Gig Review: MRI, Big Smile Revival, Blue Eyed Crows and Grenades at Outpost Liverpool - 24 Sept 2022

As I am more used to reviewing the punkier bands at Outpost, it was a very pleasant change to pop along and see four bands that were slightly out of my comfort zone, some might say a challenge!! Thing is, watching bands that are exceptionally good at what they do, and loving what they do will always be a pleasure, especially when ya have never seen them before. Its always good to see new bands, well, new to me anyway, and in this case, there are two.

Kicking off proceedings, a local band known by many is MRI. Richie, Dave and Ben thrashing out what they describe as Psyk garage punk metal noise, and that is exactly what it is. Richie’s sublime guitar playing reminiscent of the rock bands of old, beefed up to a faster and heavier tempo to give em that “metal” sound. Ben on drums smashing the hell out of the kit, searing backing vocals complimenting Dave on bass, screeching vocals and bass playing to match. Tune after blistering tune, hard to realise there are only three of them, a sound you would expect form a 5-piece outfit. I’ve reviewed these a couple of times, and can only say that they clearly are one of the best local bands I’ve had the pleasure of seeing a number of times. Great set, great bunch and amazing sound. Always worth a watch.

Big Smile Revival next, completely different band to what I am used to, but a band I just wanna see more and more of. “Non-Conformist Psychedelic Infused Alt Rock Trio” based in Liverpool. Matt, Steve and Edvard have this almost studenty, unapologetic look about them with a faint air of like us or don’t. the look incidentally, belies their instrumental and vocal talents. As soon as the first track started, ya just knew that this was gonna be one of those bands that do things their own way with a style quite unique. Stunning guitar work from Steve, working the fret board in perfect relationship with effects pedals, never putting a foot (or finger) wrong. Distorted vocal effects throughout the set, with a heavy and deep bass line from Edvard, synching perfectly with Matt on drums. Being an old fart, I can easily see many foot (influences in these lads, too many to mention here, but they still maintain their own musical path and structure. BSM are an excellent, well refined and formidable band, just wanna say again how good the guitar work is. A must-see band for sure.

A very new band on the scene up next in the shape of Blue Eyed Crows, Emma, Stu, Aaron and Doug have put together an interesting array of bluesy, melodic and slightly psychedelic musical treats for us this evening. Yet again, tremendous lead guitar from Doug, taking us back in time to the trippy hippy era of guitar riffs n licks, backed up superbly by Stu on bass, definitely looking the part as the cool dude of the band. Aaron doing what he does best on drums, as usual I would add. Then we have Emma on vocals. A truly incredible, strong voice with a wide vocal range to match, which could easily be described as a natural soul/rock sound, with a hint of quaver. Powerful and melodic, not sommat ya see a lot of these days. I think I recall saying to someone at the time her voice reminded me of Aretha Franklin, that’s probably the best observation I can make. Anyway, being a fairly new band, I didn’t expect to hear what I did, you would think they have been around for years, tight, perfect timing, amazing width of combined styles and great musicians too. A fantastic set, and a band that will deffo go places.

Finally, a band hailing from Wirral, a 4-piece outfit collectively known as Grenades. Interesting band name, but a very apt title. Formed in 2011, Ian on vocals and guitar, Macca on guitar, Pete on bass and Phil on drums, they have played all over as headliners and support to many. Ian’s angsty vocals not just outlining social and political issue, but ramming them down ya throat. There’s no subtlety here, he wants you to hear what he saying, and makes damn sure ya do. Another one of those bands that have their own style and quirky uniqueness, but…………. I did feel a certain New Orderesque twang to some of their toons, took me a while to figure that one out, but its there, and good sound it is too. Great stage presence from all without needing to overdo it, vocals, as passionate as they are, do not detract from top musicianship from the lads. A band ya can watch as well as listen to, and take in what they are getting across. Folky, punk alternative anger band. Yup, that’ll do. Great set as always.