BLAZE BAILEY & SINOCENCE –
CAMDEN UNDERWORLD 20/02/10
When I arrived at this show I was wondering whom the third band might be, but in old school fashion there are only 2 bands tonight. So that means a really long opening set or else a long marathon set by Blaze and co.
Irish rockers Sinocence enter the Underworld’s stage with a fresh approach and a budding enthusiasm. It’s a shame that I am left under-whelmed, and I feel out of sorts with the remainder of the crowd whom are having a damn good time. I don’t really get this at all, and from the simple chord progressions they are playing I sometimes feel like I am listening to “college rock”. There are some cool solos but the basis of the songs is far removed from my pallet. One track caught my ears; ‘Metal Box’ from their latest album that seems to kick a bit more arse, especially the riffing at the start, though some of the “metal” from their music is lost in the live sound. This band was just not for me.
Crowds come and go and lots of Iron Maiden shirts would ensure that Blaze Bailey got the support he deserves after a difficult period in Blaze’s personal life. It’s been 8 years since I have seen this Tamworth terror, in that time he has come back with a whole new band, a great new album and there is a renewed emotional energy from the man on stage. Whilst vocally it would be fair to say that Blaze has not lost any of his swagger, proved by ‘Letting Go of the World’ and ‘City of Bones’, I do get lost when we go down the road of “it’s an independent release, no big record companies are involved” speeches. The fans already know this, but I guess it’s worth revelling them up a little bit more. The floor area of the Underworld is pretty packed out, and strong vocal renditions and a tight band makes Blaze Bailey’s performance something special for the punters. Whether there would be so many people here tonight if is wasn’t for the Iron Maiden connection is truly a mystery. The “album of two halves”, that is ‘Promise and Terror’ gives rise to another stunner in ‘1633’ and you can see how his time with Mr Harris has rubbed off on his latter material much more than his first 3 albums, especially missing the sci-fi element of the first two CD’s. ‘Blood and Belief’ charges the crowd into a torrent of energy. Like with most bands, their “classic” material always stands the test of time much more than the later tunes released, but in this review its worth noting how strong his new material really is rather than delving into nostalgia. In Blaze’s case; what a voice, what a band! I am still wondering what all the fuss was about on the night, but one thing’s for sure, the talent is clear and present and there is certainly, to quote the new album title, “Promise and Terror” amongst the audience in the Underworld tonight.
Paul Maddison
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