Words by Johnny. Images RBY and Johnny
I first saw Decibel a few months back, and yet again they were another band that I immediately took to, but more of that a little later, with 3 other acts supporting who are well worthy of a mention.
Kicking off the evening’s jollifications, our very own Birkenhead Poet, Paul Griffiths takes to the stage. Paul is one of those people, who once gets on stage, exudes passion and love for his craft. His poetry is a no holds barred outlook on life, often grim and foreboding, yet at the same time full of hope and joy. Paul’s energy, tho static in stature, is eminent in his vocalisation of the spoken word. Local accent inflections give his words a power that in my opinion, transgresses many others of his ilk. Often appearing angry in one moment, then more sedate in another. He will tell you that “poetry is shite”, in an obvious sarcastic tone, not so in this case, once he has you in the palms of his hand you can’t help but zone in to what he is saying. After a deluge of social and heartfelt ditties, he finishes off with a poem using song titles and band names as the main ingredient of the piece. Cleverly written, and sublimely spoken.
After a short break, those who are known as simply… Grenades, take to the stage. If you’ve not seen these before, you might wonder what their sound or vibe is, Ian on vocals with his demure stature and wild hair and voluminous facial apparel could give the impression of a 70’s folk rock band. And you could not be further from the truth. Searing vocals accompanied by off the charts drum and guitar work, fused with a deep bass line, this bunch belt out rock to burst ya eardrums. Sometimes described as alternative rock rock, it’s difficult to put a label on them. In a sense, they remind me to a degree of MC5, putting their own slant on a rock sound, with overtones of punk. Ian at one point during the set commenting on being too hot due to his hairy head, brought a chuckle. A band ya would never tire of seeing live.
Quick trip to the bar, and back in time for Ticnotoc. First saw these quite a few years ago when if I’m not mistaken, played their first gig at Sound, Food and Drink about 8 years ago. Part of the joy of music and gigs, is watching a band grow from the beginning into what they have become, and indeed achieved over the years, and this is one of them. A few line up changes along the way, and increased stage presence and a fuller tighter sound, has led the lads to numerous gigs across the north west and beyond, recordings, support acts and so on have instilled them into the local scene and further afield. Genre? hmmmm not what I would call in ya face punk, but does have a punk edge in there. Melodic rock, with a pop tone (song there somewhere!). I can’t recall if they had a keyboard when I first saw them, but it certainly gives them a new dynamic. I particularly like the heavy bass line throughout, working perfectly with guitar, drums, and of course Mark’s vocals, which have matured and steadied over the years. Always a pleasure to see, and with some new EPs in the near future, a band to watch out for.
Finally, we get to Decibel. I first saw these back in January at The Salty Dog. Another band I had no idea of, and no expectations. A three-piece outfit hailing from Wirral. Now I have been told in the past that I sometimes “gush” when I review a band or album that I really get my claws into, so I will try and refrain from that, but forgive me if slip into “gush mode” on this occasion. Firstly, how a band can throw out a sound with only a set of drums, one guitar and bass, like they do is beyond me. Secondly (again) what is their genre. The first time I saw them, the band Tool immediately sprung to mind, heavy low tempo guitar riffs, deep and heavy bass lines and vocals matching perfectly the bass style. This time it struck me how the goth rock sound was clearly present, dunno why I didn’t see this first time around, but there ya go. So, in brief, DECIBEL is probably my new favourite band, with the new album now out, which ive listened to over and over, it really is a cracking piece of work. Incidentally, album review coming in the near future. A great band, a great sound with so many influences in there. And yes, a brilliant set from the lads. See ya at the next one.
Links:
The Birkenhead Poet
https://www.facebook.com/paul.griffiths.52056
Grenades
https://www.facebook.com/61576085555496
Ticnotoc
https://www.facebook.com/ticnotoc100
ticnotoc@outlook.com
https://www.ticnotoc.com
DECIBEL
https://www.facebook.com/decibelbanduk
decibelbanduk@outlook.com