Chrome Molly
Saturday 7th December, The Shed
I think this night should be recorded in the annals of live music in Leicester as being an outstanding evening of quality music. Two floors of good bands attracted a crowd of all ages to enjoy some of the best rock music that Leicester has to offer.
Tonight’s line-up ranged from legendary veteran bands making a come-back through to young teenagers showing that they are the rock stars of the next generation.
It was an night that had considerable resonance. The main stage was organised by Savfest in support of the charity Ians Chains and the lower bar set was promoted by Music First Promotions.
Chrome Molly
A sensational set from this four-piece Leicester band – a veteran band of legendary proportions.
Shed owner Kevin told us “I put them on at The Prohibition Club in 1983 and here they are playing at The Shed thirty years later. ”
We say “A band that defines quality rock ‘n’ roll in Leicester. Everything you could want from a heavy rock band.”
Chrome Molly formed in 1981 but ceased playing in 1991, although they played together as Van Halen tribute band Von Halen a few times.
Tonight’s performance marked the band’s come-back.
When the band formed, its member were singer Steve Hawkins, guitarist John Antcliffe, bass guitarist Nick Wastell and drummer Chris Green. In tonight’s line-up we saw
Steve Hawkins
Nic Wastell
John Antcliffe
Greg Ellis
IRS Records released the band’s third album Angst in April 1988, which included the single Shooting Me Down which was written by Jim Lea and Noddy Holder of Slade. The band’s first two albums were reissued by Cherry Red’s sublabel Lemon Recordings in 2010.
Watch Corporation Fear on YouTube
Captain Horizon
Captain Horizon are an original alternative rock band from the West Midlands. Drawing from a wide range of influences, they write and perform songs that don’t really sound like anyone else. The band are totally committed to creating something new with every song they write, and in the process have carved out a sound entirely their own.
Live, Captain Horizon deliver their songs in a frontal assault of passion, energy, vocal harmonies and charisma. Performance and entertaining their audience are critical as far as Captain Horizon are concerned.
A great band with a front man of outstanding qualities. Full of power and presence the band’s performance was pure rock theatre.
Captain Horizon are:
Steve “Whitty” Whittington – lead vocals
Joshua Watson – guitars, backing vocals
James “Mez” Merrix – drums, percussion
Alex Thomson – bass, backing vocals
The band was born in the summer of 2008 when Josh and Alex started writing songs that brought together the high energy and intricacy of music from bands like Incubus, Radiohead, Tool and Porcupine Tree, and the classic swagger of stadium bands like AC/DC, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd and U2. Mez joined shortly after and set about bringing his unique brand of precise and original drumming to the music. Whitty was the last piece of the puzzle, injecting thunderous vocals, unstoppable self belief and the ability to charm any crowd before him.
With three EPs under their collective belt, Captain Horizon are currently working on their first full-length album, set for release later this year.
Captain Horizon played at the Glastonbudget Festival in 2011
Follow Captain Horizon on Facebook.
Ash Mammal
Downstairs we heard from Ash Mammal. In a set that was brimming with life and energy, Ash Mammal delivered a set that was dinstinctly different and fizzed with style and panache. Previously known as Sleeping Through Rapture, the band has gone from strength to strength.
They appeared at the OBS this year, when Arts in Leicester wrote:
Leicester band Sleeping Through Rapture featured the distinctive performance style of Dan Gould and set of songs that suggested a bevy of flavours from Grunge to progressive. Pitted against some very strong male vocalists tonight, Dan’s rather idiosyncratic singing style definitely gave the band an edge. It was a fun-filled performance that won enthusiastic acclaim from the audience.
Tonight Ash mammal proved they have still got it.
Party people.
Follow Ash Mammal on Facebook.
Shattered Generation
from Notts/Derby, this band put on an excellent performance. You were left thinking “I definitely want to see them again”.
They put on a performance that fizzed with energy and passion, filling the small downstairs room to bursting. The lead singer delivered a beltin’ set with cracking work from the guitarist and some really infectious shapes from the bassist. On and they had the cooolest drummer I have ever seen: he pounded the skins ferociously without without sweating a bead.
Wonderful.
Follow Shattered Generation on Facebook.
See also:
Live Music Diary for December 2013
