Download Festival 2023

 I was meant to go to Download last year but had to pull out last minute.  I was worried I might have to do the same this year mainly because you don't want to let folk down again.  But that didn't happen and this time I was prepared and raring to go with my buddies Campbell, Colin and Fraser.

Wednesday

This is the day we travelled down to Donnington. We arrived about half 2 and only had to queue for the car park for about half an hour. Which was lucky as many had to queue for hours and hours.  We were lucky as are allocated car park for quiet camping was the West car park which was nearing capacity when we were there but we got a space ok.  After that was full you would have had to go to North or East where all campers were trying to squeeze into hence the long queues from all directions.  

It was a bit of a hike just getting to the entrance where we got our wrist bands.  We brought all our gear in one go and I think we were all struggling with it and had many stops as the tents were heavy and we had a cool box full of drink.  We didn't have to queue for our wrist band but still had to negotiate the zig zag queuing system.  After that we headed for quiet camping which again was a bit of a hike.  Going through the blue campsite and quiet camping was already quite busy.  Although we reached a point where it was quieter and pitched our tents there.  

It was about 5pm by the time we had pitched the tents so we sat out for a while in our camping chairs and the guys drank some beer.  About 6ish we headed to the village where there is food and entertainment.  We also went to the Refresh retreat which is basically posh toilets and lockers which we all paid for.  So we registered for that. Then headed for the village and got pizza for dinner.  We then headed back to campsite and chilled for a while via some shops where Colin and Fraser got some patches for their battle jackets. It was very cold so we had multiple layers on.  Then headed to bed about half 10.  

I got zero sleep the first night. Due to the traffic issues people were pitching tents around us all through the night,  the nightlife in the village was also pretty loud till well into the early hours and the early hours and there were planes constantly going over head and were loud as we were very close to East Midlands airport.  On top of that I had too much caffine before going to bed and forgot to take my meds. But apart from that...........lol

Thursday

As I had no sleep I got up at 7am with the others and headed for Refresh retreat and there were no queues for showers or toilets.  We got back to camp site and chilled till about midday and headed back to refresh retreat before heading to the arena.  The walk from campsite to the village/Refresh retreat was about a mile then another mile to the arena. So by the time we got to the arena we had already done 10000 steps.  

Once in the arena the guys got the beers in and I filled up my bottle at the water station and we headed to the Opus stage which is the second stage to watch Cherry bombs who are a dance troupe who do all these fancy dance tricks to metal music. Corey Talyor's wife is part of this act.  They were good and something different to what you get at a music festival. We also met Campbell and Colin's friends Justin and Sara here, who we would hang out with quite a bit over the weekend.

Cancer bats were on the Opus stage next and I wanted some food so went off to get pizza.  Didn't even have to wait in a queue but when I went back to the Opus stage I couldnt find anyone. So had to message Campbell to meet at the ice cream van we arranged to meet at if we got split up. Which worked well and we all met up again.

We then set up camp at the Apex stage or main stage for the rest of the day.  First up was Mammoth VH who was class, great upbeat rock and roll music.  I have to admit though was feeling a bit wobbly at this stage which I think was due to lack of sleep and not taking my meds.  I said this to Colin and Campbell too and thought if I don't get a good night sleep tonight I may have to go home as my head could get seriously messed up.  But I did also say I knew how to get out of this and was determined to turn things around.

I was still I bit dodgy during Jinjer and Halestorm. Both acts I have seen in the last 6 months and they put on some more great performances.  Alter Bridge were next on, one of my favourite bands and they played Blackbird which is one of my favourite songs of all time.  Campbell had his first major decision to make at that point as Skindred were playing at the same time and he is really into both bands but he opted for Alter Bridge in the end.

The headliner tonight was Metallica and by that time I was feeling more stable.  It was very cold though but the guys recomended to bring a jumper with us to the arena and tie it round our waists. It was still cold but at least not as cold. This was my first time seeing Metallica and I did enjoy their set.  They played quite a few songs from the new album as well as diving into their extensive back catalogue which included a very pleasing "Nothing else Matters".

We headed back to camp and got back about 11.45 and that was day 1 in the bag.

Friday.

I slept like a log and woke up around 9pm.  The guys had already been up to Refresh retreat and had a shower. I headed there and there was a huge queue and whispers of a two hour wait.  I remember telling the guys, sorry but I'm just going to smell for the rest of the time. Even they had to wait for an hour to get a shower and they got up at 6.30. You didn't have to queue for toilets though or sinks so that was a plus.

I was pleased though to be in control again and raring to go.  We headed to Refresh retreat on the way to the arena for Day 2.  We got some food and headed for the Apex stage again. Where we stayed for most of the afternoon.  We saw Stand Atlantic, Nova Twins, Hot Milk and Neck Deep. My favourite as Nova Twins. I had seen them before supporting Bring me the Horizon and they are such a great live band who feel quite orignal.  Vocally brilliant too.  After that we went to the small tent called the Dogtooth stage to watch Brutus who are a Belgium 3 piece rock act.  Colin had a recommendation from one of his mates to see them and they disappoint. Probably the best discovery of the weekend.   This is where we split up and Campbell and I went to see Within Temptation while Colin and Fraser went to see Gwar ( only to find out they got moved to Saturday).  From their myself and Campbell went to see Architects, a band who we both have really got into over the last few years and they did not disappoint. While Fraser and Colin went to see Evanesance.

We all then met for the headliner tonight which was Bring me the Horizon.  The very first time they headlined download and what a set. Collabs with Nova Twins and Amy Lee from Evanesance.  Mad videos during breaks in the set. A set which mainly focused on their last few albums.  It was absolutley brilliant and my favourite act of the weekend.

Saturday

To be honest when I first saw the lineup for Saturday it was the only day where I didn't have anyone I really wanted to see and thought I'd just let the guys decide what we see. But I did do a bit of research before we went and found I quite liked quite a few of the acts on today.

We headed for the main stage first thing and forgot acts started earlier on a Saturday and got there a bit later.  We got in, in time for Fever 333 and lead singer being a nutter climbing up one of the towers that has a TV on the top. Yeah really rock and roll.  We stayed there for most of Ice nine kills which was surprisingly good.  Before heading over to the big tent which was the Avalanche stage to watch Black gold.  We then went back to the Main stage to watch Clutch.  Like most of the weekend it was really hot during the day. But at this point it was really hot and I found myself lying down fully during Clutch.  There was quite a bit of space during the day at the Apex stage you could do that.  

There was a gap where we went and got food before splitting up again. Campbell went to see Disturbed. While Colin, Fraser and myself went to see Simple plan on the Opus stage. I listened to them before and they seemed like a fun pop punk band from Canada, and they certainly delivered.  They also did something not many other bands did and did a three song covers medely with Smash mouth's "Allstar", Avril Lavigne's "Skater Boy" and Killers "Mr Brightside". As well as their own Scoobi doo song.  

After that we met Campbell again and headed to the Avalanche stage to see Coheed and Cambria who were very good and were also headlining that stage.  Then it was time for Metallica part 2.  We got back to the Apex stage and it was starting.  Same into music as the first night.  I have to admit bar more tracks from the new album and "Enter Sandman" I didn't recognise nearly as much as the first night.  I was thinking that maybe one night would have been better and more focused.  Fair enough doing 2 nights at your own gigs especially with Metallica's back catalogue but a festival not everyone is there to see you.  Still I can't say it was bad though.

Sunday

Last day of music and earliest we got to the arena which was before 12 to see one of the bands Campbell had been to see Bloodywood who are a metal band from India.  Although half way through the set we finally met up with some of Campbell's mates who Campbell had been trying to meet up with the whole weekend so weren't really paying attention to Bloodywood for the duration and may have to see them again.

We stayed at the main stage for Lorna Shore who were probably my least favourite act of the weekend.  Very growly vocals which I wasn't a fan of.  Then we moved further down the front for the Hu.  Who are a Mongolian metal band complete with electric double bases.  Very good sound going on here and they went down a storm.  After that there wasn't much  on we wanted to see for a few hours so headed for the tap house which had a range of beers. But that was very full with long queues as people try and hidde away from the sun. 

Then it was back to the Apex stage for Campbell and myself while the others headed for the Dogtooth stage. We saw I Prevail, which is band I had been looking forward to for quite some time and they did not disappoint.  We then met up again and headed for Opus stage for Bad Religon. They were ok but their songs were a bit samy. Felt a bit old school punk.  Then for the headliners on the Opus stage Ghost.  I have seen the twice but my my are they good.  After that it was off for the final act of the weekend. The headliners of the Apex stage Slipknot.  They were really good too and played all the songs I appreciate the most. 

Overall

Overall, this is a great festival, made better with great company. As well as Campbell, Fraser and Colin. I include Justin, Sara, Graham and Mathew in that too.  Thanks to Colin and Campbell for driving too.

Would I do it again?  Not next year but I wouldn't rule it out in future years.   To do it properly you do need to be fit and I think in that department I was lacking quite a bit. We were averaging 20000 steps a day and thats not including the acts we were standing for.  After a few days I did find it difficult to find a comfy seating postition without justs lying down vertical.  And you can't really stand up all day in the heat either.  You can of course bring a chair and put it down in the middle or back of the apex stage and sit in a campchair all day. But as you see we stage hopped a fair bit so you would end up carrying it about a fair bit

But it is a festival I won't forget in a hurry. I could have written a lot more about the bands especially but would need to make it a book lol.

21/02/2023 - Those Damn Crows @ The Garage, Glasgow

 Last time I saw Those Damn Crows was at the Cathouse in Glasgow just before covid hit in February 2020.  They're second album "Point of No Return" was just out and it felt they were on the brink of something special.  But unluckily for them it just came at the wrong time and the tour cycle for that album was over all too quickly.  Fast forward 3 years and they now have another album under their belt in the shape of "Inhale/Exhale". Which was only out the Friday before this gig.  The band were clearly on high after learning their mid-week chart position was No 3.  Something which would be cemented later in the week.

Tonight’s line-up saw Craig G, Brain, Campbell and myself hit the Garage.  And with The Garage turning into a nightclub later meant the gig starts slightly earlier and finishes about 10pm.  We arrived about 6.50pm and there was no queues to get in.  Although when we got inside it was clear that most people were already inside the venue.  The first band on tonight were Valhalla Awaits, like all the bands tonight they hailed from Wales.  This is something which the Crows did last time too, having their support bands from Wales. Which I have to give absolute kudos too as that truly is supporting your local music scene and giving bands more promotion.  

I really liked Valhalla Awaits.  Probably the heaviest band of the night.  Their hard rock, deep grooves and lots of twists and turns in their songs made for interesting and enjoyable listening.  It got to the point where it felt unfair on the second band as Valhalla set the bar high.  As I'm writing this review, I actually have had to look up the name of the second band which was James & the Cold Gun.  And I think that really tells its own story.  Don't get me wrong they were a decent band.  Just not as memorable as Valhalla.  They did remind me of The Subways a bit and that's not just because they have a tall, thin singer with shades and a female bassist that looks the spitting image of the women in The Subways. But also, their straight up rock songs too.  

Those Damn Crows themselves were on superb form and played a varied set diving into all 3 of their albums.  Most coming from their new album, but a fair chunk from "Point of no return" too.  The singer Shane did greet the crowd as Swansea at one point which got a good laugh before correcting himself and making a joke out of it himself like the utter pro of a frontman he has become.  I think what most people will remember from this gig is when Shane climbed up on the balcony still singing. While the security guard was holding him making sure he didn't go further along it before he climbed safety over it.  Then he went round to the back of the venue, down the stairs and through the crowd back to the stage, doing this while still singing.  

I know doing this fits the rock and roll image but personally I don't think he needs to do this.  The songs do all the heavy lifting and for a lot of people tonight they'll be coming back to see them regardless.  They decided on a different version of "Blink of an eye" again which they did at the Cathouse with Shane on the piano. This time it felt like they extended it slightly.  I also really enjoyed "Send the Reaper" which is one of my favourite Those Damn crow songs.  But the new album really does have plenty of songs which are up to the standard of those on "Point of no return".

They finished on "This time I'm ready" and "See you again". Interesting choices as they are not the all-out rockers we come to expect from the Crows.  More power ballads.  I'm wondering if this is a new direction they are heading in.  We were a bit surprised that "Be you" wasn't played as that is one of their more popular songs but it just shows you the catalogue they are starting to build.

Overall, a great night and Those Damn Crows really are building more and more of a following.  Someone I was speaking to was surprised they weren't playing the Barrowlands which is a venue twice as big as the Garage. Although this gig was sold out, it only just sold out in the week leading up to the gig.  So, I personally don't think they are there yet.  But if they keep doing what they are doing hopefully word will spread and they'll be playing there soon.

30/01/23 - Black Stone Cherry & The Darkness @ OVO Hydro, Glasgow

When I first saw this gig announced I thought I need to go as I really have got into Black Stone Cherry in the last few years.  Then with it being a joint headline tour with the Darkness, I thought Craig P and Campbell would also be into this as they like the Darkness and Campbell likes Black Stone Cherry.  So, they were up for it too.  Unfortunately, Craig P couldn't make it to this one in the end. But parkrun buddy Craig could make it so the three of us descended on the OVO Hydro having demolished our tea at Clyde Built before the gig got under way.

Danko Jones was the support. A 3-piece rock band from Canada who fitted the bill perfectly.  The lead singer was very charismatic and engaged the audience well.  I think they were on for about 30 minutes but had a jam-packed set which set the scene well for The Darkness.

I think most people in the UK will have heard of The Darkness after their big hit "I believe in a thing called love" and some other singles too.  They never really hit the heights I expected after that, but they are still going and judging by tonight’s performance pull out all the stops to produce a great show.  There was fire and lead singer Justin Hawkins not only displaying his fine vocal range but also his acrobatic skills (at one point he did a headstand).  One of those sets you go away from and think "They have more good songs than I thought".

The Darkness were on for just over an hour. Then there was a half hour break then over to Black Stone Cherry to finish off the night.  I really enjoyed their set as they plunged through all their hits including my personal favourite "Blind man".  Interestingly they only played one song off their latest album "Human Condition" but it has been out since 2021 so this is really the tail end of that album cycle.  Also, this gig is not purely for Black stone cherry fans.  Sure, there would have been fans of both fans here tonight but also there was an opportunity for the bands to expose their music to the other bands fans.  So, you want to play all your big hits in order to do this and also slightly shorter sets than solo headline tours.

Overall, another cracking night which was enjoyed by all.
 

Cardinal Black - January came close

 "January came close" is the debut album by South Wales alt rock outfit Cardinal Black".  I got into this band seeing them support Myles Kennedy at the O2 Academy in Glasgow.  Myles better known for being the lead singer of US rock band Alter Bridge.  So, for Cardinal Black to get a support slot with such a respected singer/songwriter, it does make you sit up and pay attention.  And that is exactly what happened that December evening in 2021 where Cardinal Black only had a few EPs to their name at that time.

But guitarist Chris Buck really stole the show with his absolutely incredible guitar work.  And to say he stole the show is saying something considering the strength of vocals from Tom Hollister.  These 2 combined then put into the mix Adam Roberts on drums and Sam Williams on bass and you have one of the most exciting new bands of the moment.

And "January came close" really does not disappoint sitting at 52 minutes in length and 11 tracks. Meaning they really let the tracks flourish and take on worlds of their own.  Buck could have quite easily made it a guitar wizard masterclass and yes there are some fine solos on here.  But the song writing on this is really next level and Tom's soulful vocals are so powerful it does set them apart to what’s out there at the moment.  Even though they are a bit different they are still classified as part of the new classic rock movement that is happening at the moment with bands like Those Dam Crows, Florence Black and Mason Hill and many more.  It sure is an exciting time for rock music.

The album kicks off with 3 very strong tracks which are so warm and uplifting.  Starting off with "Rise up", then "Where do you go?" and "Tell me How it feels".  These tracks set the tone for the album and the album feels like it’s over in a flash.  Other highlights include the 3-track run at the end of the album with "Jump in", "Warm Love" and "I'm Ready"

Overall, such a good album and I hope they end up really taking off.  They have insanely talented individuals in this band who deserve to "Rise up" to the top of the pile.

Albums I am looking forward to in 2023

 Avenged Sevenfold - I have been waiting for this album for a long time and it looks set to arrive this year given festival appearences have been announced and they have said they have a big year ahead.

Beck - Released a Neil Young cover last year.  Hasn't released an album since "Hyperspace" in 2019 so would be surprised if he doesn't release something this year.

Black Honey - Due out early in the year. Last album was cracking - hopefully this one will be too.

Blink 182 - New album on the way next year. New single "Edging" already out which is not bad. First album with Tom De longe back in the band.  Not sure if its a band sign for the album but with a tour already announced, does this mean the album won't be as strong knowing that people have already bought their tickets? I hope not.

Bring me the Horizon - They are working on new material and have Download booked so hopefully some new music before the year is out

John Frusciante - The Red hot chili's gutarist has another solo album out in Feb.  Can't wait to hear what he comes out with this time.

Kacey Musgraves - Pure speculation this one. Just been a couple of years since her last release.

Katie Melua - Another who has announced a tour for a new album but not released anything from the album yet. Looking forward to it though.

Metallica - I never thought I would be looking forward to a new Metallica album but the new single is awesome and this one comes out in April

Nosound - Quite quiet in 2022, but it seems there will be a new album in 2023

Paramore - 2 singles already released from the new album which is due out in March

Rival Sons - Class rock n roll band with a new album out early in the year.

Steven Wilson - Porcupine Tree front man, seems like everything he touches turns to gold. Hopefully this album will too.

Asylums - Signs of Life

 

"Signs of Life" is the 4th album by UK indie band Asylums.  Having formed in 2014, they have been pretty consistent in bringing out albums every 2 years being 2016, 2018, 2020 and now 2022.  I got into them before their debut came out after hearing "Missing persons". All their albums are really good and although the critics have praised their work too, they haven't managed to get to a level many think they should be.

They don't seem to tour that much and to my recollection have only played Glasgow once when they supported Ash.  They have however made various festival appearances including Glastonbury.  They may just be a band that prefers making records rather than endlessly touring which would be fair enough.  Another reason I think they are not as big as they should is because I don't think they are a part of any movement.  For instance, like Brit pop in the 90s, emo in the late 00s or the current alternative metal movement going on just now. 

 
I think if Asylums were around in the early 2000s when the UK indie scene was thriving, I think they would be a lot bigger than they are at the moment. As right now there isn't many new bands out there doing what Asylums are doing at the moment.  But the band has to be true to themselves and make music they believe in, and they enjoy. And when you listen to their music you really get the impression that this is exactly what they are doing.  They are not trying to pretend to be band that they are not just to gain popularity which I'm sure must be tempting.

"Signs of Life" is another cracking album by the Essex lads. Filled once again with some edgy riffs through songs such as "Scatterbrain" and "Crypto Klepto".  But also, on this album you'll find the introduction of strings on quite a few tracks such as "Eras the Edges" and closing track "The Mirror".  I like how the strings fit into the songs rather than dominate them or not be strong enough in the mix. They are just right.  "Eras the Edges" is probably one of the slowest songs they have done.  While "The Mirror" is a fine way to end an album.

Overall, Asylums have done it again.  A great album and one I will be going back to time and again, much like the rest of their discography.  I hope the get some more recognition because they sure deserve it.

Taylor Swift - Midnights

"Midnights" is the 10th album by US country/pop sensation Taylor Swift.   I have been a fan of Taylor since she released 2nd album "Fearless" way back in 2008.  Her career trajectory since has been nothing short of phenomenal.  Winning loads of awards and selling millions and millions of records.  Even if she did have, in my opinion, the occasional blip in her discography.  Those being "Reputation" and "Lover".  But the rest of the albums feel flawless.

"Midnights" was an unexpected album as many thought Taylor would continue with her reissues but in October 2022 this album dropped without even a single to promote it.  When the album was announced she didn't even announce the track names and it actually led me to think each track was called "Track 1, track 2...track 3" etc.  As that is what it said on the CD sleave artwork.  But if you have Tik tok you will know she gradually unveiled the track listing in the run up to the album being released.  

I decided to by the deluxe edition of the album on CD.   I found it strange that it was kind of hidden away on her website while all the different colour vinyls were pushed more.  The deluxe edition contained two remixes and an extra track but you didn't know this till you got the CD.  But that is not the most annoying part.  Three days after release she released a 3am edition of the album with 7 extra tracks on streaming services.  Which is great now you know this but at the time for me it was infuriating.

I do, however, have to give credit to Swift for Midnights.  She has once again plunged herself into a new space in her music. Giving us a full blown synth pop album which has a completely different vibe to what has come before.  The way she does this is like nothing no one else does in her field.   And everything she does, whether I like it or not, seems to turn to gold too.  Some of these songs already have over 300 million plays on Spotify and it's only been out a few months.  

It does have a very chill out feel about the album, apart from maybe "Vigilante S*&t" which shows off Taylor's angsty side which reminds me of "Bad Blood" off "1989".  "Karma" and "Anti-Hero" are probably my favourite songs off the album. "Karma" is the most upbeat song off the album and "Anti-Hero" the biggest hit.  The thing I find with this album is that if you strip out the vocals, I think would be a pretty bland album as for a lot of it, it is just the same beat running through it.  Taylor's vocals very much carry the album, and her lyrics also get a lot of attention.  For that reason, I don't think this is an album I will be going back to that much as I prefer more imagination in the instrumentation part as well as good vocals.

Overall, though this is a decent album and I have to give kudos to Taylor for going in yet another direction with her music.  This album does have some great songs on it. Sometimes it does feel like it is too samey, and some songs blend into each other. But since it’s so different to what she has done before we can let her off with that.  I do notice though that the tour she announced is an "Eras" tour which is basically a best of tour rather than a "Midnights" tour.  Now there is the argument that she hasn't really toured the last 4 albums (including "Midnights").  However maybe it's also because a lot of "Midnights" and "Folklore" and "Evermore" weren't really built for stadiums.  And maybe there is not enough big hits on these albums to justify it.