PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Graveyard would have you believe that their records are fresh out of the 70s era rock archives that people often reminisce about. In fact, this band has merely been around only since 2006 and their sound is as relevant today as their counterparts were in the good old days, minus the hissing and cracking of the nostalgic needle on vinyl. Graveyard is playing a sold out gig in Camden’s The Underworld tonight, a moderately-sized cosy venue with a friendly atmosphere, and are anticipating a rather enjoyable evening of rock.
First to take the stage is Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell, a Sussex-based three-man band with gritty vocals and dirty groove rock leanings. They get the crowd on their feet and provide a toe-tapping, head bobbing start to the proceedings. Influences such as early Deep Purple and early Sabbath can be heard here, and their onstage mannerisms are similar to that of Who bassist John Entwistle. Who knew such a small stage could support that much leaping and foot stomping action?
Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell’s setlist is as follows:
Beast, Devil’s Island, Cursed Earth, Last Run, Red Admiral Black Sunrise, Lady Snowblood. 7.5/10
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Next up and continuing the theme are Gothenburg-based Horisont who get a considerably lively reaction from the crowd despite vocalist Axel being drowned out somewhat by the rest of the band and the first few rows of the audience themselves. The mix of psychedelic and blues rock combines effortlessly with a modern twist. Nightrider gets the best response of all the songs on their set, the beat and flow pulling graciously from UFO hit Doctor Doctor.
A wonderful modern take on a classic sound, disappointed that you couldn’t hear more of the vocals over the music.
Horisont’s setlist is as follows:
Visa Vägenn, Unseen, On The Run, Du Röde, Time Warrior, Nightrider, Second Assault. 7/10
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And finally we get to the main act of the evening. Graveyard is welcomed with much furore after the audience warmed up successfully by the support, and they blast forth with Blue Soul; a gem of an opener from their self-titled first album. Buying Truth (Tack & Förlåt) gets five hundred pairs of legs jumping, and the barrierless stage is almost swarmed upon by enthusiastic fans. Everyone felt the same energy emanating from these humble musicians, who seemed to be surprised by just how into their music the fans were. Uncomfortably Numb sees the entire London basement unite in a swaying and hollering chorus, and everyone can feel Joakim really pouring his heart and soul into singing the bittersweet, almost painfully sincere lyrics. Ain’t Fit To Live Here restarts the fire and people leap off the stage and surf onto the crowd. Jonathan and Rikard, on guitar and bass respectively, chug along with all their might, while drummer Axel tears down the roof with the crisp and sharp galloping beats. This anarchy continues with No Good, Mr Holden and the band is easily enjoying the reaction they’re causing, even the stage crew are on hand to push the surfers back into the throngs of fans singing and screaming for more. The next few songs seem to zoom past in a vigorous haze; Joakim’s vocals sounding earnest and clear against the faultless guitars are more than enough to carry this 70s revival well into the night. Graveyard devotees were treated to The Siren, Thin Line and Evil Ways for a smashing encore before leaving the crowd satisfied and returning their minds and souls to the present day.
There was little interaction with the crowd by ways of speech, though none was necessary; the band got down to business and delivered their best show to date regardless of venue size. A well-deserved 8.5/10, only a larger venue would bring in higher ratings, as they and their fans deserve more. Definitely a band you should be keeping your ears pinned back for in the future.
Graveyard’s setlist was as follows:
Blue Soul, Buying Truth (Tack & Förlåt), As the Years Pass By The Hours Bend, Ungrateful Are the Dead, Uncomfortably Numb, Ain’t Fit to Live Here, No Good, Mr. Holden, Satan’s Finest, Hisingen Blues, The Siren, Thin Line, Evil Ways.
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Check out Graveyard’s current album Hisingen Blues on Nuclear Blast Records now.
