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Mother Vulture burst onto our radar back in 2021 when the Bristolian quartet opened an outdoor day of music, headlined by Orange Goblin, at The Yard in Cornwall. This was just as the worldwide lockdown was being lifted, so things were still a tad freaky, and social distancing regulations were in place – but still, it was a day of live music that hinted at a possible return to normality.
Speaking to our guys in Devon, who had attended the show (which also included Raging Speedhorn, Massive Wagons, and Phil Campbell), the talk wasn’t just about how good it was to witness live music again after so long, but also about the young band that began proceedings with an insane set of high-energy rock music that defied pigeonholing. Five years and numerous festival appearances, headline sets, and support slots later, Mother Vulture are still impressing us here at DGM Towers every step of the way. And with their latest album, ‘Cartoon Violence’, still ringing in the ears at an alarming volume, it’s only getting better.
With an album as strong as ‘Cartoon Violence’, the live set was undoubtedly always going to lean heavily on it. And it’s the utterly gonzo ‘Mike Check’, which opens the album, that also opens the show. The lengthy scream from MV vocalist Georgi Valentine serves as a signal to the other guys in the band to unleash hell. Some in the crowd must have caught Mother Vulture the last time that they played this venue, as there is a few feet of a gap from the stage to where the crowd are standing. Those normally standing at the edge of the stage (this venue doesn’t have barriers) don’t venture forward as both guitarist Brodie Maguire and bassist Chris Simpson often explode off the stage and into the crowd. Standing still is not in Mother Vulture’s repertoire.
The band has swelled in numbers with new guy Ed joining to lend a hand on guitars, backing vocals, and percussion. Chris Simpson introduces him to the crowd and mentions that he still has to go through the initiation of being punched into the band, and that they all had to go through it, and rules being rules. Ed looks like the kind of guy who wouldn’t mind taking a punch or two, and although he survives the night, chances are that playing live with Mother Vulture will result in injuries.
Dipping back to the early days for a full-on throaty version of ‘Mr. Jones’, which has the guys calling up a friend from the crowd to help out on harsh vocals, and if a track was needed to highlight the eclectic side of Mother Vulture, then this is a great example. Live, it is even more powerful, and even though Valentine is impressive throughout, he always gives the impression that he is never overreaching and has more in the tank if needed. Another belting earlier track is ‘Rabbit Hole’, which simply sizzles.
Matt West’s drum kit features a kick-drum skin emblazoned with the classic Looney Tunes artwork, with “MV” replacing the “That’s all folks…” font, keeping with that aesthetic and the theme of the new album, ‘Sufferin’ Succotash!’ is up next. By the tail of Sylvester the Cat, West is knocking seven bells out of that kit. Likewise, on another new one, and one of MV’s catchiest little numbers, ‘Bedbugs’, West is playing like his life depends on it.
Brodie Maguire is an electrifying guitarist to watch in action. It’s hard to imagine anyone ever giving a Gretsch hollow body as much of a workout as Maguire does. The picking intro to ‘Slow Down’ hints that the band are going in one direction, only for them to pull the rug out from under the crowd’s feet and go off in a heavier, gnarlier direction, with Valentine expelling some demons through his vocals, or calling upon them, depending on your viewpoint. One of the UK’s best-kept secrets, Valentine’s range is incredible, and when he hits the high notes, he honestly sparks memories of his purple highness himself, Prince. ‘Knuckles’ is a great example of this, and the way his vocals run the entire gamut is hair-raising. Full marks to the gonzo ‘Peter Gunn’ vibes on the outro.
Mother Vulture pack more into a 60-minute set than some bands do in a two-hour show, and seven of those 60 minutes belong to the epic ‘The Masquerade.’ Even though Chris Simpson is getting ribbed for supposedly calling it the worst song of the set, it’s actually the best thing that Mother Vulture have created, thus far. Zeppelin-meets-early-Queen-meets-Placebo mash-up. Simply put, it’s the best thing that a new British outfit have created in some time. Find out for yourself on one of the remaining dates. One of those live acts that cannot be missed.
Review – Dave
All images – Rob Wilkins, from venues over the last few years.
Connect with Mother Vulture, HERE
