Tracer Islington Academy 24-4-12

First up were Little Crazy from Sheffield who played a 40 minute set that had us scratching our heads.

A 7 piece who are about to release their debut cd “No Drink No Play”. The 7 members included Sofire on vocals who had a good voice but had little stage presence. At the back were 2 young ladies who performed on 2 platforms dancing their way through the set. Apart from 2 songs when they left and 1 when they played keyboards and backing vocals.

Jamz on guitar led the band through some good  songs including “Alone”, ”Fear” and “Save U” its just that you ended up watching the dancing girls and not listening to the music or watching the rest of the band.

As we left the gig we bumped into Jamz who asked us what we thought. I said that you ended up watching the girls to which he replied that’s why he makes so many mistakes!!!

I rave reviewed Australian Tracer’s full length debut “Spaces in Between” back in September so was looking forward to seeing how they relate to the live arena.

Quite fantastically I have to say, you would never believe that this was their first headline show in the UK as from the moment they hit the stage like an elephant in hob nail boots they tried to rip London a new one.

To have such an air of confidence in 3 young lads is fantastic.

They know they can play and know they have the songs so just turn up to 11 and off they go.

Now it would have been easy to just play all of the debut cd but they are so confident they played “Son Of A Gun” from their debut ep and also 3 more from the follow up including the quite excellent “Wrecking Ball”.

Here is the setlist in full

Brothers Michael (vox and guitar) and Leigh Brown (bass) and drummer Andre Wise have a sound that is equal parts classic/rock/ stoner/metal but always have an ear for a tune and have no problem writing a melody and chorus.

Leigh said it was amazing over 600 people had come out to see them playing songs written in their mum and dad’s front room who would be proud.  Saying that with the aural assault coming from only 3 guys Motorhead would have been proud too!!

Leigh and Michael prowl the edge of the stage like seasoned pro’s and never stop moving. Leigh has a wonderful howl and can play riff and solo with the best of them.

For such a young act they can mix it up too. They know it’s not only about beating people around the head but the slower quieter passages make it even better when they all  come in together.

”Spaces In Between” especially works well with the light and shade parts of the song. It makes the heavier parts heavier!!

They even turned their own excellent song “Walk Alone” into a jam that included most of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” without a missed beat (superb).

Ending the 70 minute set with the double hit of “Won’t Let It Die” and then first single “Too Much” was again superb. The former had an extended solo from Leigh before the hard hitting single showed off all their many qualities.

Riffs, heavy drums, chorus and that almighty howl.

We were left wanting more and this is only the start of what should be a long and healthy career.

With some festival appearances booked and a 10 date UK tour of different venues than this 5 date run due in September/October the only way is up.

I said at the end of my cd review one to watch I think that should now be watch them go HUGE!!

Buy the cd and go and see them to say you were there at the start!!

I was!!!!!!!!!

ME/Shazz

All photos copyrighted to B J Wok (with thanks)