Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
After yet another painful journey into the West Midlands I finally get to the venue, it’s taken 2 ½ hrs to travel 70 miles, the M6 is just a car park when you need it to be moving. It’s got a good strangle hold on the city of Birmingham, but thankfully the music scene is still as strong as it ever was.
The venue throbbed with anticipation as Doomsday Outlaw, took the stage for a night that would etch itself into the memories of the intimate crowd in to witness the opening set. The venue crackled with energy, and the crowd was primed for an unforgettable performance.
Launching straight into the fray, Doomsday Outlaw opened with the thunderous “Into Deep” from their latest album, setting the tone for a sadly, all to short an opening set of unbridled rock and roll. The crowd, a mix of devoted fans and intrigued newcomers, responded with raucous cheers that reverberated through the venue.
Following the explosive opener, the band seamlessly transitioned into “Turn Me Loose,” another gem from their recent release, “Damaged Goods.” The bass player, the enigmatic Indy, took centre stage sporting a glitter jacket that could have come straight off a ’70s gameshow host. The glimmering outfit added a touch of glam to the gritty rock aesthetic, capturing the audience’s attention from the get-go.
As the vocalist stepped into the spotlight, it was hard not to notice the uncanny resemblance to Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes—a tribute, intentional or not, that added a layer of nostalgia and familiarity to the performance. The charismatic frontman led the charge through the setlist, infusing each song with raw emotion and a magnetic stage presence.
The journey continued with “If This Is the End,” a track that showcased the band’s evolution and prowess. It was evident that Doomsday Outlaw had a wealth of material to draw from, and they weren’t afraid to explore the depths of their discography.
Delving into the past, the band resurrected an old blues track called “Blues for a Phantom Limb,” a haunting and soulful interlude that demonstrated their versatility. “Drink Myself to Death (One More Sip)” and “Runaway” followed, each song a testament to Doomsday Outlaw’s ability to craft tunes that hit you right in the gut while keeping your head banging.
The climax of the night approached with the anthemic “Bring You Pain,” a powerful finale that left the crowd wanting more. Doomsday Outlaw had successfully weaved a tapestry of sound, creating a great rock vibe that permeated through the haze lingering in the venue.
Throughout the performance, killer riffs echoed in the ears of the audience, each note a testament to the band’s musical prowess. The songs were not just performed; they were lived, with a raw intensity that resonated with everyone present.
Doomsday Outlaw, hailing from Derby, has been making waves in the rock scene for years. Their discography includes the latest album featuring the explosive “Into Deep” and “Damaged Goods” with the crowd-pleaser “Turn Me Loose.” The band comprises talented members, each bringing their unique flair to the stage. Indy, the bass player with the glittering jacket, was a visual spectacle. The vocalist, channelling Chris Robinson, led the charge with a voice that could stir the deepest recesses of the soul. Flanked by the guitars of, Hat wearing Alez D. and Rowan provide the rawness of Medlock and Slash whilst the power house at the back, Nic keeps everything tight with a solid backbeat.
As the final notes of “Bring You Pain” echoed into the night, the audience was left in awe, basking in the afterglow of an electrifying performance. Doomsday Outlaw have not only delivered a setlist that showcased their musical range but had also created an experience that would linger in the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness it. KK’s, for one brief set, belonged to Doomsday Outlaw—a band with a global sound and the power to make the earth tremble with their music.
So, while the stage is cleared, and the smoke lifts briefly, the crowd is heading for the bar and to have a look at the merch stand. Before to long the set is ready and the buzz takes over in the dimly lit venue, anticipation hung thick in the air as the crowd eagerly await the entrance of DeWolff, the Dutch power trio that promised a psychedelic journey through time and sound. Comprising brothers Pablo van de Poel on vocals and guitar, Luka van de Poel on drums, and Robin Piso on the Hammond organ, DeWolff is a sonic force that transports audiences to the realms of mind-bending rock reminiscent of early Deep Purple.
As the stage transforms into a smoky dreamscape, thicker than an opium den, the ethereal haze sets the stage for the sonic voyage that was about to unfold. The anticipation reached its zenith as the first notes of “Night Train” echoed through the venue. An epic fusion of Hammond and guitar, the song served as an auditory prelude to the immersive experience that DeWolff was about to deliver.
“Made It To 27” followed, a track that showcased the band’s ability to seamlessly blend psychedelic and rock elements. The pulsating rhythm from Luka’s drums and the hypnotic swirls from Robin’s Hammond organ created a sonic tapestry that enveloped the audience. It was apparent that DeWolff’s sound, anchored in the nostalgia of early Deep Purple, had evolved into a unique and dynamic force of its own.
As the set continued, “Nothing’s Changing” and “Double Crossing Man” emerged as highlights, showcasing not only the band’s musical dexterity but also their mastery over tempo and time changes. The audience, now fully immersed in the smoky, entrancing atmosphere, swayed to the rhythmic waves that emanated from the backlit stage.
The crowning jewel of the performance was the extended, self-indulgent masterpiece “Rosita.” A sonic banger that pushed the boundaries of conventional rock, the track unfolded with an improvisational fervour that had the crowd entranced. Pablo, in a moment of spontaneous connection with the audience, took a walk through the mesmerized crowd, further blurring the lines between performer and spectator.
DeWolff’s sonic journey drew from their extensive discography, including the albums from which these mind-altering tracks originated. “Night Train” and “Made It To 27” find their homes in the band’s diverse repertoire, showcasing their evolution over the years. The trio’s ability to craft songs that transcend genres and eras is a testament to their musical prowess.
Behind the psychedelic soundscape, there lies a history that shaped DeWolff into the powerhouse they are today. The band, formed in 2007, has continually pushed the boundaries of their sound, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of classic rock and infusing it with a contemporary edge. Pablo’s soulful vocals and scintillating guitar work, Luka’s thunderous drums, and Robin’s Hammond organ wizardry collectively create a sonic experience that is both nostalgic and ground breaking.
The audience, now a smokey and enthralled congregation, found themselves transported to a realm where time and space blurred. DeWolff had not just performed; they had conducted a sonic ritual that left the crowd bewitched. The Hammond organ, with its vintage charm, acted as a portal to a bygone era, while the swirling guitar and pulsating drums propelled the audience into uncharted territories of sound.
In the smoky aftermath of DeWolff’s performance, as the crowd slowly dispersed to the bar, the cloakroom and again the merch stand, it was evident that something magical had transpired. The Dutch power trio had not only delivered a stellar performance but had created an immersive experience that transcended the ordinary. DeWolff’s sonic alchemy had left an indelible mark on some the enchanted souls that gathered for this psychedelic odyssey. For some, that doesn’t get any better.
As the stage transformed yet again, like peeling back layers of an onion only to reveal a bare-bones setup—a speaker stack flanking an Epiphone Les Paul, a Fender Jazz Bass, and a Premier drum kit. As the lights dimmed and the house music faded, the crowd’s anticipation surged. Excitement hung in the air like a live wire, and the cheers erupted when the man of the hour, Jared James Nichols, hit the stage with a burst of energy that set the tone for an electrifying night.
Winding up some feedback, on his signature rig, with a mischievous grin, Nichols plunged into the sonic landscape with “Easy Come Easy Go,” a gritty anthem from his self-titled latest offering. The crowd, a mix of die-hard fans and new converts, responded with unbridled enthusiasm as Nichols effortlessly navigated the fretboard, unleashing a torrent of blues-rock prowess.
The sonic journey continued with “My Delusion” and the latest single, “Down the Drain,” each note resonating with raw emotion and technical finesse. “Hard Wired” and the pre-pandemic banger, “Threw Me to The Wolves” followed, re-visited with the collaborative touch of Joe Bonamassa and Maggie Rose. Nichols dedicated this to Tom Leighton, the evocative front man of the Wolf Jaw, sadly cut down in his prime two years ago. The track perfectly encapsulating Nichols’ ability to blend vintage blues with a contemporary edge
Amidst the musical onslaught, Nichols took a moment to share the story behind his weapon of choice—’Dorothy,’ a rare 1952 Gibson Les Paul. Playfully mocking its perceived status as a ‘Chibson’ (a Chinese copy of Gibson), Nichols revealed the guitar’s tumultuous history. Damaged in a tornado, he lovingly restored it, complete with a ‘new old stock’ neck. Describing it as temperamental, akin to a real woman, he emphasized that when ‘Dorothy’ was working, she sang like an angel, when she didn’t it was a real fight to get her to do anything. In Nichols’ hands, the guitar became an extension of himself, wielded with the finesse of the true virtuoso he has become.
The set progressed with a relentless onslaught of blues-infused rock. “Skin ‘n Bone,” “Bad Roots,” and “Honey Forgive Me” from his 2018 album ‘Black Magic’ showcasing the diversity of Nichols’ song writing, weaving between hard-hitting riffs and soulful melodies. “Shadow Dancer” and “Good Time Girl” kept the new songs flowing, each delivered with a raw, bluesy intensity that had the crowd captivated.
“Keep Your Light on Mama” continued the journey into the depths of the 2018 album ‘Black Magic,’ a testament to Nichols’ ability to channel the spirit of classic blues into a modern sonic landscape. The single “Nails in Coffin” from 2019 brought the set to a climax before Nichols unleashed a seismic rendition of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” ripping KK’s wide open with a performance that left Wolverhampton in awe.
Behind Nichols were Louis Collins from Bournemouth on bass and Ryan Rice on drums, providing the rhythmic backbone to Nichols’ sonic tapestry. The trio’s chemistry was evident, each member contributing to the collective energy that reverberated through the venue. The intimate yet knowledgeable crowd soaked in every riff, every nuance of Nichols’ guitar wizardry.
Despite the wet Wednesday night, the crowd’s enjoyment was palpable, their cheers echoing through the venue.
As Nichols and his band bid farewell to Wolverhampton, the echoes of their performance lingered in the air—a testament to the night’s unparalleled blend of blues, rock, and electric charisma. Jared James Nichols had not just played a gig; he had orchestrated a blues-rock spectacle that left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to witness it. Jared delivered another “your only supposed to blow the bloody doors off” moment.
