Blue Eyed Crows - RBY
The Blue Eyed Crows are hitting it big now, larger than life. Sometimes there’s more than a hint of early Cult about them and they can be far more Goth than your postman. Their sound is huge though, accentuated by a massive vocal delivery that still hits the right Grace Slick (Airplane not Starship era) notes. Its a tight and confident delivery with a stand in bass player (Ste from Big Smile Revival) filling temporarily the huge (usually stripy) pants of Stu and joining Doug on guitar and especially Aaron on drums in generating a tornado of rhythm section that hits hard and fast. Doug’s guitar work is crafted and then edgy, an expert slice of tone control and musicianship that crosses genres repeatedly and gives the Crows their distinctive feel.
The rest of the gig - JR
On arrival at the Outpost, I was informed that I had missed Blue Eyed Crows, bugger, however, having seen them before, I know what a great set they would have put on. Feeling a little dejected, I waited with baited breath for Sigma 3, a band I’ve not seen before, but have had heard much about. Richie on lead guitar, who also plays for a number of other bands including MRI. Informed before hand that this set up is completely different from his other projects, interest peaked as they came on stage. From the outset, it was clear that this is a far cry from other material Richie has put out. Storming bass and drum work, accentuated by sublime guitar playing, took me away from the norm that I was used to. 30 minutes ish of trippy blues, high intensity noise that drew you into the mindset of the music. More often than not, we place musicians in certain categories/labels/genres without realising that there is so much more to their craft and skillset they possess. This was a joy to listen to and feel. Cheers lads.
The Vermin Suicides stepped up with a ferocity we have all come accustomed to. Anton’s searing vocals, facial expressions and guitar welcome you to his world of musical and lyrical brilliance, supported in perfect time by Robbo on guitar, Aaron on drums and Simon on bass. Brilliant crowd interaction as usual, tune after tune of melodic punk rock, with a little bluesy stuff thrown on for good measure. Special shout out to Aaron for a change, amazing drum work played with passion and aggression matched by few, always a joy to watch. Again, another one of our local bands who always give it their all to whatever the crowd size. Seen the lads many many times, and they just seem to go from strength to strength, never failing to impress.
And finally, The Dirt…………….. “A transglobal experimental Collaboration between Japanese musician Sachiko and Manchester spoken word”. Many of you have heard Leon the Pig Farmer, well here he is with bandmate Sachiko on guitar putting stunning riffs to his spoken word medley. Wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but what I witnessed was summat quite remarkable. First off, Sachiko, mesmerising string work with a plethora of effects pedals set the ambience with an almost mystical atmosphere for Jack to tell his story. Stories from life, the street, experience and observation. Passionate isn’t the word when he narrates his poetry, and poetry it most certainly is. Its hard not to be taken in by his honesty and heartfelt writings as he near demands the audience to take heed. Looking around the punters, ya can see the concentration as they listen intently to what is being put to them. This was a great set. Not seen them before, and will definitely make time for them again
Words: Johnny Reay / RBY, Photos: Adrian Wharton/Richie Yates
Links:
Blue Eyed Crows:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueEyedCrows
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-blue-eyed-crows
Sigma 3:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sigma3Band
The Vermin Suicides:
The Dirt:
Bandcamp: https://thedirt71.bandcamp.com