Jettblack and Crashdiet @ The Joiners, Southampton 28/04/2013

JETTBLACK
CRASHDIET, WESTERN SAND + HOLLYWOOD TRASH @ THE JOINERS, SOUTHAMPTON 28/04/2013
Words by Charlotte Whittingham
Photos by Naomi Rigley

Thunderous drums, slick guitar solos and big hair were the main factors of Jettblack and Crashdiet’s sold out co-headline show at The Joiners for the last night of their tour.

The night kicked off with local hard rockers Hollywood Trash, influences from Motley Crue and Guns ‘N’ Roses were very clear through the band’s music. With powerful vocal work, rolling drums and original guitar solos, this young band definitely have the whole rock package and have the potential to climb high on the musical ladder with their catchy songs such as Mr Rock ‘N’ Roll and Diamond In Your Eye. Overall a great performance from Hollywood Trash and a fantastic way to start a fantastic evening, if you haven’t seen this band already I highly recommend it. The positive reactions amongst the crowd from beginning to the end of their set said it all.

Next up were Bournemouth Southern rockers Western Sand, this gig showed that they have most definitely grown as a band and how far they have come since I first saw them nearly two years ago. An atmospheric backing track built up anticipation amongst the crowd as they made their way onto the stage, starting with song Better Days really got the crowds going and their set was well underway. Tonight was the premier of brand new song Dog Without A Bone that started off quite ballad like, so when it sharply transitioned to the upbeat tempo I was taken aback as I did not expect it. Overall a fantastic performance from the boys, they now also have a new EP available click their link at the bottom of the page for more details.

As Swedish glam rockers Crashdiet made their way to the stage the cheers and chants were heard all over the venue. I hadn’t seen them live before so I didn’t know quite what to expect. Starting off with their new album opener Change The World got the crowds going instantly, they had a great stage presence and it was great how they interacted with the fans. There was a mixture of material from their latest album and their previous albums, from Riot in Everyone to Garden Of Babylon everything about Crashdiet’s performance on stage was flawless. From their slick guitar riffs to vocalists Simon Cruz’s charismatic stage presence, Crashdiet definitely did themselves proud and blew the roof off The Joiners. Judging from the crowd’s reaction I think Southampton would like to see them come back soon.

Last but by certainly no means least High Wycombe rockers Jettblack take to the stage. Seeing them previously, they usually tend to bring a stadium like atmosphere to small venues and Sunday night saw just that. Opening with anthem Two Hot Girls went down so well with the crowds that the mosh pits started early on. I could tell from that moment that Jettblack were well underway. Last year they released a new album Raining Rock so it was great to hear some of the new songs played live including my personal favourites Sunshine and Prison Of Love. I should also mention they filmed the live premier of Black Gold which bought a calmer tone to the evening. It was also fantastic to hear the classics such as Get Your Hands Dirty and MotherF*****. Closing with Raining Rock and their explosive cover of Danger Zone marked the end of an explosive show.

To conclude, this sleeze, glam, hard rock fest that happened at The Joiners it was truly an experience I will remember for a very long time. All the bands were fantastic and the atmosphere was just amazing, all I can say is if Crashdiet and Jettblack ever co-headline again I highly recommend going along.

Find Hollywood Trash on Facebook

Find Western Sand on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Find Crashdiet on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Find Jettblack on Facebook, Twitter and their official website

Happy New Year and Introducing.........

Hello everyone and happy new year to you all. I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas. I also thought at the beginning of each year I would write a post about new bands that could possibly make a breakthrough in the upcoming year. 2012 has definitely been a great start for me so far as I passed my driving test last Friday and have already come across some musical talents. So here are some bands that have really stood out this year and that you should definitely look out for in 2012. Click on the titles to access their Facebook pages.


Krash Rover


A dirty grunge rock band who hail from Texas; sort of trailing on Southern bluesy rocks like their Kentucky brothers Black Stone Cherry I think Krash Rover could just be the next grunge band to come out of Southern America and make it big. Hope to see them over here across the pond sometime and to hear more from them.

Simon Says


First hearing about them at university this year I thought it would be great to check them out at The Royal Oak in Southampton. Not only did I find another favourite venue to add to my list, I also came across a fantastic band who have really done well considering they started making music together a couple of months ago. I think 2012 could just be their year; their happy go lucky acoustic sounds have already charmed local audiences in Southampton so far and I think they could get the whole nation to sing 'Peanut butter Jelly'.

The Treatment


I first heard about Cambridge hard rockers The Treatment whilst reading an article about them in their 'Introducing' section and I saw they suggested fans of Aerosmith would like them so I thought I would have a listen. I immediately loved their album This Might Hurt and they pulled off a fantastic live performance, this particular one made it to the top of my best live shows of 2011. I also had the amazing opportunity to find out more about them as I interviewed them this year.

Click here to listen to my interview with The Treatment


Velvatine

Hayling Island rockers were one of the opening support acts for The Treatment when they performed on the Southampton date. I was highly impressed by their enthusiasm and their talent; their appearance reminded me of either Marc Bolan or Heavens Basement but their sound reminded me of AC/DC. I really think that Velvetine will shine more in 2012; only really having heard the band once this year I would really love to use 2012 to get to know Velvetine a bit more. Their performance at The Joiners was a great first encounter.




Western Sand


First coming across four piece rock band from Bournemouth at the Heaven's Basement/Jettblack gig. Hearing their music mostly through live shows I have really been captured by the bluesy rock sounds from Western Sand. It would be great to see more of them during the new year, including a brand new album that I have yet to hear. 

Well there you have the list of bands to look out for in 2012; I shall also be using Tumblr to write reviews this year

The Treatment @ The Joiners; Southampton 11/12/2011

I have realised that I so far for the past three years I have made at least one trip to The Joiners at the end of the year so far; as I have mentioned in previous posts that The Joiners is in fact my favourite music venue in Southampton as a lot of Britain's best upcoming bands tend to perform at this venue. Tonight it was the turn of Cambridge hard rockers The Treatment to take the stage; The Treatment have been a great highlight in the music industry so I was really eager to see what their live performance would contain. I also found last night proved to be a fantastic life changing step in the terms of music journalling and I shall explain why later.

The first band to play were Delirium; who are a rock band from Dorset. I thought they were a very interesting opening act to pick for The Treatment since they had a more grungy sort of sound, a lot like an Alice In Chains I thought. I thought their set overall was fairly average; I might have to see them again, I think they may grow on me after a while.

Find Delirium on Facebook and their official website

Velvatine were next to play; young aspiring rockers from Hayling Island whose sound reminded me of Heaven's Basement jamming with AC/DC. They really gave it their all last night, their songs were great and they showed a lot of energy in their performance; I found they reminded me of a popular band at my secondary school years ago and it just made me feel really warm inside.  I do hope to see and hear more from Velvatine in the near future.

Find Velvatine on Facebook

I was very happy when I had heard Western Sand had got the main support slot for the gig last night; I can honestly say here today I have seen them a number of times this year and last night was definitely their best show yet. I loved how they opened up with soundtrack music which I had never seen them do before until now and I think they really showed main support act material with the amount of energy they gave. They sounded fantastic too and I really do hope to see them in the new year very soon. 

Find Western Sand on Facebook and Twitter

For headliners The Treatment it was their first time playing in Southampton last night and was incredibly happy when they said they'll return. I had heard The Treatment's album This Might Hurt and really liked it, you'll see it's on my top ten albums of 2011, like I mentioned earlier I was really eager to see them live. What an amazing show it was; opening up with their single D****, F*****,F****** I could see it really got the crowds at The Joiners pumping. Playing other great songs such as Shake My Mountain, The Doctor and my personal favourite Just Tell Me Why to the utmost perfection and with so much passion I could definitely see why the Cambridge hard rockers bring such big crowds. I was also so stunned and excited when promoter and good friend Jodie Newman arranged an interview with The Treatment too, which you will see and hear in a later post, guitarist Tag Grey mentions in this certain interview they see themselves playing at Wembley Arena in five years time and after watching them last night I think so too.

Find The Treatment on Facebook

Tuomaslotte rates: TTTTT 

Western Sand @ The Firehouse; Southampton 12/8/2011

Heading to one of my favourite places for the first time in a while was rather fulfilling and pleasant; I went to see Western Sand who have become a favourite band of mine this year with their catchy bluesy ballsy rock sound. Performing songs from their debut album that I still need to get and some covers; they pulled Missippi Queen to perfection and it was great gettting everyone on their feet to a great cover of Long Live Rock and Roll by Rainbow. It's actually thanks to Western Sand I now know the song. Anyways; fantastic night out, with amazing company. I also managed to get some smashing photos of Western Sand and what they love to do best.....playing great music that sets you free.

 

Find Western Sand on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Reverbnation and their page on SignMe To Roadrunner Records

Western Sand @ The Brooke; Southampton 26/6/2011

Last night I went down to The Brooke to watch Western Sand play; well it intentionally was going to be four pop punk bands but due to one pulling out at the last minute and another pulling out days before the event Western Sand were asked to fill in. I am so glad that was the case because I had seen Western Sand play a fantastic set when they supported Heaven's Basement and Jettblack back in May. Their set last night was a reminder of how awesome these guys are; Tyler Hains sounds exactly like Chris Robertson from Black Stone Cherry possibly better. Their melodies are amazing and I love a lot of the guitar riffs; I am definately going to buy their album and will definately see them again soon. No pictures with this review I'm afraid; until my new camera battery charger arrives I don't have a camera for now, for the London post I borrowed my mum's. Hopefully the battery charger will arrive soon and I'll be able to take gig pictures again. Here's video I found from one of their previous gigs; wasn't from last night.

Heaven's Basement and Jettblack @ The Talking Heads; Southampton 19/5/2011

Hello people; it has been a while since I have posted. I have two exams next week so revision has been keeping me busy, but I was glad to take a break from it all last night. In the form of a trip to The Talking Heads in Southampton with my best friend Becca to see two of my new favourite rock bands Heaven's Basement and Jettblack co-headline. I had been looking forward to this gig for quite some time and was so glad I was going to be watching it with the nicest bunch of people ever. 

First up to play were Bournemouth rockers Western Sand; I had written a post about them recently saying how I loved their bluesy rock sound and it was amazing how they bought that to life during their live performance. They impressed me highly; the incredibly catchy melodies were enough to put a smile on my face and get the energy flowing through the crowd to start off a fantastic night of rock. A lovely bunch of guys too; very down to earth, I could have spoken to them for hours.


Find Western Sand on Facebook and MySpace

Counterpoint were next to play that very evening, I had only heard a sample of their music. I have to say their set made me wish I had listened to them a bit more; they performed a fantastic show, their songs were awesome and I bought an EP at the end. So you may see a post about that soon; they had a grungy, bluesy sound that I liked very much. Oh I also want to say I really love the colour of this guitar in the picture to your left, Jay Bartlett has a great taste. 


Find Counterpoint on their official website, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter


The first headliners Heaven's Basement were next to play; I was looking forward to seeing them last night as their music is incredible. My excitement built up as the roadies performed sound checks, then this weird sound was heard and the chants were heard from all over the venue 'BASEMENT BASEMENT BASEMENT'. A curtain was pulled back to reveal the members of Heaven's Basement as they opened with title track of their new EP Unbreakable that got the crowd absolutely pumping; from this I knew Heaven's Basement were well underway. 
Lead vocalist Aaron Buchanan's and guitarist Sid Glover's stage techniques were definitely crowd pleasers, my personal favourites being Sid putting the guitar behind his neck and playing and Aaron making a pathway across the crowd before breaking into my personal favourite Executioner's Day. Aaron recently joined the band and I think he did extremely well; giving a studio like performance of songs such as Tear Your Heart Out and Can't Let Go. I bought their brand new EP; which I did listen to a bit of whilst cooking dinner today, I shall listen to the whole thing and tell you what I think. They were very lovely guys when I chatted to them afterwards. Hope they come back to Southampton and blow me away like they did last night.


Find Heaven's Basement on their official website, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter

Last but by no means least Jettblack; I have seen Jettblack before back in December at The Joiners and was highly impressed by how they bought a stadium like presence to such a small venue. I am extremely happy to say they did that last night at The Talking Heads; they had a different setlist to December starting with show-stopper Two Hot Girls, it was actually great opening song. This new setlist definitely kept me on my toes as it was quite exciting when you didn't what song would be next; they performed my favourites from their debut album Get Your Hands Dirty such as the title track, Sleep and Not Even Love. They also threw in some new songs from their upcoming album that I am looking forward to very muchly. Their encore was incredible; ending with the 80s anthem Dangerzone and the song Holding as requested by their fans.
Where the almighty mosh pyramid was created once again but unfortunately my camera was in my bag at the front away from where I was standing. Luckily pictures of that pyramid where taken; I shall get a picture of that one day. I can honestly say that Jettblack impressed me once again, I hope they stop by in Southampton again and I look forward to the new album.


Find Jettblack on Facebook and Twitter


Overall a fantastic evening with top quality sets from each band; their interaction with the crowds was fantastic. I also loved the atmosphere in the room; so much love in the room and that definitely makes all the difference. A good atmosphere equals a fantastic time.

Western Sand

This is one of the bands that will be supporting Heaven's Basement and Jettblack, there was a link to a webpage; they appear on the 'Sign me to Roadrunner Records' tab on the Roadrunner Records website. Roadrunner Records have definately signed on some of the greatest rock bands such as Slipknot, Within Temptation, Black Label Society and one of my personal favourites Nickelback. Western Sand have definately proved that Roadrunner Records still goes strong; listening to their bluesy rock sound I was higly impressed, I was singing along to the chorus of Back On The Road Again and I had only heard the chorus twice. Catchy, dirty and quality rock tunage are definately what I am looking forward to see at The Talking Heads a month today. The beginning of the song Coming For You reminded me a little bit of Born To Be Wild; I also love the husky voice from Mr Tyler Haines who sounds like Black Stone Cherry's Chris Robertson duetting with Jettblack's Will Stapleton. Cannot wait to see them live, I think they will be part of Tuomaslotte's Bands of 2011.

Find Western Sand on their official website, Facebook, MySpace, Reverbnation and Roadrunner Records 

For fans of Jettblack and Black Stone Cherry