The Bedford Athletic Rugby Club Wentworth drive, Putnoe Bedford. Friday 30th September 2005.
The Dan Flay Experience, Trip Hazard, Fell Silent, Mutiny.
Heat 5
When Geoff reviewed the first heat of the BOTB he started by referring to, "The only solo artist entered in the Bedford Metal Battle of the Bands, Pete Ouse", since then we have had Nick Theodore and, last night standing in at the last moment, we had The Dan Flay Experience opening what was billed, as one of the heaviest nights in the event.
When you know the acts to follow include Fell Silent and Trip Hazard it takes a very brave person to open the heat (how will the fans react to an acoustic set on a metal night), well much to my and I guess Dan's relief the audience was great. As soon as Dan and his accomplice, Ian, sat with their guitars and started their set members of the audience went and sat in front of the stage. Before long a large section of the audience were sat listening intently to The Dan Flay Experience. From a nervous start and problems with the guitar sound, Dan wooed the audience and gave us a very enjoyable experience. To me (and others I spoke to) Dan has the mellow sound of Chris Martin from Cold Play in his voice and when he and Ian sang together they reminded me of Simon and Garfunkel. Our thanks to The Dan Flay Experience after their performance cards were exchanged and hopefully a gig locally in the near future for them. I look forward to hearing more.
Next up were Trip Hazard. I have seen this band several times now playing our first gig at the rugby club and more recently supporting Blackout at Esquires where they stole the show with their high-energy performance. They were late arriving so had just enough time to get their stuff in before they hit the stage. Sound checks, who need one the Trip Hazard machine is relentless, their front man, like a circus ring master controlling the show dictating the pace while their highly accomplished musicians play like demons possessed. The singer demonstrated a massive vocal range and stage presence combined with powerful drumming and swift guitar and bass playing cumulating in intensely heavy and, in places, even funky sounds. The whole crowd went so insane the odd stage dive was not unseen. To end off the set they tested our stage to the max with their trademark, brawl on-stage. Beat that!
Step up Fell Silent, Milton Keynes' Meshuggah with a touch of Deftones. If anyone's going to give Trip Hazard a run for the money it would be these guys. I have seen Fell Silent play a few times now, in the Esquires BOTB as winners of their Semi-final and then with Blackout in the final and more recently at Cravenfest. What hasn't already been said about this band? "TIGHT" it's been said, "RUTHLESS" probably been said. What strikes me about this band more than anything is their dedication to their music, if any band wants to make it in the music scene watch Fell Silent it's work like this that brings success and deservedly so because it shows in their music. They keep improving every time I see them. Trip Hazard, Fell Silent, Blackout and Traumatic Disorder play the Snooty Fox in Wakefield on Saturday 29th October tickets available from the bands include transport, a DVD of the day and a limited edition compilation CD 2 tracks from each of the 4 bands playing.
So last up and relatively unknown in Bedford were Mutiny, I was looking forward to seeing them, not knowing what to expect but having heard rumours they aren't bad. Not bad! Damn good, melodic guitars blazing, wonderful vocals, their metal almost heavy rock sound, Metallica, Sepultura, Soundgarden all rolled into one. What was left of the audience was up for it with some of the best moshing of the night, shirts off arms around each other having a blast. The guys on stage were not here to make up the numbers as far as they were concerned and gave it their all. Strong guitars coordinated, working together to make a great sound. An immensely enjoyable set thanks to the lads from Cambridge. Bedford metal was so impressed by Mutinies performance and sound they have been booked for the first New Year gig at the rugby club Friday 7th Jan.
And so to the judging we were delighted to have: Ben Raza from the Times and Citizen, Go section. Junior from Sharnbrook Music Department. Leonard from the Music Centre (one of our sponsors) and Jamie from Loveburger. Thanks to you for your support. The verdict, Fell Silent won by a majority of 2 judges. A tough heat to judge, thanks to all involved.
Review by Nigel Evans www.bedfordmetal.co.uk