by Mary Andrews

Country Thunder Arizona typically runs the first weekend in April, but with Easter in early April this year, the festivities were delayed a weekend. Country Thunder (CT) is now considered a brand that also hosts festivals in Wisconsin, Florida, Bristol, Alberta, and Saskatchewan during the year. There is plenty of live country music to go around North America.

The event is a camping experience for most who attend and there were approximately 25,000 rowdy fans camped out for the weekend next door to the largest prison facility in the state. Once the big stage shows have ajourned for the night, the party shifts over to the Electric Thunder tent where dancing continues into the wee hours of the morning.

This year’s all-star lineup includes Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, Chase Matthew, Bailey Zimmerman and many more. Cody Johnson and Luke Bryan attracted the biggest crowds this weekend. Here are some of the highlights we saw. The highlights have always run deeper than the top headliners. This weekend was no exception.

Ashley McBryde was easily one of the favorite entertainers of the weekend. There is sonething that is instantly likeable about the Arkansas native  as soon as she hits the stage. She was nominated for six Grammys and winning Best Country Duo/Group Performance for 2023.

She set the tone with a raucious “Made for This,” a country rock anthem  about making it in the music biz, “you’ve “gotta be made for this.” Her upbeat set was contagious. Her entire aesthetic effortlessly stood out from the pack of artists.

Her appeal is in how she uses what she has to draw you into what she’s singing, from the darkly comic “Brenda Put Your Bra On” to “Light on in the Kitchen.” Many songs are taken from her 2022 concept album,

Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindville. McBryde’s set led into Luke Bryan’s headlining set. Bryan has become a household name since his tenure on ABC’s American Idol.

Midland had a delicious set that carried the first night. Leadsinger, Mark Wystrach is a graduate of Tucson’s Salpointe Catholic High School and he could not stop making Arizona references, which added to the charm of the performance. Their taste in covers was impeccable, from an awe-inspiring cover of “Wichita Lineman,” one of several Jimmy Webb songs that became career-defining single for the late Glen Campbell, to “The Boys Are Back in Town” and Jerry Reed’s “East Bound and Down.” Their set included Jon Pardi joining them onstage for a spirited “Longneck Way To Go,” a collaboration featured on both artists’ latest albums. One has to travel far and wide to catch such a great performance.

Jon Pardi (credit: Mary Andrews)

Tracy Byrd (credit: Mary Andrews)
The most nostalgic act of the weekend was Tracy Byrd’s appearance.  It’s been 30 years since he topped the Billboard charts with “Holdin’Heaven” and he still sounds wonderful. His rendition of Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” was great. It was a very spirited set from start to finish.

Bailey Zimmerman (credit: Mary Andrews)

Bailey Zimmerman delivered one of the most energetic sets of the weekend. Young Zimmerman is an artist who has yet to release an album of songs. He drew a huge crowd at the main stage when many attendees are barely awake from the previous night’s shenanagans. His 45 minute set included hit songs “Religously,” “Rock and a Hard Place,” “Fall in Love” and “Fixin’ to Break.” Fans were swooning at every move the singer made. Zimmerman will be on tour this summer with Morgan Wallen. Now that will be a match made in heaven. Right?

Mackenzie Carpenter (credit: Mary Andrews)

We have to give the ladies some love since there weren’t many on the weekend schedule. Mackenzie Carpenter covered Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon” to an early crowd at the main stage. She greeted the fans with “Are y’all drinking yet?” and was met immediately with an enthusiastic cheer. She followed the anthem with her take on Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” called “Country Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” The crowd was moving as she belted out a cover of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” It was a mid-day highlight!

Fans experienced great music, weather, and a plethora of many other rewards during the weekend. Many were purchasing their tickets and camp spaces for next year before leaving the gates. It doesn’t seem to matter who will be playing. They will be back for more fun.

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@ Norwich UEA LCR

by Andrew Mackenzie

Well can say before we start this show has been in my photography calendar since March and I’m so happy to have photographed and reviewed Bury Tomorrow.

If you’re new here, then let’s introduce you to Bury Tomorrow, they are a British metalcore band formed in 2006 in Southampton, Hampshire, England. The band is composed of six members; lead vocalist Daniel Winter-Bates, bassist Davyd Winter-Bates, drummer Adam Jackson, lead guitarist Kristan Dawson, who replaced founding guitarist Mehdi Vismara in 2013, rhythm guitarist Ed Hartwell, and keyboardist and vocalist Tom Prendergast, who both replaced Jason Cameron in 2021.
I have shot the band many times over the years and have watch them grow and change, but their music is a constant. The band have recently gone through a band member change as above and as most band change their members this can divide fans, but I don’t think it has but only made the band even stronger. They are just finishing off 11 date tour of UK and tonight they came to Norwich on A great date… Halloween!!
My last Halloween show up here was with Skindred last year and I know Norwich’s crowds really put in the effort as well as the band’s.

First on the bill for tonight were a band id not heard of until the beginning of October – Novelists are a French progressive metalcore band from Paris who formed in 2013 and who are a 5-piece band. I knew from their recent album “Deja Vu” which came out this year which I listened to online that they would be good.  As they came on stage, they blew a hole in the floor (for

the pit) they had a set list but which didn’t manage to catch it but their sound love is great heavy floor thundering yet with a melodic sound I can’t put my finger on with a good mix of clean and unclean vocals from their lead singer.   As the songs came the crowd enjoyed what they were listening to the mosh pit opened, and I feel everyone had a blast even more when the guitarists Florestan & Pierre had a guitar battle.

I headed outside to see what I could capture and then got a refreshment before the next act…  August Burns Red.

The lights went down then “Chop Suey” by System of a Down came on, this was a great entrance with their first song being a cover which they covered the crowd went mental hands in the air singing along clapping and jumping. After a brief intro they went on to play a 11-track set list from; Paramount, Meddler, Composure & ending in the crazy way they did with Whitewashed.  During their act we had a nominated mosh pit carer- a banana… the pit was insane from what I saw and the crowd just hands in air or head banging. The mosh pit was a place I use to head but now I’d rather steer away from I’d prob die… their time on stage was nothing short of incredible and I’m happy that I got what shots I could of the crazy night unfolding.

As I was getting ready to enter the photo pit, I spotted a lot of people in disposable overalls (those ones you use for painting.) Later to find out that this would distinguish Bury Tomorrow’s Crew.

The headliner was Bury Tomorrow

Bury Tomorrow came out dressed in dust suites, seeing the boys after such a long time it was weird taking on the newer members and how they all placed themself on stage. But I gave it a chance, Dan (lead singer) shook my hand and then let rip as he broke out into their first song “choke” and then straight onto “Grey” the band hand some fun good banter on stage with Dan being dared to go into the main pit. It was great to hear the band play songs which id not heard live but only on streaming sites and was great to see how they’ve grown and evolved.

They then went back a bit and played Black flame and during the end Dan went into the crowd this caused the crowd to go mental!  vocals went quiet after the song finish and soon getting out kicked me in the back of the head (wrong place and time). The room though fell silent, and Dan stopped the show to get a few attendees medical attention. The crowds were respectful and when all was safe to carry on, Dan got the go ahead the crowd applauded the medics and security staff. To bring back the vibe that was there, Life was played and it was a bit of an odd one but the crowd soon got back into the mood,  They played a great selection of song’s; “Abandoned Us“ which was great to hear new music with the new member’s, Earthbound, The Edge and then a nice reflective moment where Dan got the crowd to get out their mobiles and turn on lights and wave them to the song… this was beautiful to watch, like that stadium feel but just a lot smaller, at the end of the day the boys played in Norwich’s University Student Uni Hall.  Whilst not immersed in the photo taking, I was over the back watching the band whilst they played I did notice that some of the songs that had clean vocals which previous member Jason would do and now done by Tom Prendergast just didn’t sound the same and I wasn’t impressed but that’s my opinion, I personal struggled with the band’s new additions.

 
There last two tracks were Cannibal and Death which was an amazing end to such a great show despite the pause.  The band thanked the bands who were their supports as they never thought they would be supported by August Burns Red.

The Band continue their tour which ends in Germany on 26^th November.

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Review & Photographs by Andrew Mackenzie

Saturday

With all of yesterday’s excitement I kept the momentum going, today was another hot day and I had a rough plan of where I wanted to be and whom I wanted to shoot.  so I headed down to the press tent and had coffee and got my kit recharged and sorted and spent that time chatting with others and have plenty of coffee!!  A lot of todays work would be in the comedy tent as I had seen a good few artists who I wanted to watch and shoot With gear packed and my rough plan set I set off  and spent a good few hours in the comedy tent, shooting, “Maisie Adams”,

“The Lost Voice Guy” and other names I took a break grabbed some food and then made my way over to the listening post which was hosting “Jim Parkyn” one of Aardmans senior model creators for the Aardman Academy this was really interesting talk about everything model making.

Press play to see the photos of The Shires

I headed back to the press tent checked out my schedule, photos and had a chill out, before heading back to the comedy tent as even though he is not my favourite comedian I wanted to see if he had changed…  “Frankie Boyle” He was headlining now I’ve seen him before, and he is a good Scottish comedian but some subjects he touches on he can push his boundary. I did manage to say hi to him in passing as I didn’t realize who it was only realizing when in the photo pit. He put on a good show from what I saw but didn’t stay too long.  I was getting rather hungry and hot, but I headed to one of the food places and grabbed a bite to eat. Food here is rather expensive a meal and drink can set you back about £20pp. After relaxing by the BBC Sounds tent, I went and shot The Shires another band id heard off the radio.

The start of the evening began with one of the most energetic and bouncy sets I’ve ever witnessed and seeing it on a large scale like at a festival was even more insane, “Example” on the obelisk arena.  He is a great entertainer and artist with a lively back catalogue of music. He was amazing to shoot and to watch after as I sat in the arena just taking it all in.

Next on was Lil Simz now I wanted to shoot her earlier this year, but couldn’t go, so this was my chance to work with her and she puts on a great show as she’s a rapper, but also influences of grime in her music a truly great show. I headed back to the press tent to sort out my gear and make sure I was all ready and charged for the end of the night and till morning.

We all headed out to the main stage for “Foals” but were cut short as we’d been told that it wasn’t the first three songs we would be shooting or allowed to shoot it was the last three. But we went along with this and photographing foals was anything but boring, fast paced and the crowd loved every second of it. They ended their set with “Two Steps” and streamers which where incredible I was going to have a roam around the site for any last photo opportunities but was too tired so headed to sleep as I knew tomorrow would be a long one.

Sunday

Sunday started with me doing a complete pack down before id even got to the press tent at 10 am as I knew I could do everything I need to from the press tent and had done a photo dump last night. Once Id got to the tent it was priority… COFFEE then made

sure all my kit was charged as it was dying. I then headed off to a very dusty tent and the Alcove Stage starting with “Three Years Younger” they were overwhelmed at the response the tent was packed for this small undiscovered Suffolk band who were very good and all I can say is the whole tent was dancing, even I had a dance! I then headed to the other 4 stages which I shot at that

day, shooting “Dylan”, “Hudson Taylor” even checked out a comedy act who I heard on TV and wanted to go shoot “Reginald D Hunter” who was great fun and whilst photographing he posed just for me which I found funny. My last 4 acts were; “Kay Tempest” whom id heard of spoken about on the radio but was a phenomenal lyricist and artist I then hopped over to the Obelisk Arena to catch a band who I use to listen to with my mum growing up “ Manic Street Preachers” I text my mum saying I was shooting them and she replied saying how cool that was and how proud she was of me which actually brought a tear to my eye. After shooting the great and might “M.S.P” I made a pit stop to freshen up at the press tent before heading to the Alcove Stage to catch a Band I previously wanted to shoot this year but didn’t get the opportunity to ; “Nova Twins” these two were

probably the heaviest music id heard over the weekend They blew the roof off that tent and created a dust storm from circle pits and mosh pits I left there in awe and very happy with the added taste of dust in my lungs.

The Finale for me was now to head back over to the other side of the site to get in the pit for the final act of the night “Snow Patrol” I was very tired by this point, but I had enough power to keep going, as a quick review they are amazing live, and the crowd just were incredible so much crowd feedback and energy! They played several new tracks and older tracks which was lovely to hear.  I sadly after the three songs rule, I wanted to stay but was needing to get back home.

I can truly say that I had an incredible weekend, met lovely people, and made friends, both camping and working and got the chance to network with some great people. I feel very privileged to be able to work at a festival, that’s relatively big and well known for the first time and it’s given me a real insight of how they work and that I would do this again with a bit more preparation on the camping side. I’ve also been able to expand my personal portfolio massively and I’m not sure where this will take my photography, but I hope for great things.

If you missed part 1 here is the link.

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Review & Photographs by Andrew Mackenzie

Yes, you did hear right! Latitude 2022, and I was lucky enough to have this as my first ever festival.  Come check out what went on…..

After arriving and setting up it was rather late so before I settled down Thursday night, I went on an adventure into the main arena and checked this place out at night which can I add was buzzing and busy and lit up beautifully I was very impressed and due to my hunger grabbed a bite to eat from a vendor down at the street feast area which is where the food venders are mainly based pricey but right now I was too hungry to argue. I wondered about and got some of my bearings but headed off to the tent and had a shower (cold as there was no electric yet) and then slept.

Friday

This is where it all began for me, and I was so excited to get out there and shoot. I headed down to the press tent via the much-needed coffee vendors (stopping for one obviously). I had my own plan for what I wanted to shoot and when, and made sure this was ok with the press team, with the ok and my gear charged I headed out regularly stopping off at the press tent to charge or go through my work between acts Over the day I attended  5 different stages getting a good feel of all the ranges of what latitude had to offer from the BBC introducing stage in the woods to the BBC sounds stage and The  main arena the Obelisk stage. Over

the day I photographed 14 acts from Larkin Poe, Rosie Jones, Russel Howard to acts like Maggie Rodgers and the main Friday headliner Lewis Capaldi. I was also able to treat myself to some of the food at the “Street Feast” latitudes main food vendor area there was another up near the family camping area too.  The day ended with shooting four artists: Maggie Rodgers, Caroline Polachek, Lewis Capaldi and Phoebe Bridgers.

Shooting Fridays events was so exciting and seeing how it all works and is set up and how the public love it, it was great to see people being nice and free after a rough 18 months of “covid-19” restrictions this although hasn’t affected Latitude.  

Friday ended with an amazing headline act “Lewis Capaldi” the crowd loved every minute of this from his entrance using Backstreet boys “Everybody” track to the end with a small firework display.

Check out next week for Part 2

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Someone once said, “There are two types of music, good music and bad music.” Country thunder 2022 represents that statement  wholeheartedly. Thankfully, there was mostly the good! It had only been six months since the last Country Thunder in Florence due to the pandemic. In spite of that, this was one of the largest attended Country Thunder Festivals in history.

Thursday is a short entertainment day since people were still streaming in the dirt road to get to camping sites and the entertainment areas. Nolan Sotillo was kicked things off at the main stage and he did his best to get the party started singing some well-known cover songs as well as self penned tunes. He did a medley of Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It” and Georgia Satellites’ “Keep Your Hands to Yourself.” Add in Tom Petty’s “You Wreck Me” and Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Crawl” to get the energy into the spare crowd ahead of the night of music.

Lindsey Ell followed with her third appearance at CT Florence and she was a show-stopper. She shreds like the best and is a delight to watch as she tears it up on nearly every song. It was easy to recognize her breakthrough hit record “Criminal.” Her duet with Brantley Gilbert”What Happens in a Small Town” has become a fan favorite and her 2020 album, Heart Theory, has garnered a lot of attention. She played several songs from that album including “Good On You,” “Want Me Back,” and “I Don’t Love You.” Much of “I Don’t Love You” was played while lying on her back.

Ell mentioned that she has essentially grown up on stage which may be why she is such a natural entertainer.

Riley Green headlined the first night performing songs of small town, rural America celebrating the American flag with songs “Different ‘Round Here,” “If It Wasn’t For Trucks, and “Outlaws Like Us.”

Friday’s highlights started with Jackson Dean’s early afternoon set. he was revved up and ready to go with a rock laced country set. Dressed in black from head to foot, he mesmerized the fans from the start. Songs included “Trailer Park” and “Don’t Come Lookin.’” The latter song was used on the TV series, Yellowstone.

The Canadian band, the James Barker Band, are hugely popular in their home country. They have four chart topping country singles, a Juno Award for Country Album of the Year and a Canadian Music Award for Country Single of Year. They describe themselves as being very ‘lucky.’ “Over All Over Again” is a very contagious country rock tune.

Of course one of their recent big hits is a song written and performed with Dierks Bentley, “New Old Trucks.”  Things are looking up for this band.

Phil Vassar was a showman through and through with his late afternoon set. The piano players’ set was front-loaded with the hits “That’s When I Love You,” Six-Pack Summer,” and The Four Seasons’ “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night).” He also played songs that he has written for other artists like Tim McGraw’s “My Next Thirty Years” (with a bit of the Beatles song “Day Tripper”), Jo Dee Messina’s “Bye Bye,” and “Little Red Rodeo,” the Collin Raye hit Vassar introduced as his first No. 1. He covered an upbeat version of a song he didn’t write, Huey Lewis and the News’ “Workin’ for a Livin’.”

Michael Ray has played CT previously in earlier time slots. Today, he was sporting an Army t-shirt and ready to raise the roof. Ray’s new single is “Holy Water” and he delivered the song with aplomb. He performed his hits and songs penned for other artists including Jason Aldean’s “Small Town Small” and Big & Rich’s “Run Away With You.”

He covered Garth Brooks’ “Rodeo” and played his other biggest singles, “Think a Little Less” and “One That Got Away.”

Gabby Barrett is another American Idol graduate from 2018. Her first two singles hit the top of Billboard’s country charts and now she is performing in a top Country Thunder slot before Blake Sheldon. Her husband, Cade Foehner, was right by her side singing and playing guitar throughout the show. There was a huge sing-a-long with Barrett’s rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing.”

Friday’s final act of the evening was Blake Sheldon. Sheldon has been a frequent performer at CT, but tonight, even he was impressed by the huge crowd in front of the stage. Sheldon exclaimed at the beginning of his set, “My name is Blake Sheldon and I came to Arizona for two reasons, to drink and play country music.”
And that he did.

It was everything a CT fan could hope for on a Friday night Sheldon brought up the fact that “(We were) in the middle of the desert, literally next to a federal penitentiary, and ya’ll are out here raising hell like all of this is normal. It’s not. This is weird.” Highlights included “Honey Bee” to “Boys ‘Round Here” to three of his earliest classic in a row — “Playboys of the Southwestern World,” “Ol’ Red” and “Austin.” Let’s not overlook Gwen Stefani joining him on a pair of romantic duets — “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere.”It was CT bliss.

Alabama native, Tyler Braden, kicked off the third day of CT. His week had an incredible start when he appeared earlier in the week making the semifinals on NBC’s reality series, American Song Contest. The show is all about the song and Braden’s song “Seventeen” made the grade. His gritty performance had the early set a commanding performance for the “Morgan Wallen” day.

Canadian singer and fiddle player, MacKenzie Porter,  gave her set all the enthusiasm one would expect from a singer with three chart topping singles. She recently topped Billboard’s Country Airplay charts with a feature on the Dustin Lynch hit “Thinkin’ Bout You.” The set was impressive even when the computer that she and her bandmates were using to pipe in additional instrumentation malfunctioned, she handled the problem like a pro using her violin to do an acoustic version of the song Harry Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar.”

Bronco Brown brought the house down with his late afternoon set.
Brown is known as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. His debit single “The Git Up” has streamed over 200 million times on Spotify. Add extraordinary showman to his list of accomplishments. His songs were a mix of country ballads and songs he called trailer trap blending hip-hop and country. He was wildly entertaining as he professed that he wanted to “see people learn to love themselves so they can learn to love others.”

Brown was clearly the highlight of the day.

Tracy Lawrence was CT’s representative to old country music as Lawrence music dates back to the early 90s with more than 40 singles in Billboard’s Country Song charts. He boasts two of his albums receiving platinum status.

The set found Lawrence singing with conviction as his stellar band backed him up. His fans sang along to songs like “Time Marches On” and “Paint Me a Birmingham.” He sang his latest single, “Don’t Drink Whiskey.” The set was primarily filled with the hits that have come to define him.

Hardy stepped up to create the perfect mood for the night’s headliner, Morgan Wallen. Wearing a D-Backs jersey, it was apparent Hardy aimed to please the Arizona crowd. He promised at the beginning of the set “I’m still the same old redneck.” His performance of “Rednecker” had people gleefully shouting the line “You might think that you’re redneck, but I’m rednecker than you.”

He brought MacKenzie Porter on stage to join him on “One Beer,” a celebration of getting drunk enough to accidentally start a family. To put it simply, the crowd was eating off the palm of his hands. Wallen couldn’t have had  an audience warm up any better than Hardy.
Morgan Wallen headlined what was surely the biggest night of 2022’s CT. Fun fact: Wallen competed on season 6 of The Voice.  He was eliminated during the playoffs.

He opened the set at CT playing piano and singing “Sand in My Boots” from his most recent album, Dangerous. A number of the highlights from his most recent album are the work of outside writers, including Hardy, who joined him onstage for a raucous rendition of “He Went to Jared” from Hardy’s “Hixtape, Vol. 1.” Wallen had a hand in writing 16 of the album’s 30 songs. Dangerous became 2021’s best selling album. Wallen sang 16 of the songs from the album during the set.  
Wallen spoke about the inspiration the songs he has written and he did not mention the TMZ video that led to his concerts being cancelled last year. The crowd seemed to be impervious to the incident and were singing along to all of the songs on his new album and appreciating the lyrics to his music as they raised their phones up in the air to light up the night.

The final day of the festival was headlined by Florida Georgia Line that  have played the festival many times in the past. The duo have a steady list of hits since they started in 2010. The tone was set with a raucous “I Love My Country.” The duo have 13 hits that have topped the Billboard Country charts headed by “Cruise” that spent  24 weeks at the top of Billboard’s country charts.
“Cruise” along with “Long Live” and “Meant to Be” were certainly a part the set tonight. Many sing-a-longs were a major portion of the show.  Rumor has it that the duo is going to disband for an unspecified amount of time after they complete the dates they have scheduled in 2022. In 2021, Kelley mentioned his intention to have a solo music career while remaining part of Florida Georgia Line, with the support of Hubbard. We will see if that remains true.

Earlier in the day, the other representative of old time country music was Sawyer Brown. Mark Miller was the only singer this weekend who could tell the crowd “We’re going to play y’all 38 years worth of music right now.” They reached back to their breakthrough on “Star Search” with an animated “Smokin’ in the Rockies” and such early hits as “Step That Step” and “Betty’s Bein’ Bad.”

Maggie Rose was also another act that should have been labeled a “no miss.” Her impressive vocals were enough to stop you dead in your tracks. She gave Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” a soulful makeover, rocking an Aretha Franklin vibe on “Do It” or taking country fans to church on the Sunday gospel-flavored “Pull You Through.”
The dusty, overly warm weekend came to an end as quickly as it seemed to start with 30,000 people pulling up their stakes and moving out. The grand majority saying that they can’t wait until next year. If you are really have CT withdraw symptoms, you always travel to Canada, Florida, or Wisconsin to catch more Country Thunder.

Last year coverage of Country Thunder Arizona

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Review 31/10/2021

By Andrew Mackenzie

This has been a long time waiting and it’s finally here!! LIVE MUSIC!!

Entry to the venue took a few moments longer than usual, due to Covid-19 guidelines, but this gave me the opportunity to take photos of the great Halloween costumes that people had dressed up in to come to this awesome show. It was great to get back into a music venue filled to the brim with people who love music. I have defiantly missed it and I hope this tells how I felt.

The first band to grace our presence were, Renegade Twelve who is an energetic 4-piece rock orientated original band formed in Suffolk, England made up of Josh Barnard -Vocals and bass, Jacob Mayes -lead guitar, Dan potter -Lead guitar, Jack McSloy -Drums I’ve never heard of them but I’m up for new bands and music!

These guys played a good variety of classic rock starting with a cover of CDC’s “TNT” This was a good song to start with it’s one that get the crowds involved this meant that the crowds energy grew momentum, throughout their set they played a mix of covers some which I knew and their own tracks which were good. They remind me of ACDC, Airborne this kind of classic rock genre which I like the sound of. Their last song was one of their own “One for the Road” the band got the crowd bouncing and clapping for this and this was a great ending to their set.

Next up to grace us with what I wasn’t expecting but was great; Trash Boat St Albans’ quintet Trash Boat has long since established themselves as one of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming bands. Across two albums –most recently 2018’s critically acclaimed ‘Crown Shyness’ –they have effortlessly blended punk rock and post-hardcore: soaring choruses and searing lyricism.

I wasn’t too sure what to expect but I was happily surprised! Heavy, screaming, and a dam good drum beat. One of their songs was “alpha omega” from their album. A great track lyrically and rhythmically with such good vocals! In the middle of their set, they threw in a Linkin Park cover of “Given up”, I knew immediately from the drumbeat and that in the original song Chester does a 17-sec screamin this, the longest I knew, and the lead singer didn’t do bad at all, at 14sec (I timed it) but in a great cover which all their loved.

They played an amazing set they really help keep the momentum going for the headliner after the guys left the stage and I awaited the headliners, I headed outside to take some photos of the crowd members’ Halloween costumes which I liked best.

The Headliner’s Skindred is a Welsh heavy metal band formed in Newport, Wales in 1998. Their musical style mixes heavy metal, alternative rock, and ragga. The band also integrates elements of punk rock, hardcore punk, reggae, dancehall, jungle, ska, hip hop, drum and bass, dubstep, and various other influences into their music. They are well known for their energetic and involving live performances and have won several awards including “Best Live Band” at the 2011 UK Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards and the “Devotion Award” at the 2011 Kerrang! Awards. –Wikipedia

Skindred is made up of; Benji Webbe –Vocals, Mikey Demus –Guitar & vocals, Daniel Pugsley –Bassist and vocals, and Drummer –Arya Goggin

I’ve listened to these guys since the days of “Babylon” and I’m now photographing and reviewing them. They did not disappoint; the room blew up into this amazing energy that I personally haven’t felt in so long the high I get off live music is indescribable. The guys came out in Halloween costume and kicked off their setlist with “Stand for Something” everything just got insane from there the atmosphere was the most electric I’ve felt, these boys put on a show like no other with that unique sound of rock and reggae which until you hear it you won’t know. The songs kept coming; “Rat race”, Sound of the Siren” and then the doom riff which they made their own with a twist.

When I heard “pressure”, it brought me back to the first time I heard them this was what I first heard of them where my love for this band began! They blew this track out of the water the crowd just going mental at this stage. “That’s my jam” was next which was a laugh to start as Benji got the crowd fully involved with one side doing one part and the other doing the other half of the chorus! Ninja up next and this was funnier with a guy coming out doing ninja moves chasing and fighting Benji around the stage.

The night was in full swing everyone enjoying themselves and Skindred just pulling rabbits out the hat even more when the crowd heard House of Pain’s –Jump this was the start of something I’ve not seen at a show before they got a guy from the crowd on stage for a challenge the guy “Ben” was very up for it and his challenge was to eat a meal deal sandwich in 30 seconds and this would “win” him tickets to slipknot in New York…. But it was really for a T-shirt free of charge and the fun of it all He managed to eat this in around25 seconds and made everyone laugh when he nearly threw up on stage. Next was “kill the power” that great reggae 80s sounds like another corker.

Benji got real with the crowd and remembered those who we have all lost the past 2 years. Benji sang ” Saying it now”acoustically. This really hit home as looking back it’s been a tough year for everyone bands and fans and we’ve all lost people. The band didn’t want the crowd to go home in a sad tone, and They finished their set with “Nobody” they let loose with this tune the amazing mix of rock metal and reggae the room just turned into this mosh pit dance floor bodies bouncing and everyone loving life.

This was an amazing show to attend after 23 months of not going to shows! This was Skindred last night of their UK tour. I can’t wait for them to get back into the swing of things and I will see them again in the future. P.s I left, and they played 2 encore songs the setlist can be found below

Setlist

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Bury Tomorrow are a British metalcore band formed in 2006 in Southampton, Hampshire, England. The band is composed of five members; lead vocalist Daniel Winter-Bates, rhythm guitarist and singer Jason Cameron, bassist Davyd Winter-Bates, drummer Adam Jackson, and lead guitarist Kristan Dawson, who replaced founding guitarist Mehdi Vismara in 2013. Bury Tomorrow has released six studio albums, their most recent being Cannibal, released on 3 July 2020.

I’ve been following the band since 2009 When they brought out their debut album ‘Portraits’ and got a chance to work with them on a photographic level too, I wanted to try and shoot them every year this has been difficult but I’ve been to a fair few shows and know just what the boys are like both recorded and live.

The boy’s journey has been amazing with numerous festivals under their belts and currently under Sony Music and Music for Nations labels. They announced that they were going to be doing a 6th studio album in 202 via Instagram Q&A which has been a great platform for musicians as of late due to covid-19. The album was due to be released on 3rd April but due to Covid-19 they decided to give the fans 5 singles bit by bit which included their title track ‘Cannibal’ They finally released the complete album on 3rd July 2020.

As a fan, I had been waiting for this album as it was said that this would be a very different ball game lyrically for lead singer Dan.  Putting his battles with mental health under the microscope, vocalist Dani Winter-Bates puts in an expected commanding performance throughout, shepherding Cannibal into turbulent, but rewarding waters.  I personally follow Dan in his personal life and as most fans know he works for The UK’s Health service the NHS, with this and his own life he is a big promoter of mental health and wellbeing and on one of his streams said that he had to really delve deep inside to bring out the best lyric’s possible lots of self-reflection.

This album from start to finish really shows how much effort Dan and the band put into this album with topics of mental health and real-life struggles that will relate to a lot of people who suffer from mental health issues.
Throughout this album both, Dan & Jason Collaborate beautiful vocally with Dan’s raw vocals, and with Jason’s softer tone they blend and help carry you through the tracks which all have a different feel to them even though I keep mixing up two tracks as they sound similar Choke & Cannibals

My favorite track by far is ‘The Grey’ I’m not sure whether it how the vocals play out or it instrumentally but it just has something about it!
I think I play this album once a week if not more, depending on my mood, and have done since it came out.

I can truly say this is for me a phenomenal album and I can’t wait to see what the band have for us when we can all come together and go to live shows and show the bands, we support how much we have missed seeing them live during this pandemic and support them again. and help them back onto their feet and see them go from strength to strength musically

If you haven’t seen these boys live then I urge you to as their shows are something else from first-hand experience.

If you want to check them out then check out the links below.

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by Andrew Mackenzie

Released February 26, 2021

This album has been a long time coming it is now here

Architects are a British metalcore band from Brighton, East Sussex, formed in 2004 by twin brothers Dan and Tom Searle. The band now consists of Dan Searle on drums, Sam Carter on vocals, Alex Dean on bass, and Adam Christianson and Josh Middleton on guitars. They have been signed to Epitaph Records since 2013.

This is their 9th studio album which came out on 26th Feb 2021 and an album I’ve been looking forward to. As a Music photographer, I was able to have architects as the first big headliner id ever shot back in March 2008, and funnily enough, my favourite shot was of their guitarist Tom Searle who passed away in 2016 I edited that picture ( see below) to fuck and still one I’m proud off. Although I’m a fan of architects I didn’t realize they had brought out 9 studio albums inc this one. My favourite albums would be their last two; Holy Hell and All are God’s Have Abandoned Us.

I sat at work last night and listened to an Architects special On BBC Radio 1’s Rock Show. It was a playthrough of the album with drummer Dan and vocalist Sam and all the components of the album and who was on this album. As I listened to it properly, I got shivers as a whole it’s a phenomenal album.

The album starts off with this immense industrial, sound but the strings and orchestra sections lift the first track it’s a great opening to what is to come with one of their released single’s ‘Black lungs’ next which almost carries on the industrial heavy vibe, you get to hear sam just let rip with these vocals which just blew me away this album is something different from their others.
this kinda continues with  ‘Giving Blood’  
‘Discourse is Dead’ takes a heavier tone yet you have great little electronic sections with an electronic midsection which lead up to the last half of this track which takes an almost atmospheric choir sound and ending very solidly.  ‘Dead Butterflies’ is a track with again this orchestral sound layer. complimenting the boy’s sound with a great chord progression and energy from both Sam and Dan in this track.

‘Impermanence’ is one of three tracks with a featured artist. This one has Winston Mccall from Parkway Drive the track is as intense as those before it and Winston seems to add a layer to the song that gives the already heavy element an upgrade.  ‘ Flight without feathers ‘ is a very electronic subtle sound probably the softest sound on the album, but great as sams vocals are strong in a storytelling style.
The electronic style is a constant through this album ‘Little wonder’ is a more upbeat track and less intense yet has this industrial feel to it. If I didn’t see that it had Mike Kerr in this track I wouldn’t of known listening that he was, as the vocals seem to blend through it and you don’t have, like with most a separate section for the featured artist.

‘Animals’ the first single the boys brought out for this album and Fans love it!  with this heavy thudding industrial, Rammstein sound yet as said before electronic production is a big part, vocally brilliant and powerful The breakdown has this almost nuclear apocalyptic sound. and probably one of my favorites of the album.    
‘Goliath’ is a track that starts of with a great kick and the track feels faster paced than the others as the featured artist ‘Simon Niel’ – Biffy Clyro brings his intensity to the track and the first time I’ve ever heard him sound so heavy and even scream in a track. I can imagine him in the studio just letting loose and loving every second of recording his section.

The last three tracks ‘Demi God’, ‘Meteor’ and ‘Dying is absolutely safe’ all three have different sounds to them Demigod is more chilled, Meteor is the last heavy track on the album and ‘Dying is absolutely safe’ is a great final track with this orchestral acoustic sound with vocals that are trying to tell us to sort out our lives.

This album as a whole is an amazing piece of music and the boys are so amazed at the love it has gotten with two no1’s in the first week and great worldwide success. This will go into my albums of 2021 and I can’t wait to have them back on the live stage again so that their fans can really take this new album in on a face-to-face level as we all know that hearing an album recorded and live are two amazing things.

Architects have set out some dates for upcoming shows (hopefully these will go ahead)  and you can find these and more on the links below.

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It’s often hard to find such a band that you can either chill out too or have a good jam too! Well, the Skints have done it again, with their latest album “Swimming lessons” under the Easy Star Record label.

The Skints are from London, UK, and are a 4-piece reggae, ska band with sprinkles of dub and punk, who formed through their local high school in May 2007. They have gone from being a small band being played on BBC Radio 1’s Punk Show with Mike Davis to play numerous festivals and touring most of the globe.

This is The Skints 4th Studio Album, the band had been touring non-stop since their last album FM which came out in 2015 and I feel that this album has great vibes and has interesting surprises in each of the tracks. I was very lucky to go see them on their Swimming Lessons tour in 2019 and got to photograph them too.

This album is a great collection of sounds that I wasn’t really expecting to hear a band who are known to be on the punk side of reggae their album is really well produced and an album which is of as I said before easy listening with its very reggae roots sounds but also right in the background sound effect of an 8bit video game. Which helps all the songs blend into one another so nicely. The band released several singles from the album but the main one being “learning to swim” this is the first track of the album and has a great variety of sounds. Going from a reggae sound progressing into a harder punk style which is heavy on the drums and ends the single sharply. The Skints have also on occasion dipped their musical toes into the world of politics and current affairs and their track “The Island” is about the U.K and its political state this is a great upbeat punk style track. Another track I loved was “Restless” which is their second track on the album, this has a guest appearance from Protoje giving the track that reggae feels to it.

This album is a great mixture of chilled reggae style that if you are a fan of “The Skints” know of too their more punk, stripped back acoustic tracks and the last track on the album has a reggae Beatles sound to it. It really is a great listen and I hope you readi

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Norwich Waterfront Studio, Norwich, UK,, Nov 06, 2019

By Andrew Mackenzie

These three ladies are something else and this review will give you an insight into why I wanted to photograph and review them…

Tonight, Wildwood Kin had two lovely support acts supporting them on this tour, and the first was; Lucy Grubb this young lady is from East Anglia but delivers and sings in a modern Americana style with country undertones. I had never heard her before It was just her by herself as she sometimes has a band. She is a lovely young lady and has such a rich sound to hear a voice and her whole performance was really good, she played a very small set but she played; Waste of time, 18 Miles and Storm this small set was lovely and the crowd really enjoyed it. 

The country theme continued with our next act on; The Luck a brother and sister duo Max on vocals, guitar, and foot pedal style percussion and then Esmay his sister who is backing vocals and bass. The duo played country and Americana style music and are from the U.K. The dynamics of the two is great and quite funny great upbeat funky music that is great for a little dance. Their set was great and it had a great variety of their music both new and old, from “If this is Love” to“Holding On” a song about their mum and family and two other great songs from their new album; Ready To Run Lionheart and Vertigo which were great songs to listen to live and I would go see these two again for sure a great set! 

Next on were Wildwood Kin but beforehand the audience refilled their glasses and they then came on; Wildwood Kin is an English contemporary family alt-folk trio, composed of sisters Beth and Emillie Key and their cousin Meghann Loney, from Exeter, Devon, England. I first saw these ladies supporting Seth Lakeman at the Cambridge Corn Exchange a few years ago, and tonight I got a great up-close experience of them in a small venue but with their signature style sound, Emillie plays guitar, Beth plays the bouzoukior keyboard, and Meghann playing the drums. They all work together and join forces for harmonies and then will take turns in doing lead vocals depending on the song. The girls came on and the crowd loved these girls from the first song which they opened their 17-tracklist set this was such a treat for everyone. 

They opened with Heading for the water from their latest album that has recently just come out, this is a beautiful song full of Drums and Bass, and vocal harmonies, gentle and soft with great power. Their track list was full of amazing songs, from their new songs, on their new Self-titled album to old ones such as “taking a hold” & Run” The girls loved that the crowd loved them and whilst photographing them I could spot some fans who knew all the words, I also noticed that the ones hanging of the front barrier where all older guys who were happily singing alone but the funniest moment was when I spotted a couple dancing in a very tribal style and waving their arms all over the place the girls noticed this and loved the interpretive dancing from these two, but I think they were pretty drunk. They were coming to the end of their set and they usually end their sets with “Taking a Hold” but they didn’t tonight.

The final track was the one and only… Time has come! With added audience participation with the chorus which rounded off the show brilliantly. With an huge applause, they came off stage. They then just came back into the room and picked up a microphone and a guitar then got into the middle of the room where the crowd surrounded them and played this one beautifully, I’ve never seen a band do this but a great finale! This was the first night of the girls 19 date UK tour that ends on the4thof December, if you haven’t heard of them or want to go see them then below will be their social media links