Devilskin/Skarlett Riot/Voodoo Vegas

Talking Heads, Southampton

It is not often around these parts that a quality rock band from New Zealand pays us a visit. Devilskin are from Hamilton on the “North Island” and formed in 2010. After an initial flurry of singles the band have released their debut album “We Rise”. This UK tour is an attempt by the quartet to introduce their own brand of heavy rock to a new market. Tonight’s date at the new location of the Talking Heads in Southampton is the final night of what so far has been a highly successful tour.

There are two support acts to entertain us before the headliners take to the stage. The first of these is Bournemouth’s classic rock connoisseurs “Voodoo Vegas” who work really hard to whip up this rather initially reluctant Sunday night crowd. The frontman Lawrence Case puts masses of effort into getting the crowd clapping and singing along, eventually succeeding triumphantly. The band’s twin guitar attack from Meryl and Jon is something really worth the entry money alone. The new songs like the batman inspired “Killing Joke” and the powerfully delivered “Resolution” show Southampton just what this band are really made of. They leave the stage with a promise of a much overdue second album release via a pledge music campaign, and plenty of positive applause from the Talking Heads crowd.

Voodoo Vegas 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8

The main tour support is Skarlett Riot, a four-piece from Scunthorpe lead by the unmistakable and unique Chloe Drinkwater. The band; though this is only their third trip to this town, have the crowd 100% with them right from the start. Their infectious energy emits from the stage as they play well delivered tunes like the powerful opener “Divide Us” and the really rocking “Villain”. Chloe’s infectious smile and slightly risquÈ attire is not her main attribute as her voice continually delivers with each number performed. Guitarist Danny Oglesby gets the award for the most space covered during this evening, his energy is endless and his guitar riffs are huge. The band leave the stage after a 30 minute set full of all the ingredients needed to entertain a crowd. If these guys carry on with this high momentum a much larger stage beckons for them very soon.

Skarlett Riot 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9–10–11–12

Devilskin comprise of melodious Jennie Skulander (Vocals), Nail (Guitar) with father/son rhythm section of Pau Martin (Bass) and Nic Martin (Drums). These guys have played huge shows all over the world including a support slot with Motley Crue and Alice Cooper in 2015. These smaller shows I’m sure are much more of a challenge, with just over 100 people in front of them the band have to come out and play their socks off to impress this new audience. Kicking off with “Elvis Presley Circle Pit” they continue the high energy pace set by the support acts. Their music though heavy is melodic; featuring perfectly executed clean vocals, coupled with various intermittent screams and growls.

Devilskin 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9–10–11–12

The really impressive set features mainly tracks from the debut album, as well as a surprise cover of Dio’s “Holy Diver”. There are so many highlights including the jaw-dropping vocal performance “Start a Revolution” and Nail’s riff crunching guitars on “Dirt”. The band leave the stage only to be called back by a very demanding audience for a well-earned encore. Jennie’s voice seems to be suffering a little and she can hardly talk, but strangely her singing is not affected in any way. The crowd are rewarded with two more songs before the band finally leave the stage and make their way over to the merchandise area, promising to sign anything anybody wanted. A truly fantastic night with three very different bands, all putting on a great show.

Set Lists
Devilskin
Elvis Presley Circle Pit
Vessel
Until You Bleed
Surrender
Holy Diver (Dio)
Fade
Never See the Light
Start a Revolution
Mountain
Dirt
We Rise

Little Bills
Violation

Skarlett Riot
Divide Us
Wake Up
Adrenaline
Villain
House of Cards
Cascade
Voices
Ignite

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