Monster Truck + The Picturebooks @ 02 Institute, 17th March, 2017
Our man Neale went out to see what the mighty Monster Truck would bring to a Friday night in Birmingham.
The Picturebooks were already onstage when I gained access into the packed 02 Institute on Friday night. Instant comparisons could be made with Royal Blood and Slaves; their two man guitar and drum style gives their music the raw edge which allows it to stand out in todays age. Accompany that with the warm sing-a-long voice of Flynn Grabke and you’re in for a loud night.
In between songs singer Flynn stated how they were very close to be playing a show in Ireland on St.Patricks Day and expressed his excitement about the fact; only to end the anecdote by saying that it was probably for the best they avoided it. We agree Flynn.
They added electronic static noises, reminiscent of Muse’s rememorable Synth Bass work, plus a good sense of mystery and intrigue to their set; while Phillip Mirtshink’s powerful drumming kept the songs alive and pummelling through the room with vibrance.
Monster Truck came onto the stage with great anticipation from the crowd. Jeremy Wilderman took it upon himself to get the crowd going; coming onto the stage topless and jumping around the stage while playing the intro to their first song ‘Why Are You Not Rocking?’. Comparisons can be made with the heavy feelgood rockers Black Stone Cherry and even the massive AC/DC; well known for their classic blend of rock and blues.
Canadian Rock’n’rollers Monster Truck rose to prominence by playing Download Festival in 2013, as well as supporting Nickelback, Slash and Alice in Chains on their respective tours.
Monster Truck graced us with 7 songs from their latest 2016 album ‘Sittin’ Heavy’, with ‘Don’t Tell Me How To Live’ and ‘Things Get Better’ being firm fan favourites; with the latter bringing the loud voices out from the crowd to such a degree that even cool and composed lead singer Jon Harvey cracked a wry smile.
Thrown in for good measure were 5 songs from their debut ‘Furiosity’ album released in 2013. ‘Old Train’ in particular reminded me of Deep Purple, with a deep bluesy feel bass, plodding along with some nice riffs and a story being told along the way. ‘Sweet Mountain River’ and ‘The Lion’ insured their first album received a good showing.
Other notable songs were ‘Righteous Smoke’ and ‘Seven Seas Blues’; with the latter being a very Soundgarden-esque, psychedilic tune. ‘Righteous Smoke’ was one of three songs played in their encore and got them on their way to going out with a bang; fast paced and well excuted, arms were in the air throughout.
Monster Truck were a joy to behold tonight, they brought smiles to the entire room and had a laugh doing it. The next time they come to the UK you can expect a main room Institute showing.
Review and photos – Neale Hayes