Burning Crows EP Launch // The Brickmakers - 03.03.2012
"During the finalé Whippz disappears into the audience before emerging, triumphantly brandishing yet another dark liquor, the set ending as raucously as it began." - The Burning Crows bring their unique style to the Brickmakers...
It may be a decent trek to the Brickies but it takes approximately five steps into the venue tonight before you sense that this is no ordinary gig night. From the drop-down screen displaying video footage of the stage to the scantily clad rock chicks patrolling a table festooned with merchandise, there is definitely something significant a-brewing. The merch in question belongs to The Burning Crows and tonight is the launch of their new EP ‘Never Had It So Good’. Recorded at the famous Rockfield Studios in Wales and produced by Nick Brine (The Darkness / Oasis) the hard-rocking lads are making all the right noises in order to get noticed and, with a band influenced by “girls, booze and girls with booze”, we could be in for a filthy evening.
Da da da da-da. While the epic theme song from Terminator 2 pounds out over the PA system the colossus that is the support band’s drummer, Big Mike, emerges, guyliner and all, from the back of the stage. A clonk of a cowbell and local legends The Pocket Godzillas blast into their set with all the exuberance of a band just starting out. Guitarist “Gav-zilla” embodies this spirit, his frenetic style, dyed red hair and rabid facial expressions providing great entertainment - you suspect he would even lift boxes in a jerky, twisty kind of way. “Pure Rock Fire” is a typical example of the band’s energetic rock sound, coaxing much musical lunging from those at the front as Gav and Mike enjoy a sustained gurn-off. Unfortunately singer, “Bub-zilla”, suffers a set-back mid-way through “24 Hours” as his guitar dies and has to be relinquished, the pregnant pause that ensues forcing the guys to cut their impressive set short.
Rumours are rife that the Crows have been locked away prior to the gig to prevent Messrs Daniels and Beam tempting them with their tantalizing tipples. However, judging by the masses gathered at the bar, is seems the band’s fans or “Crowlings” are just as eager to test the biceps of those pulling the pints. As anticipation grows, the lights cut out, thundery sound effects roll around the room and the immaculately dressed quartet scuttle onstage to a frenzied reception from the crowd. Go!! Finally let off the leash the band explodes into life, firing off tunes like ‘Starting All Over Again’ and ‘Slow Up, Get Down’ like their betty swollocks depend on it. “The Queen” in particular sees guitarist Lance and bassist Will chucking their well-maintained manes around enough to show Willow Smith up to be the rank amateur she is. In Whippz the band have an awesome frontman, throwing in fret-melting solos while casually conducting the audience with a serpentine flick of his wrist. The band are tighter than Peter Andre’s arse cheeks and new song “So Wrong” similarly hits the mark, presenting the groove and competence of a band that has been gigging for many more years than they actually have – a worthy reward for their relentless touring schedule. As Whippz splits the room in two and elicits competing chants of ‘Going Down’ from each side it’s clear the band are enjoying themselves. Behind the drums Chris “int he gooorgeous” Chapman manically grins continuously all evening, maintaining the euphoric focus of a successfully satisfied sex doll, stopping only occasionally to stand and survey the packed venue. With the audience lapping up the band’s huge rock assault the guys are doing more than enough to prove their EP is worth a purchase, even finding time to make sure those gathered are suitably lubricated, before joining in a communal shot and ripping into ‘Best Damn Everything’. An encore is demanded and the Crows duly oblige with a strobe-backed rendition of ‘Time’ before ending with the sing-a-long belter that is ‘You, Me, Tonight’. During the finalé Whippz disappears into the audience before emerging, triumphantly brandishing yet another dark liquor, the set ending as raucously as it began.
The boys take a bow and, though the music may have stopped, you sense there are many more Jäger bombs to be necked before people head home, towel themselves off, and await the inevitable hangover the next day. On this evidence The Burning Crows are a band that deserves attention, with the deadly combination of a dedicated fan base and chops to support the hype. Certainly the world would be a better place if there were more bands like this; no pretence, no bullshit, just the solid determination to rock more hard than the next band. Norwich has never had it so good.
Mike Jarvis
