Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
Nottingham is very quickly becoming my second home. Tonight’s venture sees me at the Rescue Rooms, Rock City’s baby sister, adjacently positioned, next door.
Tonight’s delights include Canadian Rock giant Danko Jones and his band and on the under card is UK band ‘The Kut’. There are another band new to me, so are one I’m looking forward to seeing play live; I have seen so many great bands playing early doors this year, so getting there in time for ‘the doors’ ensures these bands are seen and heard.
So up first is ‘The Kut’, a solo British alternative rock multi-instrumentalist that burst onto the scene with their powerful sound and rebellious attitude. Formed in 2010 by vocalist and guitarist Princess Maha, ‘The Kut’ has undergone some line-up changes, she tours with a collective of musicians, Princess Maha being the only constant member of the ‘band’, but her commitment to delivering hard-hitting, grunge-infused music remains unwavering.
Princess Maha, with her distinctive coloured hair and dynamic stage presence, is the driving force behind ‘The Kut’. Her gritty vocals and skillful guitar work define the band’s signature sound, blending elements of grunge, punk, and alternative rock.
The original line-up included bassist Alison Wood and drummer Diana Bartmann, contributing to the band’s raw and energetic performances, the collective now includes Jennifer Sanin (bass), Hannah Aero(bass), both played on 2020’s album “GRIT” alongside Jayke Turl (guitar) and Violet Stow (drums).
‘The Kut’’s discography showcases their evolution as musicians and their dedication to their craft. Their debut EP, “Make Up,” released in 2012, garnered attention for its fierce sound and unapologetic lyrics. The band followed up with the EP “Rock Paper Scissors” in 2015, solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene.
The breakthrough moment for ‘The Kut’ came with their debut album, “Valley of Thorns,” released in 2018. The album featured a mix of reimagined tracks from previous EPs and new material, showcasing the band’s growth and maturity in their song-writing. Singles like “Mind Games” and “I Want You Maniac” received critical acclaim for their catchy hooks and grunge-inspired riffs.
‘The Kut’’s music often explores themes of empowerment, rebellion, and self-expression, resonating with a diverse fanbase. Their energetic live performances have earned them a reputation for captivating audiences, with fans drawn to the band’s authenticity and unfiltered approach to rock music.
In terms of style, ‘The Kut’ embraces a grunge aesthetic, with Princess Maha’s bold and edgy look complementing the band’s overall image. From leather jackets to punk-inspired attire, their fashion choices mirror the rebellious spirit of their music.
As ‘The Kut’ continues to carve out their space in the alternative rock landscape, the latest album “GRIT”, continues their commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging norms and ensures that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. With a growing fanbase and a solid discography under their belt, ‘The Kut’ is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of alternative rock.
So now we have that cleared up let’s see what they have to offer to the early doors crowd, not having to wait to long The Kut take to the stage with a bang, opening for Danko Jones on their wild tour, aptly called “Shake Your City”. The venue was alive with blue lights and thundering drums as they kicked off with “I Don’t Need Therapy.” The crowd were already getting into the vibe, and it was clear this was gonna be one hell of a ride.
“I Am Vain” hit the crowd like a tidal wave, and you could feel the energy as they played with the crowd. Released some time back, the song still had that fresh, electric feel. As the night rolled on, “Runaways” echoed through the venue, and you couldn’t help but move to the sound. “On My Own” kept the momentum going, with the crowd responding in full force.
The crowd grew larger during “If Looks Could Kill” as people rushed in after work. The atmosphere was electric, and you could sense the anticipation building. “Animo” brought the thunder with a powerful backline, and Princess Maha gave it everything. The venue was bouncing with energy.
“Fun When You’re Winning” rocked the place, and Princess Maha had an announcement. No Christmas tunes tonight, but they got a charity one out called “Waiting For Christmas.” All proceeds go to Music Venue Trust, supporting smaller bands. Now, back to the hard-hitting tunes.
“Burn Your Bridges” kept the crowd on their toes, heads bouncing along. “I Want You Maniac” had everyone singing along, lost in the music. “Hollywood Rock n Roll” brought a distinct style to the set, and “Bad Man” encouraged a full-blown sing-along. Princess Maha, now standing on the kick drum, asked if we wanted one more, and of course, the crowd roared in approval.
The set closed with “And 1 More…” – a riotous finish that left the venue buzzing. The Kut left the stage, leaving everyone on a high, ready for Danko Jones to take things even higher. What a night, I’ve said it many times and I will continue too, early doors is where you get a chance to see tomorrow’s new big thing, some of these support bands deserve to play to more than a handful of people, thankfully tonight wasn’t one of those nights as a good fan based had turned out to see The Kut play. If you can make get along for the support, you may be surprised!
Alright, let’s talk about Danko Jones, the unsung heroes of rock ‘n’ roll that deserve a place in everyone’s playlist. These Canadian rock titans, led by the charismatic and unapologetic Danko Jones himself, have been serving up a high-octane blend of garage rock, punk, and blues since the late ‘90s. If you haven’t jumped on the Danko Jones bandwagon yet, you’re in for one hell of a ride.
First things first, let’s take a trip down their discography lane. They burst onto the scene with “Born a Lion” in 2002, an album that set the tone for their unapologetic, in-your-face sound. Danko’s raw vocals, John Calabrese’s thunderous bass, and Damon Richardson’s powerhouse drumming laid the foundation for what was to come.
The ride continued with “We Sweat Blood” in 2003, an album that proved they were no one-hit wonder. It was a sonic assault, featuring anthems like “Lovercall” and “Wait a Minute.” If you weren’t hooked by now, you were missing out.
Fast forward to 2008, and they dropped “Never Too Loud,” a title that perfectly encapsulates their ethos. This album solidified their place in the rock pantheon, with tracks like “Code of the Road” becoming anthems for the road warriors and music lovers alike.
Danko Jones didn’t stop there. “Rock and Roll Is Black and Blue” (2012) showcased their versatility, blending hard-hitting riffs with infectious melodies. If you needed any proof that rock is very much alive, this album was it.
In 2017, they unleashed “Wild Cat,” an untamed beast of an album that continued to showcase their mastery of the rock craft. With singles like “My Little RNR” and “You Are My Woman.”
A “Rock Supreme” (2019), “Power Trio” (2021)and “Electric Sounds” (2023) bringing us bang up to date, Danko Jones is still proving that they are as fierce and as relevant as ever.
Now, let’s talk about the maestros behind the music. Danko Jones, the man with the plan, serves as the charismatic frontman and guitarist, delivering lyrics with a swagger that’s uniquely his own. John Calabrese lays down the law on bass, providing the backbone of their sound, while Rich Knox now brings the thunder from behind the drum kit.
When it comes to live shows, Danko Jones knows how to bring the house down. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with legends like Guns N’ Roses, Motörhead, and The Rolling Stones. If that doesn’t speak volumes about their rock credentials, I don’t know what does.
The story of Danko Jones is a testament to the power of unbridled passion for music. Formed in 1996, they paid their dues in the underground scene before breaking through with their energetic and no-frills approach to rock. Danko’s lyrics often explore themes of love, lust, and the trials of the human condition, delivered with a poetic yet unfiltered honesty.
In a musical landscape that’s constantly shifting, Danko Jones stands as a beacon of pure, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll. Their discography is a sonic journey through the highs and lows of life, fuelled by relentless energy and an unwavering commitment to the music that makes your heart pound and your fists pump. So, if you’re ready to embrace the raw power of rock, dive into the world of Danko Jones— having seen the band numerous times, I know you won’t be disappointed.
So, as the lights drop again and its’ time to buckle up as having been here before I know this is gonna be one hell of a wild ride through the electrifying world of Danko Jones. The night kicks off with the thunderous sound of “Guess Who’s Back,” from the Electric Sounds album. And the sound is massive, reverberating through the venue. The style is pure rock and roll, no frills, just raw energy. The next one’s off the same album, and you could feel the electricity right from the start, As Danko hit us with “Get High?”
We then got a bit of banter about Rock City. Apparently, they were asked to play two nights for 4000 fans but opted for one night at the Rescue Rooms for 45 fans instead. Classic Danko humour. The transition into “I’m in a Band” was seamless, and the style was a punchy, anthem-like rock. It’s from the album “A Rock Supreme,” and you couldn’t help but feel the fire in the music.
“I Gotta Rock” followed, and true to its title, it made you wanna do just that. The style was a high-octane, pedal-to-the-metal rock from the album “Wild Cat.” Then, “Lipstick City” painted the night with its glam-rock strokes, another from the album “A Rock Supreme.” The style is slick, and Danko’s vocals cut through with that distinctive edge.
“First Date” had the crowd in a sing-along frenzy. The style was a catchy, upbeat rock from the album “Sleep is the Enemy.” The energy in the room is contagious, and you couldn’t help but belt out the lyrics and bounce along with the band.
“I Want Out” brought a different flavour to the mix with its hard-hitting, rebellious style from the album “Power Trio.” Danko’s vocals were a rallying cry, and the crowd responded with gusto. “Code of the Road” continued the journey, a true road anthem from the album “Never To Loud.” The style was driving, and you could almost feel the wind in your hair as this one had your trouser legs flapping with the bass pulses.
Now, Danko decided to let the crowd shine as he got them to collectively sing, “I came here to fuck shit up and have a good time,” setting the stage for “Good Time.” The crowd took over the verses when prompted, turning it into a massive sing-along. The style was a feel-good, party rock from the album “Electric Sounds.”
“You Are My Woman” slowed things down a bit, a soulful rock ballad from the album “Wild Cat.” The style was tender yet powerful, showcasing Danko’s versatility. “The Twisting Knife” amped things back up with its edgy, riff-heavy style from the album “Fire Music.” The crowd were again, on their toes, caught in the sonic whirlwind as they were swept along in this maelstrom of concussive mastery.
“Full of Regret” brought a touch of introspection with its melodic rock style from the album “Below the Belt.” The atmosphere shifted, and you could sense the emotional depth in the music. “Had Enough” flipped the script again, a hard-hitting, anthemic rock from the same album. The style was unapologetically bold, resonating with the crowd’s unbridled energy as they fist pumped and cheered in delight.
“Lovercall” turned the heat up with its sultry, bluesy rock from the album “Born a Lion.” For this one, Danko’s vocals oozed with attitude, and the crowd was hooked. “Cadillac” revved up the engines with its classic rock style from the album “I’m Alive and on Fire.” It was a sonic joyride, and you could almost feel the engine roar as this one screamed past the chequered flag at full throttle.
“My Little RnR” brought the house down with its infectious, high-energy rock from the album “Wild Cat.” The style being a perfect blend of chaos and control, and the crowd were loving every scrapped note. “I’m Alive and on Fire” kept the flames burning, a relentless rock onslaught , the title track from the album of the same name. It’s ferocious, and Danko’s vocals were like a sonic blaze burning everyone’s faces as he scowled each line with attitude.
“Play the Blues” slowed things down a bit, a soulful blues-rock journey from the album “Born A Lion.” Its style is moody, and Danko’s emotive delivery tugs at the heartstrings. before, they closed the night with “Shake Your City,” a fitting finale with its high-octane, fist-pumping style from the album “Electric Sounds.” The crowd was in a frenzy, the Canadians have returned to Nottingham and have literally shaken the city up, and moved the venue to a new postcode such was Danko’s mesmerising, sonic onslaught.
As previously mentioned, a live Danko Jones show is an experience like no other. It’s not just a concert; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, a sonic adventure that takes you from the highest highs to the deepest depths. The raw, unapologetic energy, the infectious hooks, the banter, and the sheer passion radiating from the stage creates a connection that surpasses the music. It makes you feel alive, on fire, and ready to take on the world. Danko Jones doesn’t just play music; they create an atmosphere, a vibe that lingers long after the last note fades away. If you haven’t experienced it, you’re missing out on one hell of a ride. Live Music, what a ride!