Ravenheart Music: Gig Reviews

This was a strange day for me as it was my intention to go to the OUT OF THE DARK FEST in London, but I had some some kind of Bronchial Infection that had been dragging on for days. So being pretty miffed (for want of a better word) at missing that London gig, I decided to venture out to the Asylum, a round trip of 40 miles as opposed to one of 300 miles if I had gone to London. Being unwell and 40 miles from home seemed the better proposition to me. And Lahannya is an awesome act in her own right. Firstly there was disappointment at the turn out. We had effectively five awesome female fronted bands, and the turnout was not good. Whether the London event had anything to do with that I am not sure, but I do get a little annoyed when I hear complaints that there is not enough live music in the Midlands, and then when there is, only a few turn up. However, for those that were in Birmingham, the gig was awesome. WINTER IN EDEN kicked things off, and to be honest, if this band was from mainland Europe, they would be signed to someone like Napalm I am sure, and would be packing out festivals where ever they went. It took a few minutes for it to sink in when I realised they was minus their bassist. Ian Heddle's wife was giving birth to a baby girl so he was at home in the North-East. DYONISIS followed, and this Sheffield based combo are totally awesome. Nel Cave's vocals being well complimented by Louise Welsby, and I do like Nel's lights in her dress. Always brings a smile to my face. However, they do rely on samples as opposed to a live drummer and keyboardist, but I will not allow that to detract from what was a totally cool performance. London based Metal Band ACHILLA were next up, and a great set from a great band, the highlight for me being the Tears For Fear's cover 'SHOUT'. By saying that was the best song on their set is not saying that their own songs were not up to scratch, they were, but I feel the lack of atmosphere within the venue did not help their cause. The same goes for PYTHIA whose set was cut short for some reason. But the time they did have on stage (30 mins roughly), was totally mind blowing. Their stage costumes and Emily's stage presence well worth the wait that evening. Again, the lack of atmosphere within the venue did not do them any justice. However, I can see from this performance why they have become a force to be reckoned with, and so they should be. And then finally we had LAHANNYA. By this time, some of those punters that had bothered to show had drifted away, but Lahannya put on a pretty good hour long set, mainly showcasing numbers from her new album 'Dystopia'. Again and I have to say it, I think the lack of a real atmosphere played it's part, but Lahannya gave it her all, and I am sure there will be plenty morer gigs she will play, with a turnout better than this. Nonetheless, for a tenner, the punters sure got their money's worth, and perhaps a smaller venue (Asylum2?)would have been better suited. However, it is easy to say these things in retrospect. A good evening and a good gig!