ROCK LYNX Issue #5

1

S ' E R I H S LINCOLN M U R D D E T DEDICA SHOP! Specialists in brand new and pre-owned drums and percussion.

Shop on our website or come visit our showroom in Horncastle!

WWW.INTOMUSICSTORE.COM HORNCASTLE ROAD, LINCOLNSHIRE, LN9 5JU

CONTENTS CARRY THE CROWN 5 BEYOND THE WOODS 6

ONE CHAPTER DOWN 9 ROCK LYNX LAUNCH 10

STONEDEAD FESTIVAL 20

ON TOUR WITH REGULUS 14

ROCK LYNX EDITOR Jordan Merrett

“Live, Laugh, Love Rock n’ Roll” @bigjordsguitar

Big Jords Guitar

S E T O N S ’ EDITOR It certainly hasn’t been a smooth reintroduction to live music; with extended lockdown restrictions forcing our official launch to be a seated only half capacity affair, and local festivals to cancel completely, BUT... we are getting there! Our live launch was a great success, massive thank you to all who came.

We have teamed up with the Lincoln Performing Arts Centre to present Skal Live: a one day festival in the heart of the University of Lincoln campus. We’ve also taken the opportunity to use our assets for good. We’ve stepped in to help the Promoter of Heaven & Hell Fest avoid cancellation during a family health emergency and will be promoting and managing the weekend as a Rock Lynx event!

Find us online

The world finally opening up has in turn opened up a lot of opportunities; We are now working closely with promoters: Tired Bear, and Upstaged; and festivals: Stonedead, Beyond The Woods, Badlands, and Call Of The Wild. The Engineshed are also being extremely cooperative and have granted us press access to our first live music event at the venue, and are working to help us attend more in the future. There are many more opportunities for us to help rejuvenate Lincolnshire’s rock music scene, all we need is you! Keep supporting keep supporting Lincolnshire’s exciting live rock scene.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THIS ISSUES CONTRIBUTORS! Jon Bell Photography | Jacinta Thornley Design | Sophie Manoury - Manoury Media | Jordan Bell | Gemma Baker | Gary Butcher | Craig Morrow | The Engineshed | Stonedead Festival | Heaven & Hell Fest | Beyond The Woods | Joe Davies | Vigilantes | Pylons | Duccbod | Regulus | Battalions | Spiteful Embrace | IL | Thyssen | Gandalf The Green | Silkrats | Replica Jesus | KAYLYDE | LaVire | One Chapter Down | Carry The Crown | The Velvet Queens

4

www.rocklynx.co.uk

W

CARRY THE CROWN ‘BREAK’ THE SCENE IN LINCOLN Images: Jon Bell Photography

S

aturday saw the return of Carry the Crown in their home town of Lincoln. It was the first gig back for the band and many of the avid fans too!

First of all, if you don’t know who this band are, where have you been?! Hosted by Tired Bear Bookings & Promotions, it was an event the likes of which The Scene had never witnessed before. It was very much ‘you had to be there’ in order to understand the electric buzz coming from everyone in the room.

The modern alternative rock band performed some of their hit tracks ‘Hold me’ and ‘Say You’ll Stay’ alongside their latest release ‘Horizons’. CTC were joined by Lincoln support acts LaVire, and The Velvet Queens.

Words: Sophie Manoury

“CONDOMS, KNICKERS AND FAKE CASH ENDING UP ON STAGE!”

jam-packed venue alongside new bass player Luc at their first official post-pandemic gig. Masterpieces don’t come around too often, and this Lincolnshire band is certainly one to watch.

The Velvet Queens opened the show as their debut gig. They certainly brought great energy and enthusiasm to the stage.

“Their melodic and heartfelt music, wrapped up into a contemporary rock package appeals to all generations” (young & old), who appreciate well crafted rock tracks with an edge.

“It really was a memorable set with branded VQ condoms, knickers and fake cash ending up on stage!”

LaVire were up next with Chloe taking centre stage with the 5 piece heavy rock band. It was great to see such an empowered female front lead.

Martin, James, Rupert and Simon were thrilled to be performing the

After meeting in Lincoln one night, it’s hard to believe just how far these guys have come since their debut track ‘Faster’ was released back in 2016 - you can really see how these guys earned their Radio 1 play! Carry The Crown are set to support Skindred, Terrorvision, and Borders as part of the Primordial Radio AGM at the Lincolnshire showground this year. www.rocklynx.co.uk

5

...AND INTO THE ENGINESHED Images: Jordan Merrett

I

n the midst of government restrictions easing, 2021’s live music scene took more than a few casualties. Among them, the biggest indie festival in Lincolnshire has cancelled for the third year in a row!

Beyond The Woods festival, formerly know as ‘Joefest’, named after Joe Davies, the festival’s organiser, who’s 16th birthday sparked the start of the whole thing, was cancelled in 2019 due to inclement weather. I don’t think 2020 needs an explanation, and then earlier this year, the month long delay in government restrictions easing meant yet another cancellation of what will surely be a momentous occasion when it does make it’s return!

6 www.rocklynx.co.uk

Words: Jordan Merrett

“A PIVOTAL PART OF HIS SUCCESS” Joe describes Beyond The Woods as a pivotal part of his success in his music industry career, and his dedication to rebranding the festival away from himself and onto something aimed at the greater good speaks volumes.

In lieu of the festival (scheduled to go ahead in 2022) Joe and the BTW team have planned in a series of gigs to keep the spirit of indie alive in Lincolnshire. The first of which saw recently signed Lincolnshire legends Vigilantes headlining The Platform at The Engineshed, Lincoln, with support from Pylons and Duccbod, 2 more fantastic indie artists bringing high quality music to the genre and the local scene.

VIGILANTES

started out... just the two of us.” for me this was an heartfelt nod to the roots of the band.

As a first time observer, these boys had a big reputation to live up to, they are regarded across the county and within the industry as ‘next big thing’ material. Heading in with an open mind I gave their hooky indie anthems a chance, and within the first few songs it’s clear to see that their reputation isn’t unfounded, they can certainly write good music!

The proceeding duet of keyboard and vocals created an emotive response and the room fell into a gentle trance. The energy definitely changed when their were 5 of them on the stage, a playful twist on indie jams feat. colourful trumpet work ensued.

As I listened to them play it wasn’t just a great blend of twangy, crunchy guitar, and crisp, clear vocals, they also brought a great presence to the stage which was like a special ingredient that brought the crowd to life.

PYLONS As these guys stepped out onto the stage, only 2 of the 5 members were present, and an announcement over the microphone was made: “The other boys couldn’t make it tonight, so it’s us here how we

On top of great indie tunes, Pylons were promoting sustainability by offering upcycled band merch instead of the traditional bulkprinted t-shirts. Good work boys!

DUCCBOD Completely unknown to me prior to this gig, Duccbod pleasantly surprised me with a very tasteful almost singer-songwriter style, yet very satisfying lead guitar intertwining in and out of the smooth vocal melodies. I look forward to seeing more from this guy in the future.

www.rocklynx.co.uk

7

W

THE NEXT CHAPTER Images: Jon Bell Photography

A

s their first show in 18 months, it appears One Chapter Down wanted to grab our attention and make sure we knew they were back... their hard hitting, high energy set certainly achieved it!

The female fronted hard rock band, KAYLYDE kicked off the night. KAYLYDE are no strangers here at Rock Lynx, and their

presence as the opening band gave an indication to the standard of show we were in for; a powerful anthemic set, as can be expected from this band.

LaVire were next to grace the stage... They somehow have a refreshingly thick and heavy sound that manages not to be overbearing or play into any stereotypical metal tropes.

Words: Jordan Merrett

One Chapter Down; as a first time listener of their live set I was instantly captivated by the lead singer’s enthusiasm for what I thought was only the soundcheck, had him running into the audience like a mad man! That is exactly the sort of behaviour we like to see at Lincolnshire rock and metal gigs, certainly a band to watch out for in the future, highly recommend.

LaVire

KAYLYDE

www.jonbellphoto.com @jonbellphotography www.rocklynx.co.uk

9

OFFICIAL LAUNCH “SUCH A GREAT ATMOSPHERE. IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK!” Images: Sophie Manoury

R

ock Lynx have certainly set their bar high with their first ever live event at Bentley’s Bar in Lincoln! For many it was the first live gig many had been to since the beginning of the pandemic – and my what an atmosphere!

After recently releasing their latest debut EP ‘Faces in Radio’ Saviours fully embraced being back on stage.

Johnny Bilton and the lads were eager to get back in front of a live audience and you could tell by their on stage energy.

Tonight’s (June 25th) socially distanced, seated gig is momentous not just because it feels like we’re beginning to creep back to the heady normal times, but also for the magazine as it’s triumphantly successful official launch night.

Prior to the world turning to shit, Guts had a few things in the pipeline. They might not have played to a real audience for a while, but there’s no impression that they’re blowing off the cobwebs here. Alternative punk rock band Guts set was pretty fullon throughout

At just aged 19, G.L. Shelley kicked the night off with a bang.

The unsigned indie artist vibrant jacket matched his hypnotic voice and had the audience in the palm of his hand. It was hard not to nod and tap along to the guitar riff-based tracks by this up and coming young musician.

10 10 www.rocklynx.co.uk

The female fronted rock band formed in Lincoln did not disappoint. Molly’s strong female persona owned the stage. The crowd enjoyed it so much that an encore was demanded with people roaring to life.

Words: Sophie Manoury

As Lincolnshire’s most exciting and eclectic launch night draws to an end, it’s only the beginning for these talented acts. This is just the beginning for Rock Lynx and I’m excited to see what’s next for the magazine championing Lincolnshire’s rock music.

G.L. Shelley

“It was incredible to play live at the rock lynx launch event, after all the support they’ve shown to not just myself but so many local acts it was a great feeling to have a chance to support them!”

GUTS.

“After doing absolutely nothing for ages it was a lovely surprise to be asked. That familiar buzz of excitement before we played was a joy and there was this shared high on stage, we didn’t want it to end!”

KAYLYDE

“Playing at the show tonight was incredible. It felt amazing to be surrounded by so many people who love music just as much as KAYLYDE do - such a great atmosphere. It’s good to be back!”

www.rocklynx.co.uk

11 11

R U O T ON

WITH

“ When I’m in th

e practice room with 4 guys , I fart and no on e suspects me.”

14

www.rocklynx.co.uk

MEET THE BAND Chloe: Lead Singer Ozzy: Lead Guitar Martyn: Bass Guitar Billy: Lead Guitar Adam: Drums

Images: Jordan Merrett

W

hen I was invited to go on the road with Regulus, my first thought was, ‘go on the road with for a week, with a band I’ve been waiting years to see live?

YES PLEASE!’ But as the week progressed I found myself being viewed less as a spectator, and more as a... ‘friend?’

Words: Jordan Merrett

as fellow musicians within the industry, but never had the opportunity to spend enough time with them to know the people behind the band. As we discussed the logistics of my attendance on the tour, it was established that I would join the band on night 2 of the tour and stay for night’s 3, 4, and 5.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve known some of these guys for a few years www.rocklynx.co.uk

15

Day One

NEW ADELPHI CLUB, HULL

M

y week started out in Rock Lynx & Regulus’ hometown: Lincoln. The band and the gear were loaded and ready, I met the crew, and we proceeded with ‘Thanks for coming/thanks for inviting me’ and continued onto Regulus’ night 2 venue; and my first stop of the week... Hull.

On the journey to the delightful dock town, surprisingly few jokes were made about the certain stardom that playing this city clearly meant... Until we reached the venue;

16

www.rocklynx.co.uk

The need to quote, “is that it?” when referring to the establishment you are about to play on your tour normally tells you everything you need to know, and yet this night was no reflection of that sentiment.

Beside the outstanding set from Regulus, which offered a powerfully heavy twist on a mainly bluesy brand of stoner rock with reminiscent flavours of classic rock; Battalions added another level to that heavy element, for a 3 piece band the broad

thickness of their sound was very impressive. The New Adelphi club, Hull is definitely a venue to check out.

Day Two WEST STREET LIVE, SHEFFIELD

W

est Street Live, Sheffield is a venue that has been on my list of live venues to visit for a few years now, and the chance to see it ‘for work’ was a pleasure, the guarantee of decent music was a bonus. Aside from Regulus providing their thick creamy guitar tones and thunderous drums to the set the scene, main support IL took me by surprise and added in an interesting twist on a Nu-Metal sound.

www.rocklynx.co.uk

17

Day Th

ree

SANTIAGO BAR, LEEDS

B

y this point in the week we had grown accustomed to spending 4+ hours a day in a vehicle together. Day by day our conversations became more deep and insightful, a personal highlight was discovering that Adam has almost as much of an appreciation for The Darkness as I do!

Discussing the implication that some of the intricate nuances to their music are largely overlooked because of their overtly glam rock appearance and Justin Hawkins’ incredibly high vocals.

18

The talking points varied from topics of this nature, through to, dare I say... banter? The admission www.rocklynx.co.uk

from Chloe that “when I’m in the practice room with 4 guys, I fart and no one suspects me.”

These kind of bombshells were commonplace at this point, and as the week rolls on each night seems even better than the last!

Here in Leeds both Thyssen and Gandalf The Green sharing the stage with Regulus superceeded my expectations, and according to Adam “being in a room full of people chanting ‘Gandalf ’ was something else!”

Day Four THE OLD SALUTATION, NOTTINGHAM

I

t’s starting to sink in that tonight is my last night on the road with the band, and yet the energy of the night did not reflect that at all.

Right from the opening band’s soundcheck, there was a certain type of magic to the atmosphere.

Maybe the flood of leopard-print insinuated the strong presence of rock n roll in the room, or maybe, the bands and people that were in attendance just emitted that energy?

Either way, the night was high energy heavy rock from start to finish; the opening band, Silkrats, are definitely ones to watch in the future, bringing a crispy, ‘classic rock’ guitar tone blended with punk

style rhythms, and high female led vocals, to an all together heavier place.

Regulus put on a real show on this particular night it seemed, they seemed to carry an aura of attitude that pushed their sludgey brand of stoner rock into every corner of the bar. Every element of this band compliments the music very well, the bass and guitars have found ways to fill out the space without clashing, while Chloe’s powerful high end vocals deliver the meaningful message of these songs... one of which is apparently about “f***ing a guy to death”.

The end of the night saw the band engaging with fans and offering unbelievable discounts on vinyl and CD’s from their previous releases in an effort to fund their new album; a release I’m eagerly awaiting!

After our final journey on the road came to a close, Adam and Chloe dropped me off at home, we exchanged goodbye’s, and Chloe added “we’ll hangout sometime ‘cos I guess we’re friends now” and for me that summed the week up perfectly, what started as casual acquaintances with a cool band ended as... friends? www.rocklynx.co.uk

19

THE ULTIMATE FESTIVAL

2021 RECAP

20 www.rocklynx.co.uk

I

t’s a Saturday morning at the Newark showground and after a year of silence brought on by the pandemic, with the dedication from the organisers, the bands, and the fans, Stonedead festival has finally returned to shake the ground once more.

The initial line-up for the day festival, attempting to carry on the legacy of the legendary Monsters of Rock festival was announced back in late 2019 but due to obvious setbacks regarding three national lockdowns, it has had to be rescheduled a number of times now. While the initial line-up featuring American hard rockers Tyketto and New Wave of British Heavy Metal legends Tygers of Pangtang was forced to change due to problems surrounding Coronavirus, the team at the festival were still able to put on a great day of rock icons in the British sun.

This is the festivals third year, with previous bills featuring headliners former Deep Purple frontman Glenn Hughes in 2019 and hair metal giants Skid Row in 2018.

It has now become tradition that every year is hosted by Krusher, the man behind some of the most iconic album covers of all time, including Ozzy Osbournes Diary of a Madman, Blizzard of Oz and Bark at the Moon amongst other metal greats. Throughout the day, Krusher would go on to introduce the bands and tell stories from his crazy life in the industry… although crazy might be an understatement.

Wave of British Classic Rock movement such as Gin Annie, Revival Black and the Howling Tides.

Nevertheless, the five-piece outfit London delivered an epic and emotional set with singer Nico Rogers tearing up during their performance of Make You Proud.

Ultimately, the song initially written for the Rogers’ mum sent a shockwave through the crowd, demonstrating they are a force to be reckoned with in this new classic rock scene.

It is no secret that festivals this year have struggled working their events around Covid-19, Stonedead is no exception here. Unfortunately, on the day of event, it was announced a member of The Treatment tested positive for the virus and so had to cancel their appearance. Luckily, heavy metallers Absolva were able to stand-in on short notice as the festival organisers were dead set on keeping their promise of a nineband bill. Blasting through their discography of five studio albums, the group made sure their presence was noticed.

One act on the day I was very much looking forward to seeing was Myke Gray and it was finally his time to come on stage. With a backcatalogue stretching his career through Skin, Jagged Edge and a brief stint in UFO, Gray could easily deliver a two-hour set.

Sticking to his 45-minute slot, the guitarist walked out donning his well-known black and white costume from his recent solo outings and began to shred through classics from his days in Skin including House of Love, First to grace the stage on this very Look but Don’t Touch and even sweaty day in Newark was the Raised on Radio. All amazingly winners of the opening poll Dead complimented by a spitfire flyover Man’s Whiskey. The band not only from the Newark Air Museum, had to face off a pandemic to play located just next to the this slot but also a whole cast of showground. formidable names in the New www.rocklynx.co.uk

21

Now it was time for the set that die-hard Iron Maiden fans have been waiting for as former vocalist Blaze Bayley walked on stage. A few hours beforehand he rode down to the showground on his motorcycle for this summer exclusive performance celebrating the 25th anniversary of his time in one of the biggest metal bands of all time.

With the pandemic finally easing down (touch wood!), Kris Barras has found himself very busy making up for lost time. With a busy summer period playing at Steelhouse Festival on the day headlined by The Darkness while also finding time to work with his video production company Ignite Productions, producing the last few Inglorious music videos, this set will mark his last gig before headlining out on tour across the UK with Kentucky southern rockers Black Stone Cherry, followed by a headline tour in early 2022.

The blues-rocker has recently become a lot heavier in his live performance as he then goes on to play his brand new song Dead Horses which came out shortly after the festival. This new sound and style from the band works very nicely and I for one am very excited to see where it can lead.

Massive Wagons are no stranger to the Newark Showground, having previously played in the 2018 bill for the then Stonedead festival.

Covering the slot for Swedish rocker Heat who couldn’t make the show due to complications with international travel at this point, Baz and the boys from Lancaster tore through a high octane set filled with hits from their 2020 album House of Noise as well as the single they released for Record Store Day 2021, Changes.

22 www.rocklynx.co.uk

2001 record Good to Go, lights went out from a power cut, wanting to make the most out of this longawaited gig, bass player Leigh Marklew shouts “they’re making us play in the dark”. Lights came back on quickly, allowing Terrovision to finish off their set in style and make way for the headliners of the night.

Returning for their first show back since the pandemic was Scottish legends Gun. Travelling all the way down from Glasgow for the show, they also ran into complications with Covid-19 as their long-time drummer Paul McManus tested positive just a few days before.

Coming in to save the day was a young stand-in drummer who in turn blew the crowd and even the band away as vocalist Dante Gizzi announces, “We’ve only had one rehearsal”. Opening with She Knows from their 2017 album Favourite Pleasures, they then went through a host of hits from their 32-year career including Don’t Say It’s Over, Steal Your Fire and even their cover of the Beastie Boys song Fight for Your Right. Finally, ending their set with their 1989 single Better Days, dedicating it to end of this tough 18 months we’ve all been through.

Bradford locals Terrovision were next to fulfil the sub-headline slot with one of the most energetic performances of the day. While going through their classic setlist many classic rock fans have become familiar with after seeing the band in support of Thunder and at festivals like Download and Ramblin’ Man Fair. Just before starting their song Ð’ya Wanna Go Faster from their

While initially the headliners for the day festival were supposed to be Black Star Riders, allowing them to finish off their tour for their latest album Another State of Grace which got cut short due to (you guessed it!) Covid. The virus struck one last time as on the Monday before the festival the band featuring Thin Lizzy’s Scott Gorham announced they would be unable to make the gig as a member had tested positive for the virus.

In their place came Prog rockers Uriah Heep, fresh from headlining the Friday at Steelhouse festival just a month before.

Bringing out the band featuring founding member Mick Box came Krusher came to introduce them.

“The first time I saw Uriah Heep, they changed my f****ing life, I hope they do the same for you tonight,” he announced as they opened with Grazed by Heaven, the opening track to their latest studio album Living the Dream from 2018. Through a technically proficient performance filled with classics from the early years of the band, they closed the day with the 1972 single Easy Livin’, putting an end to an amazing day of music at Newark and making all of the hard work from the organisers over the last few months’ worth it.

Stonedead Festival will return on August 27, 2022, early bird tickets have already sold out so it is set to be another ground-breaking year.