Engine Rooms, Southampton
It was no surprise that Band of Skulls sold out the 800 capacity Engine Rooms in Southampton weeks before the gig. Southampton is the band’s hometown and there’s always something extra special when a band has that many friends and family in the audience!!
But first the support act BONES burst onto the stage. This 3-piece fronted by 2 ass-kicking girl singers/guitarists is based in London. Awesome image and amazing sound. This band is properly talented and the girls (Carmen Vandenberg and Rosie Bones) recently co-wrote Jeff Beck’s new album. Seriously impressive songwriters and performers. This band is one to watch and I hope to see them again on some festival stages next year. They could be massive.
Then came Band of Skulls. The anticipation in the air at Engine Rooms was electric and that atmosphere was maintained throughout the entire epic 18 track set.
Band of Skulls played a mixture of old and new tracks beginning with “In Love By Default” and including a crowd favourite in “The Devil Takes Care of His Own”. The set also included my own favourites “Himalayan”, “Black Magic”, “So Good” and some exquisite vocals on “Honest”.
Excellent performance slick and flawless and a real treat for anyone lucky enough to have a ticket. Somehow this band is still slightly under the radar of mainstream superstardom. Not for long!
Links
http://www.bandofskulls.com/
http://www.bonesbandbones.com/
Words & Pictures by Rhona Murphy
