GIG / EP REVIEW: Smokin Mirrors EP Launch by Collin Brophy

Special guests: October Rage (NSW), In Hydes Shadow (NSW), Hidden Ace (NSW) & Freesecks (NSW).

Venue: The Entrance Leagues Club (Central Coast NSW Australia).

Date: Friday 28^th March 2014.

I arrived around 20 minutes before the doors opened and I wasn’t too sure how many people would turn up due to the pouring rain that had been around all afternoon.  Once I started to line up, the crowd started to get in line as well.  It was a very diverse mix of people in the crowd tonight. The line stretched from the venue door all the way out the clubs reception which is around 40-50 meters away.

By the time I got inside, there were around 100 people standing around having a beer and talking to the band members from the bands that were playing tonight. The line up at the bar wasn’t too bad either.  By the time the first band, Freesecks, started there was around 150 people already down the front of the stage, to start what was going to be an awesome night of bands from all areas of the Central Coast.

Freesecks. (Central Coast, NSW)

Genre: Rock, Metal.

Band Members:

Joel "Zooper Dooper" Bruni - Guitar, Backing Vocals, Percussion
Tyson "Can't remember the lyrics" Hodge - Lead Vocals

Rob "Videogames" Helleman - Bass

Micky "Alcohol" Turner - Guitar, Backing Vocals

Kye "Bottle of Water" Clark - Drums, Percussion

Set list: 1. Shine, 2. On Kings Cup, 2. You Know You Want It, 3. Clouds, 4. Rooftops, 5.Done Fighting.

I had never heard of Freesecks before tonight … and what a shame! These guys were brilliant ...  So much energy and they got the crowd worked up. The band, as a whole was amazing, getting into the music and vibe just as much as the crowd was, just what you want from an opening band. I spoke with the vocalist, who is a really cool dude, as are the rest of the guys in the band. They have a demo out at the moment, but are working on bringing out another in the near future. If you like music with great guitar riffs, pounding drum beats, pumping bass and some very amazing vocals, then Freesecks are for you. If you get the chance to see them play then I suggest that you do.

Hidden Ace. (Central Coast, NSW)

Genre: Rock, Funk.

Band Members:

Matty Dalcol - Vocals

Rhyse Aquillina - Bass Guitar

Matt Stalgis - Lead Guitar

Grant Molloy – Drums

Sal Cordero - Keyboard

Set list: 1. Lies, 2. Desires, 3. Her Name was California, 4. Kiss It, Money for the Weekend, 5. Catch me if you can, 6. Heading South.

Yet another band that I had never heard of.  Hidden Ace was just brilliant, with a very charismatic front man / vocalist with some funky dance moves, and an amazing band to back him up.  I really enjoyed Hidden Ace’s set, full of funky rock tunes. Hidden Ace played their own style of Rock/Funk.  I am not usually a fan of this style of music, but there is something fun and original about Hidden Ace that I really like. The crowd really loved these guys.  It’s really hard to describe Hidden Ace, but if you enjoy music as a whole, just to sit back and relax with a cold beer, then these guys are for you. I would definitely recommend that if the chance comes up to see Hidden Ace, then you should give them a listen.  I would love to see them again. 

In Hydes Shadow. (Central Coast, NSW)

Genre: Alternative Rock.

Band Members:

Aaron Smith – Vocals

Jack Marr - Guitars/Vocals

Lachlan Campbell - Bass/Vocals

Jared Lean - Drums/Percussion

Set list: 1. Stale, 2. Insomniatic, 3. Blood red sun, 4. Inception, 5. What it's like, 6. Burn city, 7. In a Hole.

Once again, In Hydes Shadow delivered a high energy and intense set. It was really good to see these guys on a bigger stage, which at times still didn’t seem big enough for the four of them. These guys put one awesome set which the crowd agreed wasn’t long enough. Vocalist Aaron said that this is their last show for a while, as they are going to start recording their new EP to follow up their debut EP Insomniatic. And as usual the band smashed it with some outstanding drumming, pounding bass, really cool riffs. The incredible playing plus Aarons amazing vocals, made this my best In Hydes Shadow show to date. I can’t wait for when they start playing again and especially when they have finished their EP.  When they do the EP launch, I recommend that you get out and see them too.  These guys just better and better!

October Rage. (Central Coast, NSW)

Genre: Rock, Hard Rock.

Band Members:

Nick Roberts - Vocals, Guitar

William Roberts – Bass

Kai Chambers – Drums

John McMullen – Guitars

Set list: 1. Wayside, 2. White Walkers, 3. In the Air Tonight (Phil Collins Cover),  4. Valkyrie, 5. Silver Line, 6. Reign Of Fire.

October Rage blew everyone away.  They had the crowd head-banging and having an awesome time. These guys have so much energy and I swear that these guys can’t stand still for more the 5 seconds. Their set was just amazing and it was so good to see them play on a bigger stage.  At times the stage didn’t seem bigger enough for these guys either. October Rage did a fantastic version of Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight”, which had the whole crowd singing along. The drummer went off, the bassist was absolutely sick, and the guitarist/keyboardist has to be seen to believe with some epic guitar riffs and mixing it in with some keyboard playing too, along with the vocalists amazing vocals and his guitar riffs. October Rage are in the process of doing an album which should be out in the not to distant future.  The vocalist said that they will be having an epic album launch, which is gong to be insane. If you can, I highly recommend that you get out and see these guys live. If you like Rock, Hard Rock and Metal, then check October Rage out.

Smokin Mirrors. (Central Coast, NSW)

Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Metal.

Band Members:

Emmy Mack - Voicebox

Alex Richmond - Lead Guitar

Matt Coleman – Bass

Sam Goldie – Drums

Set list: 1. Long Way To The Top (AC/DC Cover), 2. Kickin' On, 3. Not In My Way, 4.Dead Walk, 5. Rush You (Baby Animals Cover), 6. State Of The Mind, 7. Wasted, 8. The Terminator Theme Song, 9.Set To Ignite, 10. Medley: Welcome To The Jungle (Guns N' Roses), Enter Sandman (Metallica), You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC), Kickstart My Heart (Motley Crüe), Rebel Yell (Billy Idol), Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N' Roses).

 

I have heard of these guys, but I have never heard their music or seen them play live before tonight. Even though I am not a fan of Smokin Mirrors style of music, these guys were really good, with lots of energy and with a very energetic set.  They had the crowd dancing and singing along to some really cool covers and some of their own original music as well. The covers that Smokin Mirrors played were awesome and really well done.  I really enjoyed their whole set.  As this was Smokin Mirrors EP launch, they tore through their set, like it was their last.  Even after they played their last song, there was even a call for one more song, but unfortunately it was late and time to pack up. The very first song they played was an AC/DC cover, “Long Way to the Top”, to which Todd Ridgway from a band, called Thrashed, came out and totally hammered the bagpipes out, which the crowd loved.  If you like Rock, Hard Rock and even some Metal, then check these guys out.  I know I would like to see them again.

By the end of the night, just over 400 people had attended tonight’s show, which is brilliant considering the crap weather outside, with the wind and cold rain. The crowd was appreciative of all the bands that played tonight.  The best thing about attending local shows is that you can stand around and chat, have a cold beer with the band members from all the bands that played, as well as other band members from other bands that were there to enjoy and support the local music scene and meet some really nice people who like and enjoy the music scene too. Over all, it was an outstanding night of some amazing Central Coast bands.  I got to met and chat with some really cool people not just from the bands, but the fans as well and the more I go to my local gigs, the more I learn just how many awesome local bands that are round the Central Coast.

Published by Collin Brophy

CONCERT REVIEW: Noise Fest (Venue: Underground @ The Beachcomber Hotel, Toukley, NSW, 8 Feb 2014) by Collin Brophy

Venue: Underground @ The Beachcomber Hotel, Toukley, New South Wales Australia.

Guest include: Lycanthrope Caraway Seed, Flaming Wrekage, The Arbitrary Method, Pitchfork, In Hydes Shadow.

I arrived around 30 minutes before the doors opened. This was my first trip to this venue, and what a view over looking Budgewoi Lake, on the NSW Central Coast.  The venue was down stairs at the Beachcomber.  The stage wasn’t overly huge, but big enough. There was 2 poles on either side that look like stripper poles.  Everyone I spoke to was expecting some pole dancers, but were disappointed when they were told that there wasn’t any pole dancers tonight, unless it was from the crowd itself.

This event was organised by the amazing guys from Pitchfork, who had done a brilliant job in getting all these sick local bands together on the one night.

In Hydes Shadow. (Central Coast, NSW)

Set list is:

1. Stale, 2. Inception, 3. Broken glass, 4.What it's like, 5.Burn city, 6. Staind, 7.In a hole.

Band Members:

Aaron Smith - Vocals

Jack Marr - Guitars/Vocals

Lachlan Campbell - Bass/Vocals

Jared Lean - Drums/Percussion

IHS is a very lively band live, who play their own style of alternative rock and metal.  Everyone seemed to enjoy their set very much. Their set included lots of fun and laughter, as well as some new songs, which by the way, are really heavy and fast. In all the years I have been to gigs, I don’t ever recall seeing a guitar player play one handed while sculling a beer, so well done to Jack Marr. If you want a band to open up that gets the place pumping, these guys are the ones you want. The guys in INS really love playing live and it shows in their performance. It was my very first IHS gig and I definitely want to see them again.

Pitchfork. (Central Coast, NSW)

Set list is:

1.Discuntent, 2. Midget on a scooter, 3. 222, 4, Fairytale, 5. Homicidal tendencies 6.Public toilets are the gay bath houses of the naughties, 7. Maskaraid.

Band Members:

Joel Simmons – Vocals

Wayne Barnsley – Guitar

Stuart Downes – Guitar

James Grubisa – Drums

Ian bonnar – Bass

The guys in Pitchfork were brilliant.  It’s hard to describe their style, except to say that they have their own sound and style with some heavy groves … I loved their whole set.  The guys definitely don’t take anything seriously, with lots of dancing and mucking around on stage with some sick head-banging in the mix too. The vocalist has an awesome voice and vocal range. The guys in Pitchfork have lots of fun on stage and at one point in their set, they asked for people in the crowd to do some pole dancing.  They didn’t care if it was male or female so long as someone got up and had a go. At one stage during the set, one 1 guy got up and started dancing in his undies and swinging off the pole … he was definitely having a lot of fun. If you get the chance to see Pitchfork live, you won’t regret it … you’ll end up having as much fun as they do.

The Arbitrary Method. (NSW)

Set list is:

1. A Thousand Suns, 2.  The Night, 3. Junkie on a Tightrope, 4. Mirrors Edge, 5. Digging Seven Holes, 6. The Harvest.

Band Members:

Andrew Johnson – Vocals

Eric "Scooter" Hunter – Guitar, Synth & Programming

Benjamin "Boat" Williams – Guitar

Matthew Stoja – Bass

Kurt Reichel – Percussion

These guys weren’t too bad, with plenty of energy from all members on stage. They played their own style of metalcore. I wanted to see these guys for the first time with an open mind, due to not really being a fan of metalcore. These guys were good live, but in my opinion there was something missing in their sound.  In saying that, I did enjoy their set, as did all the other fans in the venue.  If you’re a fan of metalcore, then you should check these guys out. This is their last gig for a while as they are taking sometime off to work on their new EP. I would be interested to see these guys again after they have finished their EP.

Flaming Wrekage. (Sydney, NSW)

Set list is:

1. Fallen One, 2.  Saboteur, 2.  Summoned, 3. Threats Of Revolt, 4.  It Burns Before Your Eyes, 5. Verge Of Disintegration.

Band Members:

Dave Lupton - Guitar/Vocals

Luke Reeves – Guitar

Joe Lamond – Drums

James Buckingham – Bass

In all seriousness, these guys were just brilliant.  They played straight up, in your face, thrash, death metal, with a great sound and both the vocalist and the backing vocals were just amazing. Their band name definitely suits their style and sound, as the venue was a flaming wreckage by the time they finished their set. They had the crowd going crazy and head-banging to all the songs they played. If you are a fan of Kreator or Internal Nightmare (Aust), then these guys are for you.  These guys obviously love performing and getting involved with the crowd, so check them out next time they’re at your local watering hole.  I’ll definitely be seeing them next chance I get.

Caraway Seed. (Central Coast, NSW)

Set list is:

1. Mirrors of humanity 2.Misconception 3.Fiction 4.As the tides turn 5. Seven.

Band Members:

Phoone (Nathan Lambeth) – Vocals

York (Nathan York) – Guitar

Mark Mcintyre – Guitar

Scott Jones – Bass

Jason Salvini - Percussion

I finally got to see these guys at last.  Every time I have planned to see CS, something always happens and I miss out, well not tonight. CS didn’t disappoint.  They were so much heavier and brutal then I thought, and by the end of their set, I felt like I had been brutalised. These guys play with the ferocity of a tornado and destroyed everything in their wake. The crowd participation was just insane. The vocalist would have to be the funniest vocalist I have ever met, just a down and out really cool dude, as was the rest of the band. If you like They Art Is Murder (Aus) and Black Dahlia Murder (USA), then you’ll love Caraway Seed.  I loved every moment of their set. I defiantly can’t wait to see these guys again. Personally, I felt that their set wasn’t long enough.  I could have gone and listened to them play all night.

Lycanthrope. (Central Coast, NSW)

Set list is:

1. Paths divided, 2. The golden mile, 3. Sands of time, 4. Severed, 5. In your absence, 6.Dogs day.

Band Members:

Daniel Greig - Vocals
Aidan Lee - Guitar
Eric Hunter - Guitar
Matthew Stoja - Bass
Jason Salvini - Drums

Lycanthrope is a band that is new to me, but after tonight’s effort, I am a new fan. Unfortunately for me, their set wasn’t long enough, and by the sounds of it, it wasn’t enough for the crowd either. As the previous bands had finished, they were all keen to support Lycanthrope in the pit with the fans.  As the set continued, some of the other band members jumped up on stage and started singing with the lead vocalist from Lycanthrope, which brought complete chaos and fun in the pit for everyone there.  It turns out that a lot of these guys have known each other for a while and enjoy “dishing it out” on occasion.  There is a cult following of Lychanthrope who even have their own T-Shirts calling themselves “Lychan Mob Pit Crew”.  These guys help to gee up the crowd and go absolutely crazy.  Everyone was having so much fun that they were booing when it was time to finish the set. It’s hard to describe their sound. It’s a cross between hardcore and metal.  If you crossed Hatebreed with Suicidal Tendencies, I believe this is what you would end up with.  I definitely would love to see these guys again and I would recommend that you do too, especially if you want a crazy, fun filled brutal experience, where even your cheek bones hurt from laughing so much.

I can honestly say that I have never had so much fun, and laughed so hard, so much at a gig. Everyone was just down to earth and very friendly. When it comes down to it, you can never really beat your local gigs.

I had a very awesome night and would like to thank all the bands and especially the guys from In Hydes Shadows and Pitchfork for their friendly welcome and the chance to attend this crazy night of Aussie metal.

Published by Collin Brophy 

EP REVIEW: In Hydes Shadow, "Insomniatic" by Collin Brophy

"In Hydes Shadow" is a 4 piece alternative rock outfit from the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia. Band members include, Aaron Smith (VOX), Jack Marr (GTs), Lachlan Campbel (BASS) and Jared Lean (DRUMS).

All band members from "In Hydes Shadow" have played in many different Aussie metal bands over the years.  The band formed in June 2012 and commenced their first live shows in January 2013.

Insomniatic is their debut EP. The songs are: In A Hole, What It's Like, Blood Red Sun, Insomniatic and Stale. The EP plays for just under 25 minutes.

They guys have done an awesome job on this EP. The sound quality and production on here is really good. This is what an Alternative rock album should sound like. This is an easy EP to listen to, whether you’re having a few cold beers with your mates or by yourself.

This EP took me back to my younger years when bands like Alice In Chains, Smashing Pumpkins and Ugly Kid Joe were smashing it. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into Alternative rock or metal, there is something for everyone.

In Hydes Shadows have a huge future ahead of them and I for one am looking forward to a full album and to see them live.

Published by Collin Brophy

INTERVIEW: "In Hydes Shadow" (11/12/2013) by Collin Brophy

Q. Hi. How are you guys going? Thanks for the opportunity for this interview guys. Any new news on the “In Hydes Shadow” front, gig wise.

A. It’s a crazy time for us at present, and we are loving every minute of it! Due to our style, we are getting some very diverse key support gigs, which is great. We only hit the scene in January 2013, and have played support for 28 Days, Twelve Foot Ninja, and 2014 Soundwave artist Nancy Vandal. Recently just shared the stage with I Killed The Prom Queen, Aversions Crown, Make Them Suffer, As Silence Breaks and some killer local bands.

Next gig on the agenda is with Melbourne bands Kingswood & Calling All Cars, 2^nd January in Sydney.

Q. How did you guys met? How do you guys get along, with so many different musical influences, and how does that reflect in you playing style?

A. Aaron (Vocals) had just split from his former band, and put the word out to local musicians on the coast – looking to form a heavier band. Once Jack Marr (Guitarist) came on board, he brought with him, Lachlan Campbell (Bass) and Jared Lean (Drums). Basically like many other bands, we got into a studio, jammed it out and everything just gelled. It’s great we all have diverse taste in music, as it shows in our style, therefore landing us some very different support shows, exposing the band to many different genres.

Q. What was it like play Noisefest 2013 Pool Party as the one on the Central Coast? What was it like being on the same stage as some of those awesome Australian Bands, such as, As Silence Breaks, Make Them Suffer, Aversions Crown and I killed The Prom Queen, just to mention a few?

A. Incredible! These are amazing bands, and we are very privileged to have been given to opportunity to share the stage with these guys. It was also a privilege to play with some awesome local talent, and catch up with our mates. Hoping that Noisefest is one of those festivals that grows & grows each year, giving local bands on the Central Coast / Sydney / Newcastle an opportunity to expose their raw talent.

Q. How has your EP, Insomniatic, being received by the fans? Any feedback from the fans on the EP?

A. Been getting some awesome feedback from which is greatly appreciated; we wanted our first release to showcase our style, and show that not all our songs sound the same!

Its great to finally get it out there, as we are gathering more interest from our live shows now, which I believe is our strength, and people are keen to hear what we have in stall. We have finished prepping for our next EP which we are going to record and release in 2014. The title is “Burn City” and we are hanging to get this one out there. It’s along the same style as “Insomniatic” but with some darker, heavier tunes.

Q. What kinds of things inspire musically and lyrically? Are there any types of themes that you like to write and incorporate in to you music? Is there any message in your music that you are trying to get out there in your music?

A. We are inspired by many artists that surround us, which have a huge influence on our music and style. We use our music as a platform to express feelings from life events that has affected us in some shape or form. I suppose the message that we try to relay to our fans, is that no matter what happens in life, there is always someone there to support you, and to help you move forward, and become stronger as life moves on. There is a dark side to our music, but with a positive message to boot.

Q. Do all of the band members have a say in the writing process of the music and lyrics?

A. Yes - Jack, Lachlan and Jared basically lay the tunes down, and we all have a say on how we finally structure the song. When writing, our songs chop and change constantly till we get the feeling it all fits. Its crazy but it works.

Aaron writes all the lyrics, and runs them past all band members – he lets the band know what he is writing about, and gets everyone’s input accordingly. Each song has a story behind it which is cool. 

Q. How do you find the local metal scene? Be it Sydney, the Central Coast or Newcastle?

A. Its quite variable at present, very up and down…..

Sydney is propping up thanks to venues like Venom (Agincourt Hotel), SFX, Hot Damn, and Club Fvck. Newcastle is always pumping and supportive of hard rock / metal. The Central Coast was great a few years ago, but a few key venues have closed down due to noise complaints etc, which in turn has hurt the live music scene. There are a few booking agents hard at work at present trying to revive this, and its slowly getting better.

Q. So what does the future hold for In Hydes Shadow?

A. Hopefully big things and a tour through Indonesia if our music is accepted there!!

We are planning to release our 2^nd EP early 2014, and land as many key supports shows with bands we look up to and admire – this is great for us as we get to share the stage with our idols, and expose our music to new fans. We are planning to tour the EP up and down the East Coast of Australia, and anywhere else that will take us on board.

Q. Thanks for the interview and good luck in the future with In Hydes Shadow.

A.  No problems at all, thanks for thinking of us; much appreciated

Hoping we might be able to get some new fans on board, so we can sort a few shows in Indonesia. We would be stoked to make the venture! Cheers,

From In Hydes Shadow.

Band members: 

Aaron Smith (VOX) 

Jack Marr (GTs) 

Lachlan Campbel (BASS) 

Jared Lean (DRUMS). 

Interview conducted by Collin Brophy