with Foul Body Autopsy
Reviewed by Thomas Needham
I didn’t quite know what to expect from Resin Event’s Christmas Party in aid of the Trussell Trust. I’ve never considered metal to be my forte and those who I spoke to in the days leading up to the gig seemed universally sceptical. Let me put the skeptics at ease now; you’re in more than capable hands with Foul Body Autopsy and Straight For The Sun.
Solo-act, Foul Body Autopsy, fronted by Leicester-native Tom Reynolds, took to the stage to begin festivities. A veteran of the metal-scene, he’s been actively releasing material since 2010 and it shows. His melodic playing was of blistering ability; effortlessly gliding across the fretboard, with alternate picking that was just as precise as his pre-programmed backing tracks. It’s mesmerising to see someone who has effectively mastered their craft, Reynolds’ passion for the guitar is evident and it’s a treat to see it live. A confident and collected performance, Reynolds was comfortable to let his material breathe, the clean, (although not particularly quiet) picking making the next, inevitable sonic-onslaught all the more impactful; truly allowing the audience to savour his technique.
Despite his impressive playing, deciphering the brief sampled interludes and lyrical contents of his songs was a tad difficult – all masked behind an impressive range of fry screeches, death growls and tunnel throat screams. Nonetheless, from what I’ve gathered Foul Body Autopsy combines the socio-political concerns and dark subject matter of genres such as grindcore with a keenly melodic metal-derived sound. Much in the way Reynolds blends styles of playing, he too blends genres – if metal isn’t quite your scene, I’d recommend his Shadows Without Light trilogy, which features remixes blending Gary Numan-esc synths and Foul Body’s particular brand of melodic metal.
Initially, I was concerned that the incessant pre-programmed drums would wear on me over the course of the gig however Reynolds flew through his 30-minute set with ease. Despite the unfortunately sparse audience, everyone seemed to be enjoying the show – rhythmic head bobbing seemed to be the extent of our collective dance repertoire but I don’t suppose death metal is particularly danceable.
Working as a solo artist has its logistical and monetary perks but when a group of artists are so cohesive and well-attuned to one another, there’s a spontaneity and comradery to live performance that solo artists simply cannot achieve alone – although perhaps that’s just personal preference.
As the audience piled back in from their fag break, prepared for another hour of collective head bobbing, Birmingham-based, 5-piece alt-metal band Straight For The Sun took the stage. If Foul Body Autopsy covered the technical ability, Straight For The Sun brought the sheer spectacle. The hour long set was relentless, for an hour straight you were given no reprieve as you basked in a band brimming with high energy, heavy riffs, unyielding drums, adept vocals and a remarkable stage presence. Callum put it best; “I can feel it in the air, there’s something about it.” While I’m not sure how intentional the following In The Air Tonight-esc drum fill in the following song was, all I know is this set made Phil Collins look like… well, Phil Collins in comparison.
When frontman, Callum, and guitarist, Pauly, lept off the stage and into the audience, the unspoken barrier between the entertained and the entertainers was destroyed. It was clear that the band was having just as much fun as we were. It’s very rare you find yourself in the presence of a band that feels so liberated on stage, while many bands ask for a bit of audience participation, very few seem to get it, it’s a testament to them that they clinched it multiple times. Callum, adorning a Guns ‘N’ Roses tank top, yields all the magnetism of yesteryear’s greats. Thankfully, unlike Axel Rose today, Callum can carry a note.
The band’s latest single Fall Away, written by Callum as a tribute to his father, gives him the space to truly deliver a vocal performance full of emotion – it’s more than deserving of the recent recognition it received on the Kerrang! weekly charts. Of particular highlight for me was the rhythm section; bassist, Oz, and drummer, Jamie, brought a flair and variety to tracks such as Buzzwarni, Sirens and Walk that have become particular favourites of mine.
Unfortunately, the sound mixing put so much emphasis on the rhythm section (the drums in particular) that you really had to strain to hear guitarists Tom and Pauly, a shame considering they are clearly more than capable, especially after re-listening to the studio tracks.
Heavier-sounding genres seem to have a certain reputation amongst the public which I think is incredibly unfair. Everyone that I had the opportunity to speak to, artist and audience member alike, were incredibly friendly and talkative. Music has a unique way of uniting people, especially so in a country where community is fractured, and despite the sound seeming daunting to the uninitiated, metal is full of passionate people who are just happy to see new faces, especially young people who only grew in number as the gig went on.
If Christmas is the season of giving; give your local businesses and talent a chance. There is a city brimming with talent that’s (now, thanks to our lord and masters) just a £3 bus fare away, it is up to us to lend them our support. Your backing certainly goes a long way and as we look towards 2025, I can assure you, Foul Body Autopsy and Straight For The Sun are bands to watch. I believe Kevin (photographer) put it best; “they were alright weren’t they?”
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