Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
Another dash to my local venue in Nottingham had me, again, weaving my way around the back streets trying to avoid the stagnated traffic getting into the town, as usual its road works that are killing it.
A quick park up and a walk up the hill to the Venue is a challenge, the sun is low in the sky and its blinding, yes, the rain has stopped and we have a rare moment of blinding sunshine. Avoiding walking into bus shelters and other pedestrians, I get to where the sun is behind the buildings, a good thing as there’s trams running up and down the road. I cross and quickly get to the venue just as they’re letting everyone in. Yet again it’s an early curfew, its fresher’s fortnight so their party begins when we leave the venue.
Tonight, we have a headliner’s, Canadian Rockers, THEORY OF A DEADMAN aka TOAD on later but first up its south coast Rock Band AMONGST LIARS. Rock City Nottingham was already buzzing in anticipation of a great night ahead, the near-capacity crowd gathered for early doors and were about to witness the dynamic return of Amongst Liars, a band that I’d seen support Ayron Jones, in the ‘BETA’ as a 4-piece, they have since evolved, with the addition of keyboardist James Brum. I hope the crowd were ready for a set of thundering drums, rumbling basslines, scorching guitar work and fierce, aggressive vocals, something Amongst Liars deliver with aplomb.
The dimly lit venue creates an atmosphere that is both dark and brooding, setting the perfect mood for Amongst Liars’ gritty sound. As the lights dimmed further, the crowd’s excitement rises, maybe not to a fever pitch, but they are up for a great night, the band walked onto the dark stage to the roaring approval of the audience.
Always great for a support to see a sea of faces when they get to play before a big band.
Their set kicked off with “Black Days,” a brooding and intense track that immediately took the fans into Amongst Liars’ world. The pounding drums and rumbling bass sent vibrations through the floor, and Ian George’s vocals were nothing short of ferocious as he paced the stage, commanding every inch of it with his presence.
“Ready For This” followed, its heavy guitar riffs and relentless energy further working the audience. Leo Burnett’s guitar work was exceptional, driving the song forward with raw power. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, and it was evident that they were in their element.
“The Shameful” from the soon to be released sophomore album, and “Drown” continued to showcase the band’s intensity, with the crowd seeming to enjoy every word that Ian George delivered. His vocals were a force to be reckoned with, and his darting stage presence was nothing short of captivating.
As the set continued, Amongst Liars delivered bangers like “Burn the Vision,” nestled amongst newer songs like “By Design,” and set finisher, the now firm fan favourite from 2020, “Wolf Vision.” Each song adding a new layer of depth and emotion to the performance. The addition of keyboardist James Brum brought a new dimension to the band’s sound, adding rich textures and melodies that complemented the heavy instrumentation.
During “Wolf Vision”, Ian George and Leo Burnett climbed onto the barrier, bringing them even closer to their fans, at one point Burdett leaned into the crowd to acknowledge a familiar face. It was a moment that had the crowd light on their toes.
But the highlight of the night came when the drummer, amidst thunderous applause, took off his top, symbolizing the raw, untamed energy of Amongst Liars’ gritty music.
Amongst Liars’ set was full of dark, brooding energy and fierce musicality. The band’s evolution with the addition of James Brum on keyboards has enriched their sound, and Ian George’s vocals remained a force of nature. The almost capacity house for the support band was a testament to their growing popularity, and their live performance left no doubt that they are a band to watch out for in the rock music scene.
A great opening set from this South Coast band. With a self-titled debut album under their belt, released in 2022, and the long-awaited Sophomore album, ”Design” set for release in March 2024, the future is looking good for this 5-piece.Top of Form
As the crew dismantled and re jigged the stage for the headline turn , THEORY OF A DEADMAN, fans were flocking to get merch, with the card reader not working the fans were asking to leave the venue and find cash points so as to be able make their purchase and support the band. As is the case in Rock City, the stage was turned over in 30 minutes and before long we are ready to go.
Rock City was, by now, fizzing with anticipation as they awaited the arrival of Canadian rockers THEORY OF A DEADMAN. The venue was genuinely buzzing with excitement, when a familiar tune filled the air – “Sweet Caroline.” The crowd erupted in unison, belting out the lyrics as if they had rehearsed it a thousand times. It was a spirited start to an unforgettable evening, and then the lights dimmed.
The band took the stage to thunderous applause and immediately launched into the title track of their new album, “DINOSAUR.” The gritty guitars and powerful vocals set the tone for a night. “Bitch Came Back” and “Blow” followed in quick succession, keeping the energy levels soaring. Frontman Tyler Connolly, known for his charismatic stage presence, left his guitar behind and walked around the stage, captivating the audience with his dynamic vocals.
The dark, moody lighting added to the atmosphere, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. Dean Beck on bass was a force to be reckoned with, bouncing around the stage with infectious energy. Meanwhile, Joey Dandeneau on the drums was a furious blur of motion, driving the rhythm forward with relentless power. Dave Brenner, on guitar reminded me of ‘Jools’ Gizzi from Scottish Rock Band Gun, in his dimly lit corner of the stage.
The setlist was a mix of fan favourites and surprises, with “Two of Us,” from the new album, “Not Meant to Be,” from Scars & Souvenirs, “Lowlife,” from The Truth Is, and “Santa Monica” from Gasoline, keeping the crowd on their feet and singing along. The band’s cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” showcased their versatility and Tyler’s soulful vocals.
“Straight Jacket,” from Wake-Up Call made way for “Ambulance,” from 2023’s Dinosaur and “History or Violence,” from Say Nothing. “Better Off” again from Gasoline all demonstrated the band’s range and depth, and great back catalogue. A quick verse of Oasis’s “Wonderwall” had the crowd singing along and playfully booing when it finished. Tyler teased that the Gallagher brothers might join them on stage, a moment of humour that went down well with the audience, despite no anorak wearing fighting brothers appearing.
They continued with “Angel,” and the crowd were instantly back on board. The night reached its crescendo with the anthemic “Hate My Life.” from 2008’s Scars. The crowd’s energy was contagious, and it felt like everyone in the venue was singing along as this one played out.
After a brief exit from the stage, Theory of a Deadman returned for a much anticipated encore. The night coming to a close with the crowd enthusiastically joining in for the band’s hit from 2017, “RX (Medicate)” and then the playfully teased covers of “Paradise City,” by Guns and Roses, (they played that spot on to be fair), “Walk,” and finished it up with a blast of “Song 2” by Blur, it was a medley that had fans singing along, arms in the air as they relished in the final minutes of the set.
The night finished with “Bad Girlfriend”, and once again the fans sang along with every ounce of their being, bringing the night to a euphoric conclusion. Theory of a Deadman had delivered a performance that was a masterclass in rock ‘n’ roll, leaving the Nottingham crowd with some great memories.
It was a night of pure musical magic, and they had proven once again why they are a force to be reckoned with and why their fans, young and old remain so loyal.
As we left the venue, the buzzing of excitement was palpable, the fans all spoke at once, about what a stunning night they’d had. I’d have to agree, it was a special Saturday night. On Leaving the venue the ‘Freshers’ were all queuing to get into Nottingham’s premier venue, not knowing what they’d just missed..
