Avarus EP Launch, The Waterloo, Blackpool 28/08/2021

Avarus EP Launch Poster

Avarus EP Launch
w/Where Oceans Burn and Asleep At The Helm
The Waterloo, Blackpool
28/08/2021
Review by Rob Sutton

Another week, another gig, Well this is my third of the week but the only one I’m reviewing. So, the lovely northern sun shines brightly on the coastal resort of Blackpool and it would have been wrong not to have gone for a stroll along the beach, especially as The Waterloo is less than five minutes walk from the seaside.

From the outside I was very reserved about this venue, it does look like an old working man’s pub and this is highlighted by a bowls green at the rear. However, looks can be deceptive as once you walk into this venue prepare to be amazed. I was greeted by a huge stage, a bar stacked with all the booze one could imagine and staff that are amongst some of the friendliest in this industry. Now the make or break for this venue…the toilets…WOW! Not only are they clean but clearly someone has taken the time to make them stand out. The men’s are constructed with old beer kegs and the women’s with old drum kits (no I didn’t go in the women’s). Honestly if you haven’t been to this venue then I highly recommend it.

Tonight’s gig is Avarus’ EP launch and kicking off proceedings is a band I have already recently reviewed, Asleep At The Helm. As I have stated in my last review, these guys are mega and tonight felt even better than last time. This was down to a couple of things; firstly, a much bigger stage and secondly I was sober… 😊 So, I was able to really appreciate exactly what their live shows are all about and straight from the opening track pits are in full swing, these are kept going throughout the set with Dylan (vocals) and Brandon (guitar/vocals) pumping the crowd up at every possible moment. The complete set is a fantastic blend of brutal breakdowns, break neck speed and harmonic choruses. These harmonies are beautifully split between Dylan, Brandon and Adam and work plus Brandon’s voice is on top form tonight! His range is simply sublime! While it may seem like Ryan (bassist) is a little left out from the vocal duties he more than makes up for it by bouncing and spinning around the stage, honestly he looks like he is having the time of his life. The same can be said for the machine behind the kit, Dan, who between constantly smiling can be seen singing along to pretty much every song. Several tracks that really stood out for me are ‘Outsiders’ (check it out on YouTube or Spotify); ‘Deaf Ears Hear No Voices’ and their fantastic cover of ‘Lady’!

https://www.facebook.com/AsleepAtTheHelmOfficial

Next up was Where Oceans Burn from Manchester. I had never actually heard of this band before so was going in with an open mind. I must say I was not disappointed. The guitar tone that both Ben and Ross have is to die for! It’s so goddamn heavy and really hits you in the chest, I could not get enough of this and it left me wanting more, come the end of the set. Ben is a phenomenal guitarist; he is all over the fret board tapping and sweeping all while bouncing around like a maniac on stage. You do find it hard not to be mesmerised by him (maybe it’s the pink hair) but either way I enjoyed watching him. Vocally, we were treated to a mix of high and guttural screams and even the odd ‘bree’ from Alex. His range really is something else and his delivery was also on point. However, I’m not sure whether it was his choice or the sound tech to add a load of reverb to his voice but for me this didn’t work, I think personally his voice didn’t need it. Throughout the set I found myself singing along to songs I had never heard before, yes they are that catchy. I now can’t get ‘The Only Home We Know’ out of my head. Again, I’d thoroughly recommend seeking these guys out if you like your Djenty metalcore.

https://www.facebook.com/Whereoceansburn

With that, we arrived at the last band of the night Avarus and, straight away, I am going to apologise as after three gigs and numerous early shifts topped with a 60 mile drive, my body was flagging big time so I didn’t quite manage until the end of their set. However, what I heard followed on beautifully from the two preceding bands with more catchy choruses and big breakdowns. Avarus stand out with their use of eight string guitars and the fact that it feels like there is more of an emphasis on melody, especially with the new EP tracks. These tracks are certainly the ones that stand out to me. I was lucky enough to catch ‘Nothing Left To Save’ and I love Lucas’ vocals as it really does remind me of Architects and he pulls the style off brilliantly. The use of their backing tracks also really adds to the ambience of the set, which fully engrosses you within their sound. Dare I say it’s beautiful? This is followed with effective and bouncy beats from Becky behind the kit and grooves from both Jay and Mikey. What I saw I loved and will definitely see these Blackpool Brutes out again. Check out their debut EP “Parallels” now!

https://www.facebook.com/avarusofficial

What can I say about this gig? £5 for three (should have been four) bands who represent some of the highest quality in the northwest, one of the best venues I have been to in a long time, reasonable beer prices, good location, fantastic staff and a pizza truck outside, Oh and quality loos. I think that should say why you should check these bands and venue out. This whole gig was so much more than I expected and I cannot sing the praises of all three bands and the venue enough! See you all soon!

LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/TheWaterlooBpl

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Rob Sutton and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

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