Zodiac Mindwarp + Black Bombers @ Birmingham Academy 3, 22nd March 2011
The first of the support act’s for tonight is a band called Trigger, which I missed so I can’t comment on their musical ability; however, from the promotional material and a member of the audience’s views there is only one word needed … keytar.
These were followed on stage by local band, Black Bombers. I have seen them live a number of times and am yet to be disappointed. They play garage rock with the lead vocals incorporating a gothic element that adds a unique aspect to their music.
They enter the stage in a relaxed fashion, yet when they pick up their instruments you know they mean business. From the offset, the lead singer, Kev, gives it his all into his bespoke microphone, prowling the stage with purpose whilst demonstrating his powerful vocals. The instrumental support for the melodic vocal line has depth without being overwhelming and gives the tracks a dark groove.
Black Bombers always draw in a decent crowd and tonight is no exception, as the set progresses people gather with interest and enthusiasm. Tracks such Crystal Ball demonstrate the intensity that the quartet can create, with its driving bass line and well thought out guitar riffs and solo. The compact set ends with Desert Song, which musically creates the images that the title suggests. As they leave the stage, I am sure that the Bombers have attracted some new fans to their music and yet again, I have not been disappointed.
Around 9.30, Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction take to the stage with their brand of self-parody hard rock to impress a select audience.
They were never supposed to be taken seriously with tracks such as High Priest of Love and Backseat Education, and, during their brief set, they make it very obvious that this is purely a laugh for them. They are all competent musicians who are out to entertain and for some of the crowd, that is what they did.
Songs such as the aforementioned Backseat Education, Holy Gasoline and Prime Mover demonstrated their ability to create glam rock by numbers supported with comedy misogynistic lyrics. There were a number of band in-jokes such as the Belinda Carlisle dance and the necessity for a kazoo which some of the audience warmed too. Cobalt’s guitar solos showed his ability but it was hard to watch as he contorted his face in a horrific manner that made me physically squirm.
I have to admit, I was completely non-plussed by the whole experience of a band that, in their heyday, supported Guns’n’Roses and iron Maiden, but then again maybe my sense of humour is off kilter.
Review – Toni Woodward
Photos – Katja Ogrin