Gig review: The Answer @ Mean Fiddler Nov 1, 2006
review
It was a distinctly older crowd that were supping Red Stripe and packing the Mean Fiddler waiting to see Irish bluesy rockers The Answer. More ‘Classic Rock’ than ‘Kerrang’, although I did spy two teens in identical black woolly hats and fingerless gloves weave their way through the crowd (in search of mosh pit no doubt).
The Answer are a brilliant nu prog rock Zeppelin sounding band, that consists of a skinny fella with the most amazing rock out voice I have ever heard live and three musicians who know their craft inside and out. From the moment they embrace the stage and Cormac Neeson sing screams ‘We are the ANSssssSSWeeer!’ you just know it is going to be good. And these guys are, stadium filling good. I saw them last year supporting Alter Bridge and they just get better and better. No Questions Asked and Never Too Late received a very warm reception, the only thing I would say is that as quality as their songs are, some tend to sound very similar and personally I would like more stand out songs that you can fling your hat at and get on down to.
Support act Roadstar deserve a very good mention, with a front man who clearly bases himself on a 1970s cross between Mick Jagger and Marc Bolan mixed with a latter day Russell Brand, God help him. The lead guitarist had a lot of charisma and certainly rocked the crowd, leading the way into accessible songs and riffs a plenty. But how skinny are this band? The drummer and the blonde guitarist need to take themselves off for a proper dinner quick smart.
Review by Mandy Carter
Roadstar rocked in a classic British heavy rock style whilst retaining a defiantly modern sound. The twin guitar attack was reminiscent of Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest in their heyday. With pointy headstocks, big riffs, and even bigger choruses, what more could your average rocker ask for (except pyro!?) In summary, quality hard rock, expertly played by a band with big ambitions. And on a normal cold Wednesday night with a following wind this would have been enough to steal the show from many a club headline act in the current dreary musical climate.
Unfortunately for Roadstar they found themselves in the company of greatness.
The Answer were in town and taking no prisoners with their unique take on a similar but perhaps a little more tie-dyed template. Like a Celtic Led Zeppelin but without the goblins, elves and indulgence, the Answer's stock in trade is soulful blues based rock played with power, passion and control. Tight musicianship, Cormac Neeson's incredible vocals and world class songs should ensure that the Answer's rise to the top is assured. It was most definitely the Answer's night.
Review by Rob Histon
Support band Roadstar were well received with the crowd, with the melodic lead guitarist moving around the stage like a true rock God. They have a great stage presence and catchy tunes, perhaps a little too skinny and a tad over styled, but all in all a great mainstream / commercial rock band.
The Answer – well I was surprised. The lead singer came on stage looking like he would have a real problem being a ‘front man’ but he pulled it off extremely well and with much more credibility than Roadstar. There is no nonsense about him; he is simply a fantastic singer. There were some fantastic riffs, great musicianship (which can be rare) and unusual time signature changes. I would say they are more of a blues rock band, but this is no bad thing - people just need to be prepared that this is what they're going to hear. I was very impressed with their bluesy songs. Only thing I would say, and the band themselves would probably be anti this idea as they don't strike me as a group that is into "conformity", but I think they would benefit from concentrating on their great riffs and taking out some of the musical technicality. It would really make some of their songs fantastic rather than very good and even better, they would be a whole lot easier to dance to!
Review by Indi Histon
Mandy Carter, Rob and Indi Histon, MyVillage 03rd November
|
