The Answer - Thekla, Bristol - 13th October 2011 (Live Review)
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Written by Jon Stickler
It was Bristol's historic venue Thekla that hosted a live performance from The Answer last Thursday October 13th, with the Northern Irish rockers rolling into town for one of many live shows on their current UK 'Revival' tour.
Currently riding high on the success of their third studio album, The Answer delivered a superb set peppered with songs taken from their studio collectives of 'Rise', 'Everyday Demons' and latest offering 'Revival'.
The four-piece arrived on stage, no more than 10 feet in front of me, and wasted no time in shaking the crowd into a hand-clapping frenzy. Drums pounded, harmonica wailed and 'Under The Sky', taken from the band's first album, blared over the crowd.
After a brief introduction from energetic vocalist Cormac Neeson, we were indeed ready for some rock'n'roll as the band launched into new song from 'Revival', 'Piece By Piece'. Another new track from 'Revival' follows and although the pace is slowed a little 'Vida (I Want You)' ropes in the crowd for an enjoyable sing-a-long. I should admit I was a little concerned of the sound quality at this show, bearing in mind Thekla's stage is built deep within the hull of a 180 feet long by 30 feet wide old Baltic Coaster boat, however, I quickly realised why this unique, intimate venue is steeped in memorable live performances. Fantastic.
Admitting this was The Answer's first gig on a boat (and thinking their booking agent was taking the piss at the time), the band race into another song from the new album, 'Tornado'. Considering the album has only been available a few weeks, the new tracks have so far received huge cheers and everyone seems to know the words already! Its great to see a band receive the credit that, in my opinion, they rightly deserve.
Older favourites such as 'Never Too Late' and the foot-stomping 'Evil Man' are unleashed next, vocalist Cormac Neeson shakes and grooves to the music looking like he has just stepped on stage at Woodstock. The long hair, bearded face, even the band as a whole are reminiscent of the classic rock era of when giants such as Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Free, Boston and Deep Purple dominated record collections across the world. It then dawns on me that 'Revival' is such a well-suited name for the new album.
Fast approaching the hierarchy of Rock music's most respected guitarists, axeman Paul Mahon sounds as though he has definitely spent some time with AC/DC's Angus Young whilst they joined the Rock veterans' 'Black Ice' world tour. Thankfully we're spared the school uniform during 'Too Far Gone' and are instead presented with a fantastic display of chops and riffs.
Next up, the hands are raised for a little bit of 'Preachin' and the band are firing on all cylinders. Thundering drums, slide guitar, grooving bass and Neeson leading everyone into the biggest sing-a-long of the night, which also sees him join the audience to bring everyone “down to the ground!”. Quite an experience in a packed Thekla!
Wrapping-up the set with another new song, 'One More Revival', The Answer leave the stage to whoops and cheers that would match a festival show. I'm unsure of the capacity of Thekla but it feels like there are thousands of us in here.
Re-appearing seconds later and the lights are set low for the grooving 'Memphis Water'. Already seeming satisfied, the crowd raise the roof for the bluesy number that sees hips swinging and heads bobbing. The band finish with new album opener 'Waste Your Tears' and its a case of saving the best for last as the anthemic “Whoooaaaaaas” roar out from the crowd.
The Answer, now three albums into their journey of rock'n'roll revival, are in one of the best places a rock band could be. Slightly left of Led Zeppelin and just right of AC/DC, a fine collective to be apart of. Northern Ireland's finest are racing to a future of epic proportions and massive shows across the world. In my opinion, it cant happen soon enough.
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Fast approaching the hierarchy of Rock music's most respected guitarists, axeman Paul Mahon sounds as though he has definitely spent some time with AC/DC's Angus Young whilst they joined the Rock veterans' 'Black Ice' world tour. Thankfully we're spared the school uniform during 'Too Far Gone' and are instead presented with a fantastic display of chops and riffs.
