By David O’Neill
This was only my second opportunity to cover a gig in Clwb Ifor Bach and the first in the larger of its two rooms. This is another one of the grass roots venues on Womanby Street in Cardiff, with a 250 capacity. So with the big voice and persona of Nathan James making his return to fronting Inglorious, it was also my first opportunity to see Marisa And The Moths live prior to both bands appearing at Steelhouse Festival at the end of July.
Marisa And The Moths delivered a standout support set, cementing their reputation as one of the ÜK’s most exciting modern rock acts. Riding high from their acclaimed second album, ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’, which topped the ÜK Rock and Metal Album Charts in 2024, the band brought raw energy and emotional depth to the Cardiff stage.
Their show, featured fan favourites like ‘Needy’, ‘Skin’, ‘Get It Off My Chest’, ‘Wither Away’, ‘Choke’, ‘Borderline’ and ‘Who Are You Waiting For?’—tracks that showcase frontwoman Marisa Rodriguez’s powerhouse vocals and the band’s knack for blending heavy riffs with melodic hooks.
The live performance was both cathartic and anthemic, with Rodriguez’s voice soaring above the band’s tight, dynamic instrumentation. She is very reminiscent (and has previously been compared to) Aimee Lee, but her vocal styles are less morose than Lees, despite frequently carrying the same message. She is no mean guitarist either!
The crowd at Clwb Ifor Bach responded enthusiastically, particularly during the emotionally charged ‘Borderline’ and the hard-hitting ‘Devil,’ both of which have become staples of their recent shows. The band’s chemistry and stage presence were undeniable, leaving no doubt why they’re fast becoming festival favourites. Their set was a powerful reminder that this is a band on the rise, not to be missed this festival season.
Inglorious’ return to Cardiff, marked not just another gig South Wales, but a triumphant rebirth for the band ahead of their coveted Steelhouse Festival slot in July. The sold-out crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager to witness the group’s first Cardiff appearance since their hiatus and the debut of their revitalized lineup.
Drawing from the latest setlist at their Buckley show just days prior, Inglorious delivered a set rich in new material and fan favorites. The show featured live debuts from tracks off their new album ‘V‘, including the anthemic ‘Testify,’ the pulsating ‘Eat You Alive,’ and the heavy-hitting ‘Devil Inside.’ The acoustic version of ‘Bleed for You’ provided contrast, showcasing Nathan James’ dynamic vocal range and Colin Parkinsons’ instrumental virtuosity on acoustic guitar as well as an opportunity for hardened fans close to me to join in the vocals. The ‘encore’ of ‘Stand’ and ‘Until I die’, left fans exhilarated and hungry for more.
The chemistry of the new lineup was palpable. Colin Parkinson’s return on bass injected a fresh rhythmic foundation, while Richard Shaw’s guitar work added technical flair and melodic fire as well as some serious hair whipping/head banging. Henry Rogers’ drumming was both punchy and precise, driving the band with renewed energy. At the centre, Nathan James commanded the stage, his vocals soaring effortlessly from soulful ballads to thunderous choruses, and they all appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves, with James showing a great deal of humility and appreciation for the crowd whilst on stage.
Much of the night’s setlist drew from ‘V‘, and tracks like ‘Stand’ and ‘Power of Truth’ resonated live, their studio polish translating into raw, emotional performances that connected deeply with the audience.
As they gear up for their return to the Steelhouse Festival at the end of July – a highly anticipated slot marking their first major festival appearance in three years – Inglorious have proven they are back with intent and purpose. Their Clwb Ifor Bach show was more than a warm-up; it was a statement of renewed ambition, a promise of even greater things to come, a night of catharsis, celebration, and classic rock at its best – setting the stage perfectly for their ascent to ‘Rock The Mountain’ at the end of next month.
I have to say that for a first time in Clwb Ifor Bach in the larger room, the sound and lighting (from a photographer/reviewer perspective) was spot on so recognition must be given to the technical and venue staff too. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger “I’ll be back”…
- Photos © Bandtogs.
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