Black Lakes/ Quireboys
Review By Darren McIntyre Photos By Scott Anderson
Black Lakes are a rock & alternative rock band who formed in 2018 and have given us The Divide, 5 singles, 2 EP’s and are about to make their Winterstorm debut, the band take to the stage and launch into -Hate – A gritty crunching riff erupts from the stage as the band rocks out and gives us a real wake up call as this pounding beast comes to life as a pounding double bass kick lets the rhythm section cut loose and really give it to us.
A dark, mellow bassline is hitting us and it just drops killer grooves that make this track something special, the gravelly rasping vocals are adding depth to this thundering monster track that is certainly bringing the noise to Winterstorm tonight, the boys have a little Prodigy about them but that is not bad company to be in, next up -Averice – A thundering rhythm section explodes in front of us as this ferocious groove makes itself known to us as we feel the energy crashing the party right now as the band takes it up a notch. The gritty riffs are wrapped around a that is building and building as the band just drops the hammer and gives us a real sludgy crunching track that lets us get our teeth into this rocking / alt band that are certainly making themselves known to this swelling Sessions Stage crowd, the tracks are fast, furious, in your face and just a catchy toe tapping tine that is bringing something different to the stage tonight,
we roll into -Fragments – A cool dark guitar lick opens the track as we are followed by a pounding rhythm section that is hitting us with all it has as the killer double bass kicks filll the air as the boys deliver a real thought provoking number. A real heavy ended bassline is hitting us with mellow, funk laden tones that mix well with this dark, melodic beast that is ticking all the boxes as the band just digs deep and hits us with a shredding power drenched guitar salvo that grabs your attention as the crowd are really enjoying this fresh take that has landed on the shores of Ayrshire tonight,
we catch our breathe for a bit before the boys launch into -The Divide – A slightly mellow approach comes at us as the thundering rhythm section opens this riffed number that just tells it’s own story as the band brings a real cool tone to us. The vocals are soaring as they let the track open and break free as we punch the air and stamp our feet to this melodic rocking beast, the full on bassline is handing us deep, pulsing grooves that work so well in this classy number that is beginning to breathe. The twin guitar salvo is creating a real buzz that works as we feel the beat deliver a thundering tone that fills the hall tonight. The band are giving us a real treat with their alt / rock vibe that just builds and builds. we move onto
Vapour – Backing intro tapes of sampler tones wander freely through the intro as the dark vocals let us feel the emotion as it pulses through Troon tonight. The cool beat is allowing the track to build as we let the tone wrap itself around us as this haunting beast kicks in the doors and just delivers a classy beat that allows the track to open and soar, we are getting real cool vocals that flow freely through the track as the tempo builds with a real intense, dark, brooding bassline that just takes this track upwards as the crunching guitar riffs punch us straight in the face with it’s intense tone and beat, we roll into
Burn – A crunching guitar lick erupts from the off as a colossal rhythm section brings a double kick bass that works with a solid snare drum kick that lets this track break free. The delicious bassline is handing us real funky grooves that work well with this anthemic track as the soaring dark vocals come through and really give this track depth as we go with the flow as the band really ups the tempo and hits us with a real cool tone that is swamped in deep, pounding snare drum fills that get a slick classy guitar riff that has the track flowing with ease as the funky beat catches us and takes us along for the ride, we rock into
Verity In Flames – A gritty pounding bass / snare drum kick lets this track come to life as we get real soulful dark vocals that get this track off the ground as the sampler tones linger in the background. The soaring vocals are just adding intensity to the track as we feel the emotion oozing from the powering lyrics that just let this track tell it’s own story, the tone is simple but effective as the guitar salvo kicks in the doors and just allows this track to give us a real melodic tone that is mixed with growler vocals and a real heavy brooding guitar lick that just takes this track to another level, up next
Hurricane A rousing rhythm section gets us underway as sampler tones linger through the intro as this melodic number comes at us with a deep pounding bass beat that really lets this track sing. The solid snare drum beats are working effortlessly with a cool tempo that is building and building as this foot stomping dark groover really opens and delivers a thundering beat that is bringing slick guitar licks that are followed by a cool rhythm section that is doing it’s thing and really controlling the tone of this bruising track that is full of killer tones, shredding riffs and soaring vocals, we reach the last song in the set -Dissident
The place is buzzing as we have had our ears well and truly pinned back as the boys have certainly made themselves known to us with a storming set that will be with us for a while. The slick clean guitar licks are flowing freely through the track as the boys wind it up a notch with a thundering beast that ticks all the boxes for sure, the melodic vocals work perfectly in this dark piece as we just lose ourselves in this fist pumping beast that is a real thought provoking number that makes you feel the intense tones that are flowing freely through this punchy bass driven monster that is punching us straight in the face with it’s intense tones and ctunching guitar salvo that is just off the chart.
Black Lkes – Will Preston – Lead Vocals Scott Bradshaw – Guitar / BV James Rowlands – Guitar / BV Lee Harris – Bass / BV Dafydd Fuller – Drums /BV
Setlist – Hate Averice Fragments The Divide Vapour Burn Verity In Flames Hurricane
We come to the final act of the night and it comes to us in the form of Quireboys Spike who has gotten the boys back together albeit in another form and boy what a line up. Spike has been a staple on the rock n roll circuit for many years and has done many solo tours to bring us his storytelling in it’s finest form that has thrilled audiences around the world, tonight is a real treat for Quireboys & Spike fans as we savour the music that has shaped many fans musical tastes throughout the years. As the lights fade and the intro music belts out through the house PA – Spike and the boys saunter on stage to huge applause and lap up the cheers and hollers before they launch into –
Jeez Louise – Spike bellows out hello Winterstorm as the track comes to life as Spike pulls out his harmonica and lets this colossal blues infused track come to life as the place comes to life. We have cool piano tones rolling through Winterstorm as the guys let rip with a pounding rhythm section that drops cool snare drum beats as the cymbal crashes rain down on us as Luke steps forward and drops slick, clean guitar licks that really let this track open and soar. The tempo is a real foot stomping groover as the place just bursts into life with a chorus of singing that let’s this feel like a party and boy is is gonna get wild, the place is hollering and punching the aira as we stroll into
Can’t Park Here – The boys tune up as Spike sups on some more beer as the track begins with a cool guitar riff that works so well alongside a honky tonk piano groove that gets those feet moving as the place gets into the party mood. Spike brings his unmistakeable vocals to Troon and they have a real gravelly tone that just makes this track so much better as the boys are so in tune. The stage is a real flurry of activity with Spike stoating around the stage and laughing and smiling from ear to ear as this rag tag bunch of musicians really get the place rocking, we feel the funky rock n roll blues feel rolling across the stage as the boys bring their A-Game to us tonight, up next
Misled – Spike brings his soulful bluesy gravel to the song as a cool piano tone sweeps across the stage as this awesome number builds and springs into life as the rhythm section brings a real cool kick. The slick, clean guitar licks are just wrapping themselves around this fantastic track as the boys are getting warmed up as they drop the hammer and really let us feel the fantastic groove oozing from the Winterstorm stage. The honky tonk style beat is just wonderful and it takes us all back to the bands heyday as we just move our feet and feel the music tell it’s own story as this fantastic bunch of musicians really bring the fun to us tonight as the boys just dig deep and really get us all moving and a grooving, Spike bellows out wow thank you Winterstorm as we applaude loudy as he tells us he is so pleased to be here as the boys roll into
Sweet Mary Jane – Spike asks us for a yeehaw as this cool track opens with his cool rasping vocals that have a deep full on bassline that drops killer funk grooves that let this sing a long track leave it’s mark. Guitar licks are coming through as this punchy rock n roll classic comes to life as the boys really give it to us straight tonight, the rhythm section is handing us cool snare drum beats that really give the track some swagger as the tempo dips for a little as the cool piano notes bring a real cool beat to this full on blues assault that just tells Winterstorm that Spike’s Quireboys are in the house and they have certainly brought the fun, energy & groove to Troon tonight, the place is really buzzing as we catch our breathe as the boys drop into
Raining Whiskey(Frankie Miller) – Spike asks us if we like Frankie Miller which brings a huge cheer from this swelling crowd as he says he was one of the best singers he ever knew. There is a real cool buzz around this track as the boys put their own spin on it as the cool piano keys tinker away in the background and really give this track some swagger, the full on bassline is dropping cool, dark funk grooves that really elevate this fist pumping rock n roll track with it’s sweet melodies that just put a smile on your face for sure. The snare drum punches are filling the place as they bring a punchy funk appeal to us tonight as the boys just rip it up on stage as we get into -Whippin Boy – A cool punchy groove comes from the rhythm section as a dark, soulful bassline drops in and lets this track come to life as Spike asks us to sing back to him and we do. The funky toe tapping groove is just really infectious as a cool, slick guitar riff flows freely through the intro as this rag tag track comes for us, Spike lets his rasping vocals wrap themselves around this cool track as we just sing along and feel the warmth oozing from the stage as the boys come together and really let the track sing. The full on funky bass is just hitting us with insane beats that allow this track the room it deserves to really let us feel the delicious tones that we are getting right now from this colossal band on stage right now, the place is just warming up as we get into
Tramps & Thieves – The classic track kicks off with a cool piano tone that brings snared rum beat that allows this fantastic toe tapping track to bring a little razzle dazzle to Winterstorm. A deep funky bassline drops in and lets this cool groover to really open and let Spike bring his raspy gravelly vocals that let us feel the energy pouring from the stage tonight, the boys are really hitting their stride as the tune brings in a sweet guitar riss as Luke wanders the stage and brings his killer tones to this epic piece of music. The keys are shining through as Willie tinkers away and just gives this track a little extra oomph as we bop along to this timeless classic before we roll into -Hey You – Spike lets the track unfold with a little woohoo as the boys settle in and let this classic tune roll from the stage as the crowd sing along to this foot stomping bluesy groover.
The rhythm section is commanding the room from the back of the stage as the boys come together and just let Spike take the lead as he strolls around the stgae in his own way to bring a cool funky beat to Troon tonight. The boys are really enjoying themselves as they bring us a real cool bluesy rock n roll show that features the incredible Spike, the man, the myth, the legend as he asks the crowd to give him a woohoo, a scream and then thanks us for ,making him and the boys so welcome, up next -You & I – Acoustic strumming chords ring out as Spike brings his killer raspy vocals to this toe tapping track as the crowd falls silent as this cool rag tag classic oozes from the stage.
The deep ccol bassline is wrapping itself around this cool track as the boys settle into their groove and let us revel in the hits from this charismatic frontman as he delivers a real cool set that spans the hits that we all know so well, the rhythm section is hitting us with cool snare drum punches that give this track depth and really lets the cool vocals of Spike rise to the surface for sure. The place is loving a bit o Spike and his supergroup as the roll out the hits and then some as we kick into -I Think I Got It Wrong Again – Luke steps up and lets his guitar bring this rasping groover to life as Spike leans in and lets his gravelly vocals bring this classic track to life. The tempo changes pace as the rhythm section brings a toe tapping cymbal laden beat that welcomes a honky tonk style piano tone that just lets this groover breathe as the place dances and sings with joy as the tempo rises and off we go. The place is just oozing with classy tones and punchy beats as Luke steps forward on offloads with a slick, clean solo that just embraces what this song is all about,
Spike looks lioke he is really enjoying himself as he lets his rasping gritty vocals fill the place and bring a huge smile to everyone in Troon tonight, we are hurtling through the set and roll into -King Of New York – A nice piano into rolls through the stage as he tells us to have a good time as he thinks he may not remember being here as he tells us that this track is fot Guy Bailey which brings a huge cheer from this swelling crowd. The sweet melodic vocals are oozing from the stage as the cool piano tones take the lead as Spike gives it his all in this real thought provoking piece that just shines. The classy track has so much meaning for so many folk as we stand and sway to the cool bass kicked beat that is coming from the back of the room tonight, we feel the emotion coming from Spike as he pours his heart into this track that means so uch to so many.
The cool guitar licks are wrapping themselves around this epic arrangement as Spike really does it justice as he strolls around the stage and really delivers cool thought provoking lyrics that reach everyone in the hall tonight as we hurtle towards – Happy – Luke brings a gritty cool guitar lick that ripples through Winterstorm as this snare drum laden rock n roller comes to life as the boys drop the hammer and really bring the groove to us tonight. The cool, dark brooding bassline is handing us sweet, meaty funk beats that just allow this track to come to life as the rhythm section brings a real funky pounding beat that is just awesome, the boys are really bringing the fun to us tonight as we get the cool piano tones that give this track depth and a bluesy groove that is just awesome.
The slick, clean guitar licks are pouring from the stage as Luke lets his fingers do the talking as this funky beast just builds and builds as Spike and the boys really bring it and then some, the hits keep on coming as we stroll into -There She Goes Again – A nice crisp guitar riff opens the track as Spike’s unmistakeable vocals let this track come to life as we roll back the years with this classic groover that is just timeless. The honky tonk style piano keys are letting the groove flow as the rhythm section brings a cool snare drum beat as the cymbal snaps allow the track to flow and really bring the joy to Winterstorm tonight, the place is in full on party mood as the boys really get into the mood with this real party style track that has us singing and dancing to this funky beat that just lets the place feel the energy oozing from Spike & the boys. This is a short sharp punchy rock n roll classic that is giving us that good time feeling as the boys roll out hit after hit as we move onto
Roses & Rings – Spike certainly brings the love and joy to Troon as he strolls around the stage and really gets us all up and moving as this soulful melodic track springs into life. The colossal raspy vocals are sounding cool as the place cheers loudly as the track erupts with a real cool funking bassline that drops killer funk grooves that just let this track deliver a deep melodic beat that puts a smile on everyone’s face as the boys just dig deep and let the funk breathe. The place is rocking and rolling as Spike wanders around the stage and brings a real hinky tonk blues affair to us as the boys come together and really let the foot stomping beat roll into the hall as we just enjoy this fantastic set that has been a trip down memory lane with it’s real divers songs, banter and good all round musicality, we roll into the last track in the set or so we think with the classic
7 O’Clock – The familiar groove erupts from the stage as Spike brings out his harmonica to get this classic track off the ground as we stamp our feet to this rousing blues soaked rock n roller. The cool twinkly piano tones are really giving this track depth, swagger and bags of sass as the place enters full on party mode as we just sing and dance to this timeless classic that just keeps on giving, the rhythm section is commanding the beat from the back of the room as Spike bellows out Winterstorm lets be havin you as we sing out the killer line that lets him bring out his harmonica as we party and dance as we bellow out and let the boys do their thing as this party rocker builds as the place just comes to life with a real cool funk beat that is just awesome. Spike says goodnight & god bless as he leaves the stage but will return for sure as we come back for an encore
Myrtle Beach – A cool slick guitar lick oozes from the stage as Luke lets his sultry chords let the track come to life as Spike steps forward and unleashes his soulful raspy vocals that just shine. The dark, meaty bassline drops cool funk laden grooves all through the track as the boys come at us with a toe tapping beat that has depth, swagger and plenty of juice in the tank as we stroll through the timeless classics of yesteryear. The rhythm section is hitting us with a solid snare drum punch as the groove just wraps itself around us as we really relive our youth with this classy piec of music as we stroll onto
-Like It Or Not – Spike steps forward and offloads with a real raspy, gravel tone that just pops as a slick clean guitar lick flows effortlessly through the venue as the old time classics keep coming. There is a nice, dark brooding bassline that really lets this track breathe as we feel the funk oozing from this classic arrangement as Luke steps forward and just brings the magic to us tonight, we have a cool, sweet rhythm beat that just works perfectly with this epic track as Spike wanders the stage and drops his fantastic gravelly tones that just have us hooked from the off. We have been treated to something special tonight let me tell you as this colossal setlist really brought the heat to Winterstorm,
next up -Mayfair – Cymbal snaps ring out as a cool gritty guitar riff pours from the stage as this foot tapping rocker track erupts and lets Spike drop his incredible raspy vocals all through the intro. The boys are really coming together as we get a sweet cool piano groove that just works so well with the dark brooding bassline that just wraps itself around us tonight as we feel the killer beat come for us, the harmonica tones are just awesome as the boys hit us with a real cool vibe that swirls around the place as we give the boys fist pumps and hollers as we roll into the final track of this epic set as we welcome
I Don’t Love You Anymore – A sweet mellow piano tone opens the track as Spike lets his raspy vocals lean in and bring this track to life as we watch the stage as he lets his vocals do the talking. A nice cool guitar pick is flowing freely in the background as a snare drum punch fills the air as we welcome this classic track to end this colossal set that just keps us entertained as we sing along and just feel the energy coming through tonight. The boys have played a blinder and it throws a huge heap of gratitude to Ian for getting these guys to Winterstorm as it has proved to be a phenomenal success, this is just the perfect way to end night 1 of this incredible festival as Spike really delivers a well thought out personal setlist that brought us the hits, the memories and so much more.
Spike’s Quireboys – Spike – Vocals / Harmonica Luke – Guitar Nigel – Bass Willie – Keys Harry – Drums
Setlist – Jeez Louise Can’t Park Here Misled Sweet Mary Anne Raining Whiskey Whippin Boy Tramps & Thieves Hey You You & I I Think I Got It Wrong Again King Of New York Happy There She Goes Again Roses & Rings 7 ‘ Oclock Myrtle Beach Like It Or Not Mayfair I Don’t Love You Anymore
Winterstorm Day 1 – what an opening day it was
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