By Jase Walker
Continuing a particularly busy period for me sees me dropping into Manchester’s Deaf Institute to get some Puppy in my ears following on from having a blast through their fantastic new album, ‘Pure Evil’.
The London three-piece has brought Inhuman Nature with them for the ride and I’m back in my usual spot of not knowing the support but I’m here early for one big reason as everyone should be; to maybe catch a band that could very easily become a steadfast favourite. Admittedly the stage times seem a bit short tonight with Puppy due on at 8:45pm which is quite early.
What seemed like an empty room suddenly filled up a bit just before Inhuman Nature got up to do their thing. At first glance they seem like they’re very into their thrash sporting a Jackson guitar and a Flying V bass. Opening with a ton of amp feedback and shouting everyone to move in, looks like we’re getting exactly what it says on the tin, good old-fashioned thrash. Inhuman Nature playing the part every bit as much as they look it, I actually wish my brother was here for this, he’s a proper thrash gremlin.
Definitely erring very much on the Slayer side of thrash with frantic playing and sudden smash cuts to Kerry King style guitar solos. Inhuman Nature sounds pretty damn good, dyed in the wool believers in the riff, paying homage to the giants that came before them. What makes me smile is I’m pretty sure their bass player loves Cliff Burton, that chain link guitar strap is metal as fuck too. These guys have a smashing stage presence too, all very animated despite the squeeze since Deaf Institute has a fairly small platform.
As we approach the end of their set I do a quick little bit of homework on these and spy that they’re actually back in Manchester later on this year, I think I’ll make a note of that. Inhuman Nature have actually been pretty damn good and despite not really listening to thrash that much these days, properly enjoyed what they’ve done here!
Starting off the set with a familiar monologue.. yep, that’s ‘War Of The Worlds’! Definitely one of the more peculiar walk on songs I’ve seen bands go on with but it’s time for Puppy! Given that it’s a direct album support show, no doubt most of the songs in the set are going to err towards ‘Pure Evil’ but I’m also looking forward to hearing any older songs they decide to put in. Admittedly these songs have so, so much more grunt and weight to them at this live show compared to the recordings! It’s fantastic seeing bands live that sound way better than an already pretty great recording.
Puppy’s sound really does evoke all these sorts of feelings of being on a hill at a festival watching a sunset eventually turn to dusk with ‘90s grunge blasting away in the background. Puppy have got this pop infused metal down to a fine art, jumping effortlessly between easy to sing along choruses and catchy-yet-heavy riffs. There’s something distinctly easy about listening to Puppy, it’s just really fun and accessible stuff to hear, no pretension or trying to have massively complex writing; it’s just a riff, some easy to catch lyrics and a thumping rhythm to support. Even the stage show itself is just three guys having a great time banging out some fun songs and the crowd here is having every bit as much fun as Puppy is.
Are these guys metal? Punk? Old school hardcore? No idea. They don’t seem content in sticking around in one particular genre for very long either and every passing song flirts freely between them and it’s great. It’s also fantastic seeing their drummer going absolutely apeshit on the kit while wearing a button up short sleeve shirt, how he’s managing playing in that is anyone’s guess!
To be introduced to a band from reviewing an album by chance to getting to see them live so soon is a real privilege that I enjoy doing this stuff for Über Rock, and Puppy are another great example of this.
Another top-drawer gig. See you guys again at Download, 2000Trees AND ArcTanGent!
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