Opening proceedings tonight were Canadians SOUND AND FURY, a band who play no frills rock’n'roll, and therefore, a pretty risk free act to open up for someone like AIRBOURNE. The band’s looks, and to some extent, their sound, is influenced by old school punk, and as the band called it, the new Canadian national anthem, ‘Rabies’, was a song that was an obvious nod to the attitude of someone like THE RAMONES. This was a decent set to start the night off on the right track, and things continued in a positive manner as STONE GODS opened their set with the brilliant ‘Burn The Witch’. STONE GODS are of course the band that has risen from the ashes of THE DARKNESS, but with much more of a darker edge, they are considerably more likely to earn the respect of real rock fans, which in truth, THE DARKNESS never did.

Tonights half hour set showed that STONE GODS have some really strong material in their locker, and could well be a band to look out for in the future. My only real criticism of the band would be that frontman Richie Edwards didn’t sing half as well as he does on record. Having read great reviews of the band’s live performances before, I did wonder whether this was a one off, or whether the bands hectic tour schedule has finally caught up with him. I guess this question can only be answered the next time I see the band, and yes, there definitely will be a next time, because the band were otherwise brilliant.

…and so to AIRBOURNE - the Australian band who are currently making a living from being copycats of their homeland heroes AC/DC. Whether you are happy to see AIRBOURNE making a success out of cloning another band is a debate you’ll just have to have over a couple of pints with your mates. One thing beyond debate though is that AIRBOURNE are a bloody good live act, full of energy, and the songs on their debut album ‘Runnin’ Wild’ (all of which were played tonight) are more enjoyable than the lukewarm offerings on the new AC/DC album.

With the band unwilling to extend the set with a few covers, the show is all over in less than an hour. With this being the case, I’m not convinced that they should be headlining shows in places like the Victoria Hall. For me, AIRBOURNE are still a great club headliner, or a great support band, and an even better festival band.

Ratings:

Photography by Alexander Shaw(click here)