By David O’Neill
On another beautiful early spring evening I took a quick trip down the road to “the home of rock” to see one band I had never heard of before and one who were one of the bands of the Steelhouse weekend for me last year.
Opening up with a Liverpudlian accent, Silveroller’s Jonnie Hodson, looking every inch a late 60s’ front man in printed shirt, bell bottomed jeans mop hair cut and cravat welcomed the audience to the venue with a powerful vocal performance of ‘Otherside’ from their recent EP ‘At Dawn’.
With an almost complete band overhaul since they recorded the EP, the addition of Lucas Tadini on keyboard and Kenny Tashjy (guitar) to Dan Evans (bass), Joe Major (drums) and Hodson gave a blistering performance of late 60s/early 70s-infused soft rock a bit akin to The Kinks but with powerful vocals and instrumentation a bit like Bad Company.
‘Trouble Follows Me’ funked it up with the addition of Hodson playing harmonica. ‘Turn To Gold’ reminded me of an early Small Faces/Rod Stewart track at the opening and it has a really 70s summer sound that was well received by the crowd. ‘Ways Of Saying’ slowed things down and gave Hodson chance to display his vocals on the opening before ripping it up and throwing it away in the chorus. ‘Nobody’s Business’ definitely added a ’70s vibe to the sound with the addition of a bit of keyboard virtuosity from Tadini.
The powerful opening to ‘Black Crow’ really had the audience nodding in conjunction with the rhythm and some serious frontman mic stand swinging from Jonnie Hodson. The last song ‘Hold’ is a seriously upbeat track despite the message of freedom for all and not criticising people for wanting to cross borders for freedom.
A great opening set that will encourage me to go to another of their gigs given the chance as it took me back to my youth (and many in the audience, I’m sure!)
As if one dose of ’70s nostalgia isn’t enough then add in the blues-infused swagger of headliners The Karma Effect. Hot off the release of their acclaimed album ‘Promised Land’, the London quintet delivered a performance that was both raw and polished, confirming their status as one of the UK’s most exciting new rock acts.
From the opening notes, frontman Henry Gottelier commanded the stage with a magnetic presence and a voice that soared with soulful grit. The band kicked off with high-energy numbers like ‘Livin’ It Up’ and ‘All Night Long,’ instantly igniting the crowd and setting a relentless pace that barely let up throughout their fourteen-song set. Gottelier’s dynamic vocals, paired with Robbie Blake’s fiery guitar work, created a sound that was equal parts classic and contemporary, echoing influences from Aerosmith to The Black Crowes, but always with their own distinct twist.
The setlist showcased the band’s versatility. Standouts included the southern rock-tinged ‘Be My Salvation,’ shimmering with Seb Emmins’ atmospheric keyboards and a rhythm section that kept the groove tight and infectious. The crowd responded enthusiastically, clapping and singing along, especially during the anthemic ‘Testify’ and the triumphant closing trio of ‘Wild Honey,’ ‘Promised Land,’ and ‘Steal Your Heart’. Each song was delivered with conviction, the band feeding off the energy of a packed and appreciative room.
What set this show apart was the palpable sense of camaraderie and fun on stage. The Karma Effect played with the looseness of a band at home in the live arena, yet every note was purposeful. Their ability to blend bluesy riffs, funked-up rhythms, and huge choruses had the crowd moving from start to finish.
In a venue famed for its support of grassroots rock, The Karma Effect proved why they are at the forefront of the new wave of British rock. If this gig is any indication, their ascent is only just beginning. Catch them in intimate venues like The Patriot while you still can—nights like this are what live music is all about