The Treatment/Buffalo Summer/Massive

The Joiners, Southampton

On an autumnal Monday night, when you’re tired from the weekend and you’ve had a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is drive to Southampton to review three bands, right? Wrong. The bands on this bill held such promise, it was too good an opportunity to pass up and itís always good to be back at the Joiners.

The first band on the bill was Aussie rockers, Massive. I was surprised initially to see so many people in the crowd for an opening act, however these guys have been making huge waves wherever theyíve played. From the first note struck when they took to the stage, it was fairly obvious why, as it soon became apparent that Massive are going to be, well – massive. Their own brand of dirty, high energy rock and roll had the punters eating out of the palm of their collective hands straight from the off, as they romped through one fantastic anthem after another. Never standing still for a moment, every song was a winner, but tracks that stood out particularly were “One by One” and last song “Now or Never”. Every head was bobbing, a few people at the front were rocking out and Massive certainly opened the show in style.

Massive 1–2

Old hands Buffalo Summer were up next, having only recently played here a few weeks ago in support of Phil Campbell’s All Starr Band. The Welsh wonders received a classic Joiners welcome as they kicked off with the anthemic “A Horse Called Freedom” and proceeded to meander through their Southern-infused raunchy rock set, tambourine and all. Solid musicians, cracking vocals, good interaction with the fans ñ the general awesomeness included two new songs, “Money” and “Heartbreaker”, both of which give an indication of what we can expect from the next album. I can’t wait for that.

Buffalo Summer 1–2

Last act of the night, The Treatment, have come a long way. I saw them back at Download in 2012 and boy, how they’ve changed in that time. The first thing to strike me was how packed the room was – there was only one person left in the bar, always a good sign. For a scary moment, I thought I had come to see Avenged Sevenfold as frontman Matt Jones had slicked back his hair, donned gloves and aviator shades a la M Shadows. Still, he looked good on it, it has to be said. Kicking off with “I Bleed Rock and Roll”, the first track from the new album, “Running With The Dogs”, The Treatment blasted their way through an energetic set, absolutely slaying an appreciative Joiners crowd.

The Treatment 1–2–3

They belted out one anthem after another, with Matt passionately thanking fans for coming out in between songs and generally being endearing and engaging with the crowd. When the set ended, there was mayhem, with everyone shouting for an encore, so the guys stepped back on to the stage for “Departed” and “Nothing To Lose”. A first class set from a top class band and a perfect way to finish the evening when they all posed for pics and signed stuff out in the bar.

Chinners and I were absolutely buzzing on the drive home and I can honestly say that this gig was the most fun I have had in ages ñ three fantastic bands on one bill at a great venue on a crap night of the week ñ an absolute winner. I only wish it could have gone on for longer!

Set Lists
The Treatment
I Bleed Rock+Roll
The Doctor
Don’t Look Down
Emergency
Let It Begin
Bloodsucker
Drink, F**k, Fight
The Outlaw
Running With The Dogs
Get the Party On
Shake the Mountain
Encore:
Departed
Nothing to Lose but Our Minds