Devil's Gate Music
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The day after Rocktober in Bristol, I found myself passing by that way again on the Motorway, en route to Swansea for my first sight of the restored venue, The Patti Pavilion, and three superb bands on a stellar line-up.
Opening the evening were the slick-sounding Collateral. I have seen these guys play a number of times now and they always put on a professional and highly enjoyable show. Led by Angelo Tristan – a man born to lead a rock band – their sound is full and transatlantic with obvious Bon Jovi influences that they still manage to make all their own. Swapping between acoustic guitar and an active, mic stand twirling style, Angelo controls the stage and audience effortlessly. Todd Winger steps up for some superb guitar solos and is ably backed up by Louis Malagodi. Between them, they lay down some delicious layers of guitar work. Backing them up, Jack Bentley-Smith delivers thunderous bass, and Ben Atkinson some tight rhythms. It is a set that delivers perfectly. The songs are catchy and you find yourself singing along even if it is the first time you have heard a track, whilst the visuals are superb. The perfect way to open the evening.
The filling in the sandwich came courtesy of Mason Hill. Again, I have seen the Glaswegians play a number of times but can honestly say this was, in my eyes, their best performance yet. The growth in confidence is clear and the audience responded energetically and enthusiastically. Scott Taylor’s vocals were the most powerful I have heard them, and on “Where I Belong” his almost a cappella intro was spine-tingling.
Meanwhile, James Bird is blossoming into one of the best guitarists on the scene. Stepping forward softly and not hogging the limelight, but then unleashing some breathtaking fretwork, particularly on “Find My Way”. Add to that mix the never-still and constantly posing Matt Ward on bass, Marc Montgomery thickening the sound on second guitar, and behind them all, the recovering Craig McFetridge on drums, and the entire unit are absolutely on the money. This was the first time my other half had seen the band and she was utterly blown away, filling the car with their music all the way home the next day. “DNA” and “Against The Wall” are classics in their own right and I cannot wait to hear the new album that is on its way.
Finally, H.E.A.T getting to perform at last after all the usual covid history and back story. Now with Kenny Leckremo front and centre (…and on the barrier, leaping from the drum riser, lying prostrate on the stage, swinging his mic stand, bouncing, smiling, and having the best time imaginable), they tear through one of the most energetic and enjoyable sets I have seen in a long time. It is utterly breathless and brilliantly presented from the opening music “The Heat Is On”. Unfortunately, the flames that accompanied them at other venues are not allowed tonight (burning down listed buildings being frowned upon I am informed by one in the know) but the band provides plenty of fireworks of their own.
The show has all the big stage headliner devices. A drum solo from the every smiling Don Crash featuring the 1000-year-old sword of his forefathers (hmmm), a keyboard solo from Jona Tee, and song after song of melodic, anthem rock. The set covers the whole of their career, from “Straight for your Heart” from their first album right through to stunners such as “Hollywood” and “Back to the Rhythm” from new album “Force Majeure”. Having left the band once due to health issues, it was both apt and darkly funny that the set finished with the exhausted Leckremo lying flat on his back on the stage, jerking his limbs as a roadie simulated CPR.
Leaving to walk back to our hotel, along a road with the salty taste of the sea, I cannot think of a night where I have enjoyed all three bands quite so much. Well worth the trip up from the far South West!
Review and Photos Rob Wilkins
