On 2nd June 2011, the Guildford Boileroom hosted
one of the finest live music events of the year. Not only were one of my
favourite bands Forever Never taking the stage, but with support from a little
known group Order Of Voices, this was a gig I had been looking forward to for a
very long time.
Having turned up at the venue a little early, the
disappointing crowd turnout really did not do the venue or bands playing tonight
justice.
A pop-rock 5-piece who provided a strong start to the evening, including
a memorable cover of Black Eye Peas ‘Where is the love’ and showcased the
talent of the guitarist's lead vocal. I must admit, they were really up against
it with the poor turnout this evening, yet they gave it their all.
I can honestly say that I have been waiting for this band to tour, ever since
hearing their album over a year ago.
If you haven’t been exposed to this group
before, then you should certainly check them out. They took the stage with the
intention of making an impact amongst the growing crowd and this was achieved. As they performed songs such as ‘Don’t Falter’ and ‘Reaching
Down’ (both videos available on YouTube), they were nothing short of
perfection.
Very rarely do you find a band who are not only able to deliver
their studio album flawlessly, but I'm tempted to suggest that their live
performance was a cut above it. Having told the audience that the previous
night, in London, they had recorded their songs for a live release, I continued
to be blown away by their talent and musicianship.
For any individuals familiar
with the work of Order Of Voices, you will understand what I mean when I say
that Aynsley
on drums was truly outstanding. I have always likened the guys to Tool and I cannot
rave more highly about them.
Order Of Voices simply must be on your 2011
discovery list. It was absolutely worth the wait.
And
finally... Forever Never. I never ever get tired of hearing their albums, nor
can I find enough live videos online to whet my appetite when they are not out
on the road and touring. Speaking of albums, the guys have just re-released special editions (with extra live tracks) their first two albums.
I have to say,
these are a must for any fans teetering on the edge or new to the world of FN.
It’s worth noting as well that their glorious ‘I can’t believe it’s not metal’
EP is still a firm favourite on my stereo and one which never fails to bring a
smile to the face of FN newcomers. Renny (lead singer) confirmed last night
that a smile is just as important as a punch-up in the mosh; Slayer style.
The set was nothing short of outstanding and you can
really recognise that they put the fans first every time, performing to the
max, despite the lowest numbers I’ve seen at the venue or an FN gig. But, in
all honesty, it made for a more intimate, memorable performance and quite
honestly, whatever the rest of Guildford were doing last night, it would not
have beaten the show at the Boileroom.
Renny and co delivered the likes of ‘Eradicated’
(my favourite FN) song, ‘Never Enough’, ‘Broken Kingdom’ (showcasing the finest
double foot work I’ve heard in a long time), ‘T.I.T.S’ and ‘Empty Promises’.
However, they didn’t just present the crowd with their own songs, but nailed
Shaggy’s ‘Boombastic’, albeit without Benji from Skindred, but in my opinion,
even better.
Crowd pleaser and latest single ‘You’re The Voice’ had the audience in
high spirits and singing along with the infectious choral line.
I
have to say, it really was one of the best nights out I’ve had in a long time
and full credit to all bands involved. I might also add that the sound desk did
a great job last night and it was the best I’ve heard the Boileroom to date.
Their new layout is much improved also.
Get
some Order Of Voices and Forever Never in your life NOW!
On 2nd