#Craig McFetridge

[khelinski]

Books I've read in 2023:

The Light We Carry, by: Michelle Obama Birthday, by: Koji Suzuki S, by: Koji Suzuki Audition, by: Ryu Murakami Dark Water, by: Koji Suzuki The Hobbit, by: J.R.R. Tolkien The Fellowship of the Ring, by: J.R.R. Tolkien Cinema Speculation, by: Quentin Tarantino The Two Towers, by: J.R.R. Tolkien We Have Always Lived in the Castle, by: Shirley Jackson The Girl Who Lived Twice, by: David Lagercrantz The Return of the King, by: J.R.R. Tolkien My Heart is a Chainsaw, by: Stephen Graham Jones Night of the Living Dead, by: John Russo The Silmarillion, by: J.R.R. Tolkien Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth, by: J.R.R. Tolkien Paperbacks from Hell, by: Grady Hendrix Don't Fear the Reaper, by: Stephen Graham Jones Don't Look Now, by: Daphne Du Maurier Nights of the Living Dead, by: Jonathan Maberry/George A. Romero Hard Love, by: Ellen Wittlinger Pinocchio, by: Carlo Collodi Fahrenheit 451, by: Ray Bradbury The Destroyer of Worlds, by: Matt Ruff Firestarter, by: Stephen King Gold Dust Woman, by: Stephen Davis We Sold Our Soul, by: Grady Hendrix The Last Wish, by: Andrzej Sapkowski Dandelion Soul, by: Dee Dee Covas Nothing but Blackened Teeth, by: Cassandra Khaw The Children of Húrin, by: J. R. R. Tolkien History is All You Left Me, by: Adam Silvera Winnie-the-Pooh, by: A. A. Milne Book of the Dead, by: John Skipp/Craig Spector The House at Pooh Corner, by: A. A. Milne Hearts in Atlantis, by: Stephen King The Road, by: Cormac McCarthy Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton The Lost World, by: Michael Crichton The Lottery, by: Shirley Jackson American Prometheus, by: Kai Bird/Martin J. Sherwin Found, by: Andrew Cull/Gabino Iglesias The Dress Lodger, by: Sheri Holman 2113, by: John McFetridge/Kevin J. Anderson Halloween, by: Curtis Richards Halloween II, by: Jack Martin The Girl in the Eagle's Talons, by: Karin Smirnoff Holly, by: Stephen King The Death of Mrs. Westaway, by: Ruth Ware A Haunting on the Hill, by: Elizabeth Hand The Crucible, by: Arthur Miller Halloween III, by: Jack Martin Halloween IV, by: Nicholas Grabowsky Beren and Lúthien, by: J. R. R. Tolkien The Nightmare Before Christmas, by: Megan Shepherd Insomnia, by: Stephen King Horrorstör, by: Grady Hendrix

[rockrevoltmagazine]

MASON HILL Release Official Music Video for "D.N.A."

First Rock Act to Debut Album in UK Top 20 since GRETA VAN FLEET in 2018 & and the first British rock act debut album Top 20 and #1 UK rock chart since Royal Blood in 2014!!

Glasgow, UK based Rock band MASON HILL has released the official music video for their blistering metal single, “D.N.A.” Directed and produced by David Barras and Scott McKay for Strangeboat Productions, “D.N.A.” is the third single off the band’s chart dominating debut album, Against The Wall.

“D.N.A.” is also dominating German and French charts, sitting comfortably on Rock Antenne FM’s‘ top 20 and hitting top 10 in the Heavy 1 French radio chart.

“A blistering and hook filled bit of gleaming modern metal, it manages to perfectly mesh heaviness with melody that shows a maturity way beyond most of their peers.

With a superb production, this just doesn’t pop out of the speakers, it practically roars, the Highland passion in full flow and Celtic fire blazing.” – Metal Planet Magazine

Released on March 5th, Against The Wall achieved the UK national album chart at number 19, taking a coveted top 20 album position, and reached over 750,000 streams on Spotify. The long awaited album, which received critical acclaim from both media and fans alike, also hit number 1 in the UK rock album chart. It is the first time a rock band has debuted with their album in the UK Top 20 since Greta Van Fleet in 2018 and also the first time a British rock act as debuted with their album in the UK Top 20 and # 1 in the UK rock album chart since Royal Blood and Lonely The Brave back in 2014!

It is an incredible achievement for new British rock band, starting from an almost zero sales base and during a pandemic when there has been no traditional retail, no live shows or touring opportunities. The innovative marketing campaign run by both 7Hz Productions (ADA) and the band involved a six month fan building initiative utilizing the band’s social platforms, streaming performances, virtual ‘in store’ launch events, dark ad audience building and strategic media take over promotions. Coupled with very positive press reviews, online reviews, regional radio support, and four Planet Rock playlist additions, the band’s new album has connected musically with rock fans resulting in a surge of sales.

The band is set to release their next digital single, a cover of the 2005 Foo Fighters hit “The Best Of You,” all platforms on April 23, 2021.

Against the Wall Track Last: 1. Reborn 2. No Regret 3. Against the Wall 4. Broken Son 5. D.N.A. 6. Who We Are 7. Find My Way 8. Hold On 9. Out Of Reach 10. We Pray 11. Where I Belong 12. Reborn (Reprise)

Purchase / Stream Against the Wall Online: iTunes | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube

  Click HERE to Order ‘Against the Wall’ Vinyl (Red & Blue Vinyl Sold Out)!

MASON HILL has also announced UK tour dates. The 17 date UK & Irish tour will head out in early September with support from Hollowstar and Empyre. Despite never having headlined a club tour before, the band has sold 1,800 tour tickets in just 2 weeks!

“Our fans have been so supportive and to have a top 20 national album on our first release is mind blowing. We are extremely humbled at the reception Against The Wall has received and needless to say, it has been an extremely bright light for us during this long Covid tunnel. It has made us even more hungry to get back out and play live again. Everyone is itching to crank up the volume and blast out the new material” – (Scott Taylor – Vocals)

Tour Dates: 09/02 @ Tunnels – Aberdeen, Scotland 09/03 @ Garage – Glasgow, Scotland 09/04 @ Macarts – Galashiels, Scotland 09/09 @ Grand Social – Dublin, Ireland 09/10 @ Voodoo – Belfast, Ireland 09/14 @ Junction 2 – Cambridge, England 09/15 @ Corporation – Sheffield, England 09/16 @ Fleece – Bristol, England 09/17 @ Patterns – Brighton, England 09/18 @ Leos – Gravesend, England (Sold Out) 09/20 @ Globe – Cardiff, Wales 09/21 @ Joiners – Southampton, England 09/22 @ Nightrain – Bradford, England 09/23 @ Waterloo Music Bar – Blackpool 09/24 @ Underworld – London, England 09/25 @ Rebellion – Manchester, England 09/26 @ KK’s Steel Mill – Wolverhampton, England

Click HERE for Additional Dates & Ticketing Information.

To trace the Mason Hill story to its origin, Scott Taylor and James Bird met at school in Glasgow. At the age of 14, Bird was already an accomplished, award-winning, gifted guitar prodigy, who’d shared a stage with Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society man Zakk Wylde, a personal hero, toured across the UK, and secured endorsements from leading music brands. The teenage Taylor already harboured dreams of fronting a rock ’n’ roll band, and the pair’s friendship and shared aspirations led them to form a band. In 2013 the pair formed Mason Hill, adding drummer Craig McFetridge, bassist Matthew Ward, and guitarist Marc Montgomery in due course. Five diverse, colourful characters, the members of the group were instantly bonded by a shared, singular vision for their band: Taylor relinquished long-held plans to become an Olympic swimmer in order to focus on music, while Ward withdrew from a degree course at the University of Glasgow, where he’d been studying microbiology/virology. For these ambitious young men, Mason Hill was and is priority number one.

Mason Hill are Scott Taylor (Lead Vocals), James Bird (Lead Guitar), Marc Montgomery (Guitar), Matthew Ward (Bass) and Craig McFetridge (Drums)

THE STORY SO FAR Mason Hill has spent their formative years “learning their craft” on stages up and down the UK. This included high profile shows supporting the likes of Graham Bonnet (Rainbow), Snakecharmer (feat. ex-Whitesnake, Thunder & Wishbone Ash members), Toseland, Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent, The Dead Daisies) and Stone Broken.

“this is the best new heavy rock act currently performing in the UK.” (Fabrications HQ)

“a prodigious talent that belies their fledgling years.” (Planet Rock)

In December 2015 the band released their debut E.P, the self titled Mason Hill, featuring four tracks which highlighted exactly why this band are turning heads – outstanding songs that demonstrated a maturity far beyond their years. Recorded at The Foundry Music Lab with Sandy Jones (Wet Wet Wet) in the producer’s chair, the EP has been critically acclaimed amongst the music press and fans alike.

2016 brought several breakthroughs in the band’s career, firstly the invitation to perform on The Rising Stage at Ramblin’ Man Fair, headlined by Whitesnake and Black Stone Cherry, winning the UK wide Highway To Hell battle of the bands competition that earned them opening the main stage slot at Hard Rock Hell, alongside the likes of Ugly Kid Joe, Ratt, and Glenn Hughes, appearing at Winterstorm Festival, alongside the likes of Ricky Warwick, Last in Line (ex-Dio) and Inglorious to selling out their first ever headline show at the famous Cathouse Rock Club in Glasgow with one month left to spare – a feat only achieved in recent times by Anthrax and Black Stone Cherry.

The career progression continued into early 2017 when the band was special guest to Inglorious in London at their sold out second album launch show, appeared triumphantly at Download on The Boardie Takeover Stage, opened for Airbourne at their sold out show in Edinburgh. and returned to their hometown for their second headline show at G2; again this sold out with demand so great that it was upgraded to the 750 capacity The Garage where the likes of Magnum, Tesla, and Symphony X have performed – packing the place to the rafters

The first promo video “’Now You See Me” was released in 2017, which to date has more than a quarter of a million views.

The year ended with support for GUN at Glasgow Barrowlands in December plus an appearance at Planet Rockstock:

“Fresh-faced Glasgow boys Mason Hill were nothing short of a triumph. Completely packing out the room, they served up a rock and roll storm from the offset with anthems like ‘Now You See Me’ before showing off another side of their art with powerful closer ‘Where I Belong’ that delved into rock ballad territory. In fact, the Planet Rockstock faithful were so won over we’ve been inundated with requests for Mason Hill to be bumped up the bill in 2018” (Planet Rock)

The band spent a lot of time developing material for their album and the first show of 2018 was at Glasgow’s King Tuts which sold out in three days, ten weeks in advance of show!

Ladies and gentlemen – Mason Hill are back with fire in their belly. This group of high achievers carry the pressure of early success but as they take to the stage to the intro tape, it is obvious they have class and confidence…” (Down The Front Media)

“There are few up and coming acts in Scotland that have made a notable impression as swiftly as Glasgow rockers Mason Hill. They have grown in popularity and garnered an insane following like nothing else” (SMS, Scotland)

“Mason Hill never disappoint, in fact they always take it to the next level every time you see them” (Jace Media)

This was followed by an appearance at TRNSMT on the same day as Queen, and Steelhouse Festival in Wales alongside such as Black Star Riders, Glenn Hughes and, Myles Kennedy.

The latter part of 2018 saw Mason Hill going out on tour supporting The Dan Reed Network at shows across the UK and a return to Planet Rockstock, by popular demand after their performance in 2017, this time on the main stage.

In a further development Mason Hill agreed to part ways with Frontiers Records.

A further sold out King Tuts show followed in 2019 and a sub headline slot at Planet Rock’s Winters End in February 2020. Since then live activity has been curtailed by the covid 19 pandemic, in common with every other band. However the band has not been idle and the focus has been on the debut album, recorded at Riverside Studios near Glasgow and vocals in New York, and mixed by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro).

In 2020 the band signed a management contract with Jaba Music and a record deal with 7Hz Productions, and the album release date is planned for 5 March 2021. Three singles have so far been released to date from the album to critical acclaim.

2021 promises to be a big year for Mason Hill, despite on going restrictions.

Mason Hill are just getting started!

Connect with MASON HILL: Official Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

MASON HILL Release Official Music Video for “D.N.A.” was originally published on RockRevolt Mag

[devils-gatemedia]

Earlier this year, the glorious summer came to an end at exactly the time that Steelhouse Festival opened with a weekend of storms, high winds and incessant rain. Halfway up the bill on Saturday, a band that had somehow previously escaped my notice came on stage and gave the sodden crowd one of the best festival sets I have ever seen. As we left the pit the photographers each applauded, something I have never seen before. After the set, I sought the singer out in the crowd as he watched the next band, a young unknown called Myles Kennedy. Firstly, I have NEVER done that before, but I wanted him to know how much I enjoyed his music and secondly, after thanking me he gazed at the stage, turned back to me and said in awe “It’s Myles Kennedy”. That band was the Dan Reed Network, and when I heard that they were taking a headline tour on the road, I HAD to be there.

Opening the show were another band that have so far not appeared on my radar, but I will now be following and looking out for, Hollowstar. It is genuinely exciting to see young bands with this much class and ability. Every song in the brief set, from opener “Money” to absolute stunner of a set closer “All I Gotta Say”, hit the mark. There is light and shade, with “Feel The Burn” showcasing some soulful and emotional vocals from Joe Bonson before a huge guitar hook comes in, courtesy of the ever-active guitarists Phil Haines and Tom Collett, all supported by powerful drums courtesy of Joe’s brother Jack. There is a healthy dollop of Black Stone Cherry about “New Age Lullaby”, and “Let You Down” is simply massive! Mid set, Joe takes some time to talk about how it feels to be where they are and to be playing to a crowd, passionately talking about invisible illnesses and how music helps him deal with issues he has faced. It is raw and honest, and rewarded with spontaneous applause.

Later in the evening, during Dan Reed’s set, the female half of our little review team needed to hydrate and lost her place upfront with me. Joe, at the merch stand, saw what had happened, and made a gap back to the front for her, where he spent some time dancing. A really gentlemanly thing to do, and this is a public shout out to thank him as it made her day! It is easy to say that bands low on a bill have “potential” to go all the way in this business, but I haven’t been as impressed by an opening act in a long time, and wish the guys every success. I get the feeling I will be seeing a LOT more of them!

Mason Hill also appeared on the bill at the mudfest that was Steelhouse, and whilst I enjoyed their set, I picked up on some reviews that weren’t exactly impressed and accused them of going through the motions. Since then, they have had a number of difficulties, and so I was intrigued to see how they would come across on such a strong line u

Their intention became clear as soon as the lights went down. Singer Scott Taylor walked to the mic and sang solo vocals in a single spotlight to “No Regret”. It’s a ballsy and exposed way to start a show, and as the rest of the band kick in, it is clear that they are out to put the record straight. “Survive” was up next and could well have been written to sum up recent trials. The anthemic chorus was sung with particular passion. Hold On” slowed the tempo down a little then burst into life. “Out Of Reach” quickly followed. Every song an absolute belter and thrown at the crowd with immense energy and passion not to mention musical ability.

Between songs, Taylor has an easy rapport with the audience, which isn’t easy when the combination of his thick Glaswegian and a Bristol burr must be the most contrasting of accents! He seems thrilled at the size of the crowd and the reception they are giving the band. “Wait For You” and “Against The Wall” continue to showcase their songwriting skill. The twin guitars of James Bird and Marc Montgomery trade some powerful licks and riffs. One of the strengths of the band is the quality of the rhythm section with bassist Matthew Ward and drummer Craig McFetridge excelling. “Where I Belong” is a belter. Taylor’s vocals once again taking centre stage. It’s a ‘lighters in the air’ anthem, and the room is silent as the waves of emotion surge from the stage. For me, the best two songs end the set – “Now You See Me” with it’s complex guitar intro has a different feel to much of the set and then encore. “Cochise”, is delivered with real respect. Dan Reed has said several times on the tour how strong the support bands are, and how the future of rock music is in good hands. He is absolutely on the money. Here’s hoping Mason Hill get through recent challenges and realise their potential.

So, to the headliner. Even before Dan Reed Network take the stage, there was a demonstration of the class that the “Network” bring to the business when bassist Melvin Brannon snuck out and stood at Hollowstar’s merch table with his bass. The guys were visibly stunned when he asked them to autograph it for him! Shortly after, the band took the stage for one of the most entertaining and enjoyable couple of hours I have seen on a stage.

Now usually I would run through a setlist , mention a few songs that I liked and comment on the skill of the musicians, but somehow at a Dan Reed show that feels insufficient. You see, a Dan Reed show is a life affirming, joyous, fun, amusing, musical, soulful, funk and rock experience, rather than simply a collection of songs played live.

First there is Dan Reed himself. The living epitome of the phrase “dance like nobody is looking”, he is never still for a moment. His rapport with the crowd is unparalleled; constantly shaking hands, pointing at old friends, hanging out over the room from the unfortunately placed steel support right in the middle of the stage and entertaining them with banter and stories rooted in many years in the business.

Then there is the ‘Network’: Brion James, dreadlocks flying and a smile that lights up the room, mixing funk with raw rock sounds, Melvin Brannon slapping the strings off his bass and entertaining with one of the best solos I have witnessed on the four-string, Rob Daiker, keys and all around support as well as a couple of songs at the front in the spotlight, and drummer Dan Pred, long-time friend of Dan Reed, and tonight, honoured with a round of shots for his fast approaching birthday.

Then there is the sheer fun that they have on stage together. During the set, an entire litany of problems presented. First the monitor in front of Brannon objected to being used as a step and disappeared into the void. Result? Dan suggested they would spend the evening singing Celine Dion songs instead and handed the mic to Brannon for a simply hilarious version of “My Heart Will Go On” while it was sorted. Shortly after, the show came to a halt with Reed commenting that whenever the drums played the bass stopped. Brannon’s wireless system was to blame and Reed gleefully ranted about the old school leads that never let you down as Brannon went low tech. Further into the set again, and issues with James’ effect pedals led to more improvisation and finally a broken string for said guitarist led to Reed singing almost the entirety of jazz standard “All Of Me” leading to discussions of an alternative future as a jazz band.

Dan Reed stops and starts the set at will even without the issues, at one point instructing James not to choose a particular effect because he “wants to hear that guitar part differently tonight” and often just dissolving into laughter at the antics of his band. All of that might sound unprofessional, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. What we are seeing is how to continue to enjoy what you do many years after most bands become formulaic and all feeling is gone. Every band should take a lesson from Dan Reed Network, as it keeps a freshness that is pretty unique to the set. Of course, there are the songs too!

“Rainbow Child” is the song most people would associate with Dan Reed Network, and tonight it is played as emotively and passionately as the day it was written. “Tiger In A Dress” had the crowd in the palms of his hands. “Baby Now I” is possibly my favourite few minutes of a band on stage with its’ jam, where anything and everything could happen, from heavy metal classics to soul and funk. “Save The World” and it’s addictively funky rhythms.

The set consists of sixteen or more songs, plus the many breakouts and jams. The clock goes way past curfew with Dan Reed Network just keeping on going. Reed refers back to the support bands several times, and also takes time to thank pretty much everyone who has taken a part in the evening from the venue, another humble touch.

I rarely wish I had video from gigs, but the ending tonight just after I had put my camera away was one of the times I wish I had done so. Just as I thought Dan Reed Network had taken their final bow, they lined up and sang acapella with some sumptuous harmonies. Dan Reed, leaning out over the crowd, was unaware of the chaos unfolding behind him as Pred sneakily removed the cord from Brannon’s mic, just as he went to step forward to sing a lead vocal. Brannon grabbed James’ mic. James saw his moment approaching and reached to grab Reed’s mic from behind. Reed struggled and threw a mock punch at James who retaliated. Cue utter chaos and hilarity as the entire band tried to complete the song amidst cartoon violence with one less microphone than vocalists.

Several bows later, and Dan Reed Network finally leave the stage, promising to return for signing and almost nobody moves as they wait to shake his hand and have a word. There is only one way to end the review – to Mr Dan Reed and the Dan Reed Network, Thank you! See you soon!

Review and pics – Rob and Danni Wilkins

Live Review: Dan Reed Network – The Fleece, Bristol Earlier this year, the glorious summer came to an end at exactly the time that Steelhouse Festival opened with a weekend of storms, high winds and incessant rain.

[devils-gatemedia]

If you’ve got tickets for the Gun show, you ought to make it to one in their native Glasgow, and if it’s Glasgow, it needs to be the Barrowland Ballroom (or ‘The Barras’). A venue that any self-respecting music fan HAS to visit at least once in their lifetime, it truly is the stuff of legends. One such legend being when Bowie played the venue in 1997; one of the porcelain stars fell off the ceiling narrowly missing him. Caring not a jot, he simply picked it up and popped it in his pocket as a souvenir. The burgers on sale are also legendary… but for all the wrong reasons. It’s fair to say that Gun had been building up to this gig for some time, and it proved to be a little bit magical.

The job of kicking off the evening fell to Londoners Dirty Thrills, one of the many young British acts that have found a home with Frontiers Music. Blues-rock is very much the order of the day, but with a little dash of funk added just for the sheer hell of it. Not quite full-on Crobot-style funk, but pretty damn close to it, especially on the delicious ‘Law Man’. Vocalist Louis James is a hell of a frontman. At times, his mannerisms and movements reminded me of Steven Tyler (Tyler-isms?). He uses his mic stand as an extra limb and dances like no-one is watching. Dirty Thrills don’t look like your average blues-rock band. Drummer Steve Corrigan is the only band member to opt for the traditional uniform of jeans and a t-shirt, with the other three guys going for a more bohemian look. You would know that they were in a band though, even if you were totally unfamiliar with them. Time on the road with Black Star Riders has enhanced their reputation as a young band to keep an eye out for, ‘The Brave’ being a great example of the confidence within the band.

Another young band to keep an eye out for are Mason Hill. The local boys have been building up a head of steam, picking up plaudits wherever they play, be it a festival appearance or a club gig. Mason Hill t-shirts were in abundance, and while the place would have been packed regardless who Gun picked as special guests, it was a savvy move going with these five guys. For such a young band, they look very comfortable on stage, and it seems that playing in such an infamous venue doesn’t phase them at all. Most of the set is made up of tracks from the debut EP, but we are treated to a sneak peak of the forthcoming album in the shape of ‘I Don’t Care’. While it might seem unfair to single out individual performances, special mention has to go to the powerhouse drumming of CraIg McFetridge, and the heartfelt solos from lead guitarist James Bird. Proof indeed of how hard work pays off. 2018 is a crucial year for the band. Word of mouth has got to the stage that the debut album can’t come soon enough. Watch this space.   

The last time Gun played this venue, vocalist Dante Gizzi was a tad under the weather, and looked rougher than a camel’s arsehole in a sandstorm. Making the gig memorable for him for all the wrong reasons. Fast forward two years, and he’s out to make up for it, the look of sheer joy doesn’t leave his face the entire ninety minutes that he is on stage. Even the most stoney-faced of cynics would have been cheering his corner, as he looked so joyous in putting the nightmare of 2015 behind him. Humble as well, very humble, constantly taking out his ear-piece to soak up the crowd reaction like a open-mouthed kid walking through the gates of Walt Disney World for the first time.

Gun have a rather spiffing new album out there, and the set opens with a quick one-two from ‘Favourite Pleasures’. The album opens with the fast paced ‘She Knows’, and it transfers to the live setting perfectly. This is followed by the foot-stomping T-Rex infused glam rock of ‘Here’s Where I Am’, and the famous ballroom floor is getting a serious workout. It’s a big stage production with risers, piercing strobes, dozens of lights on posts, and a decent sized screen behind drummer Paul McManus. Gun mean business, and it’s a great reflection on the new album that so much of it is aired. The catchy title track sounds stunning live, as does ‘Black Heart’ and ‘Take me Down’. It looks like ‘Tragic Heroes’ is the fan’s favourite from the new album. Gizzi explains that the band collated all the responses about the album into a pie-chart, and this one came out on top. With so many quality moments from a lengthy career to choose from, Gun turn back the years with soaring versions of gems like ‘Don’t Say It’s Over’, ‘Welcome To The Real World’, and a belting version of ‘Steal Your Fire’.

2019 will herald the 20th anniversary of debut album ‘Taking On The World’, and it would be great to catch the band playing it in its entirety. The songs are as memorable today as they were when the band first broke onto the scene and found themselves playing stadiums, opening for The Rolling Stones. ‘Better Days’, ‘Money (Everybody Loves Her)’, ‘Inside Out’, and a glorious version of ‘Shame On You’ sound re-energised in 2017, partly down to the stunning dual guitar work from Jools Gizzi and Tommy Gentry. Looking like a healthier version of Sick Boy from Trainspotting, Gentry is impressive to watch, as he takes turns with founding member Gizzi to throw the requisite shapes while peeling off riff after riff. Trainspotting is back on the agenda as the screen flickers to life near the end of the set. The unmistakable sight of Archie Gemmill dancing round the Dutch defence to score THAT goal in the 1978 World Cup is played over and over again, “I haven’t felt that good since….”. Grainy footage of boxer Benny Lynch is also aired. The 1992 album ‘Gallus’ featured Lynch on the cover, and it’s touching to see the band paying their own tribute to a local hero. Cover versions play a big part in a Gun setlist, and although ‘Word Up’ is aired early on, the band close out the set with a raucous version of ‘(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)’. This was one hell of a party, and if you are in the vicinity of Manchester on the 8th of December, or London on the 9th, get your dancing shoes on, and be prepared to bounce!

Review: Dave Stott

Images: Callum Scott 

      Live Review: Gun – Barrowland, Glasgow If you've got tickets for the Gun show, you ought to make it to one in their native Glasgow, and if it’s Glasgow, it needs to be the Barrowland Ballroom (or ‘The Barras’).

[devils-gatemedia]

Fresh from performing at Rockmantic Festival a few weeks prior, Glaswegians Mason Hill kicked off the month of March with their debut hometown headline gig. Winners of 2016’s Hard Rock Hell – Highway To Hell competition, the five piece have been gaining fans and plaudits alike with their solid live performances, and the timing was right to take it one step further. End result? A sold out venue jam packed with family members, fans that have been along for the ride from day one, and those coming along to see what the fuss was all about.

Kicking the evening off was the ten-legged hairy beastie from Carnforth known as Massive Wagons. Arguably one of the best ‘new’ live acts currently treading the boards in venues up and down the length and breadth of Britain today. Hard, catchy rock n’ roll, which has some people in the crowd actually dancing… yes dancing! Proper crap dad dancing. ‘Ratio’ has the crowd bouncing along with the infectious energy from madman singer Baz Mills. ‘Tokyo’, ‘The Day We Fell’, and ‘Red Dress’ all feature the crowd bellowing out the words with reckless abandon that can mean only one thing; it’s Friday night, and work is a distant memory. The band pay their respects to Rick Parfitt with a bit of Status Quo, rocking back and forth on new track ‘Back To The Stack’. Quality boogie, inspired by a great British band that deserve better recognition than they get. Job done, and another notch in the Wagons bed post. Miss this band at your peril.

Maybe it was the fact that Massive Wagons put on such a strong show, or that the venue was rammed with family and friends, or it was the debut hometown headline gig, or a combination of all three, but Mason Hill were on fire, as they set about showing exactly what all the fuss is about. Any nerves were not visible as the band steamrollered through a set made up of tracks from their debut EP, some new ones, and a few choice covers.

‘Your Memory’, ‘Survive’, ‘Now You See Me’, and ‘Where I Belong’ make up the debut EP, and all are welcomed like conquering heroes returning home triumphantly. Mason Hill’s sound is big on hooks and anthemic like qualities, and new song, ‘Learn To Let It Go’ continues in the same vein. A quiet, softer intro gradually builds into an arena-sized future anthem with a stunning solo from lead guitarist James Bird. The EP has been out for some time now so new material is critical and judging by this one, recent time spent in the studio has been time well spent. Another new track, ‘Follow You’, is aired during a short acoustic interlude that saw Bird and vocalist Scott Taylor slow proceedings down, before second guitarist Marc Montgomery joins them for a stripped back cover of ‘In The Air Tonight’. The remaining band members troupe back on as Mason Hill head into the home straight. Former Sensational Alex Harvey Band bassist, and current member of Mason Hill’s management team, Chris Glen, joins the band for a glorious romp through the SAHB classic ‘Midnight Moses’, a song that has one of the greatest grooves ever, and the youngsters do it justice. ‘Where I Belong’ brings the set to it’s conclusion, and Mason Hill stand back and soak up the applause. A betting man would stick some money on these guys repeating the action on larger stages, and with larger crowds, in the not too distant future.    

Scott Taylor is growing in confidence with each gig, and developing into quite a frontman; charismatic, humble, and in possession of an almighty voice. Then again, a singer is only as good as the guys alongside him, and Taylor has exceptional players watching his back. James Bird might seem shy on stage, but his playing is anything but shy and retiring. His lead work is blinding, and he teams up well with Montgomery, who also brings some six-string fireworks to the party. Bassist, Matthew Ward is also a member of Attica Rage, and playing with them at events like Bloodstock has brought him an invaluable amount of experience. He looks like he was born to be on stage, and the stereotypical image of a “quiet” bassist plodding away in the background just does not apply to him. His partner in rhythm, drummer Craig McFetridge, is a blur of hair and flailing arms as he puts in one hell of a shift at the back. Combined, the five guys of Mason Hill are living proof of what a great work ethic can bring. The songs, the playing, the image… all fit nicely into one finely-tuned machine. Get on board for the ride.

Review – Dave Stott

Images – Dave Jamieson

    #gallery-0-5 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-0-5 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-5 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

          Review: Mason Hill/ Massive Wagons – Cathouse, Fresh from performing at Rockmantic Festival a few weeks prior, Glaswegians Mason Hill kicked off the month of March with their debut hometown headline gig.