Slinking down Cowley Road is a queue of excitable
teens and subdued middle agers quietly awaiting doors
to open for tonights almost sold out show at the O2
Academy in Oxford. First up is Fatherson who bring
their beautifully crafted alt rock songs. Soothing and
soaring vocals are the order of the day coupled with
explosive moments that really propel the bands
quiet/loud dynamic that suits them so well. They’re
an intriguing band more than they are boring and
you can’t help but be captivated by frontman Ross
Leighton’s extraordinary voice.
Lonely The Brave are next up and clamber onto the
stage in front of a room that is bursting with bodies and
anticipation. Black Mire sparks into life and cues cheers
of excitement as the quintet sound terrific tonight.
Drummer Gavin Edgeley proves to be a powerhouse
behind the kit, his hard hitting style adding that bit of
heaviness to the bands alt rock riffs. As usual vocalist
David Jakes takes up his position next to Edgeley as
he continues to battle his shy and nervous demeanour.
However once the band gets into it Jakes locks in
the music, unfolds his arms and really looks like he’s
enjoying himself up there. With a voice as brilliant and
euphoric as his it would be a shame for him to dip back
into the background even more so, he is essential to
this band and his voice takes centre stage for the likes
of Backroads and closer The Blue, The Green.
Tonights headliners have come prepared with a new
record in the form of Wired, two giant MK logo’s that
change colours as well as a tremendous lighting rig that
really helps set the tone for each track aired. Mallory
Knox have had a bit of a stop start career but tonight
look comfortable on stage in a venue of this size as
they plough through their set. As someone who was
lukewarm to the last record and even less so to Wired
the guys definitely come across better live. Theres lots
of energy from frontman and cheeky chap Mikey
Chapman who is note perfect throughout and even has
a little fun at himself for getting the next song wrong
in the set. California is a huge moment and invokes
visions of summer time
and by
smiles
Photos
Carl plastered
Battams across
the faces of all in attendance. “‘If its good enough for
Slipknot its good enough for us Oxford…”, he says
knowingly full of irony and fun as everyone gets
down before reaching for the sky. Wake Up brings the
bounce, whoas and pint throwing whilst Lighthouse
gets the biggest cheer of the night and makes the place
of bananas. A good stepping stone for Mallory Knox
who may finally be on the road to the next level.
Words & photos by Joshua Clarke
www.eliteonlinemag.com
177