our wedding a dream!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I got an all-clear result from my PCR Test yesterday, so last night I ventured out to the Jam House to see how much the Brummie music culture had advanced during my almost 2-year absence. Last nights gig was a new venture called Reggae Winehouse a Brummie band with three vocalists doing Reggae versions of Amy Winehouse's repertoire. I liked the idea, and so did a lot of other Brummies who turned out to make a fantastic night. I am old enough to remember when the Windrush Generation started to arrive in Brum bringing their love of music and enjoyment with them. A few of that generation were present last night along with their grandchildren. By the time that the second set started the Jam House was bouncing around St Pauls Square and you couldn't tell the difference between the multiple ethnicities on the dancefloor, we were all just Brummies filled with Joy. I semi walked semi danced on my way home in the early hours, thinking to myself how lucky I am to be a Brummie. The Jam House did our City proud last night, and after 10 years I finally saw the lead singer I always knew was in there. Take a bow Leonie Smith and the rest of your brilliant band !! #nuffsaidfred #ILuvMyCity"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing talent and loved having these guys play at Rumors Nite Club in Urbana back in the 90’s. Can’t wait to see them together again!!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"German Dhers or the band was amazing in every way! He kept the party going. I would hire him again and again!! (10 / 10)"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow. What an experience. We were looking for something a bit different, especially during the dinner. Boy did we get it. From the initial surprise factor (which caught me off guard, even though I knew it was coming) to the singing itself. Everyone was out of their seat, entranced in the songs with full vocals. Our band even gave a solo to one of the singers, it was fantastic. Now from the administration side. Paula is an absolute delight. From the minute we reached out, to the present day. We could not have asked for a more helpful organiser. Not only is she knowable in her own field, but she gave us the reassurance and contacts to other parts of our wedding. I could not recommend Paula and her singers any higher. A very satisfied Mr & Mrs x"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Absolutely gorgeous harmonies and thoroughly entertaining evening, huge thank you to both of you."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Excellent and professional Band , they were on time and followed the brief well."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Wow- what a night! The band arrived at the party venue which was a shed in the middle of no where to them and they provided a fantastic range of music! I had spoken with Ben and said that guests might take a bit of persuading to dance but we were up at the first and didn't sit till the end- resulting the next day having sore feet! The guys were great and guests were wanting to book them for other occasions! Can't wait to see them again - and even left a lovely note thanking us for a great night!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thank you so much! Having you in our home-and sharing your music with our family and friends-was truly a gift. You set the tone for the evening, and we've heard nothing but wonderful comments from so many of our guests. We're grateful not only for your talent but for the joy and warmth you bring with you. It made the night especially memorable for all of us.!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Azu and Filippo were fantastic, we would 100% recommend to anyone looking for acoustic live music for an event. They played a party at we held in our garden and were brilliant from start to finish. Communication was great from enquiry right through. The songs and their sound were beautiful, reading the room and bringing great energy and authenticity. They are such a talented and professional pair of musicians - we would book again in a heartbeat."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We just wanted to thank you for the excellent performance at our surprise 60th birthday party in Winsford. The choice of music was very good and the vocals where outstanding. Everyone enjoyed the evening. Thank you and keep performing. John & Stacey (60th Birthday Party) 10/10"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Simone's performance capabilities as a jazz trumpet player are truly masterful. His technical proficiency, expressive playing, and improvisational skills make him a standout musician. Whether performing in small ensembles or leading a jazz band, Simone's performances never fail to leave a lasting impression."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Angelo and Francesca helped make our wedding truly special, they played really well and created a lovely atmosphere throughout the day. Our guests had a great time, and they were professional and helpful from the very beginning. We’re really happy with our choice!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: