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The Station, Cannock

Saturday 18th January 2025

Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott

As more people become effected by dementia in one way or another, it is important to raise funds to help those affected, and for Dave Evans this has been his mission for the passed twelve years. In that time, he has showcased some of the best up and coming rock bands who are right behind him in his cause and this year is no exception, with outstanding bands from all over the country who have given up their time for free to help him raise some much needed funds.

Bands

Shape of Water

Second Cities

For the Forsaken

ATLAS

Pryma

The Black Hounds

Circus 66

SKAM

Black Lakes

With a crowd of over a hundred people in the venue and friends meeting friends, everyone was in the mood for an enjoyable day, and I was looking forward to it getting started.

The bands are introduced by Pete K. Mally and the day kicks of with three-piece, Shape of Water who are primed and ready to entertain, even though Rox is unwell you would never have known it as the band launch into an impressive set of songs.

I seem to be late to the party as the guys have a couple of albums, EP’s and singles out so I’ll be checking those out when I get home.

I loved ‘Silence of the Lambs’ it’s with heavy drum beat and intricate build up. Rox, vocals/bass along with Luca on guitar and Tom on drums have a different sound with a Muse undertone in some of the songs, which I find refreshing and intriguing.

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Silence of the Lambs

Second Cities is another band that I’ve not heard of before, but I like discovering new bands, and the rock scene at the moment is overflowing with amazing talent. Local to Cannock, this emo/metal band had my attention with their unique blend of music and stage presence as they seamlessly fused raw emotion with heavy melodic riffs. I loved Jamie’s tone which perfectly complimented their sound.

Performing tracks from their released singles and EPs, they delivered a high-energy set that felt far too short, leaving a lasting impression, proving them to be a band worth following. I can’t wait to see what they do next.

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MSRY

I had high expectations of the guys from For the Forsaken after reviewing one of their singles with its grungy, emotional feel, and they didn’t disappoint live. Their performance was fantastic, with their raw energy and passion. Their blend of grunge-inspired tones and emotive lyrics had the audience cheering them on, leaving no doubt in my mind that they’re destined for even greater things. I for one can’t wait to see what’s next for them but I hope to see them on more festival lineups this year.

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Pain

I had seen ATLAS previously at Rockwich doing an acoustic set, but tonight they delivered a full-throttle classic rock set that the crowd loved. Trading their softer acoustic vibe for guitar riffs, and melodic vocals. The setlist highlighted their range, blending powerful anthems with crowd-pleasing favourites, leaving everyone fully engaged.

The band’s stage presence and flawless execution of their set showed the audience their versatility as performers and was a testament to their talent, leaving no doubt that they could command any stage, in any format.

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All or Nothing

It had been a while since I’d last saw Pryma and in that time, they’ve only grown stronger and become tighter as a band.

With Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ as intro they launched into their set, fronted by Gabby and her roar. Their hard-hitting songs had an undeniable impact, and I could see some of the crowd nodding and foot tapping along.

Gabby’s raw, powerful roar added that extra dimension, elevating their sound between melodic verses. The music itself fuelled their relentless energy, creating a great atmosphere that kept the crowd engaged throughout. It was a performance that was a testament to their growth, proving that they’ve honed their craft and become an even more formidable force. Finishing with the well loved ‘Freaky’ and some audience participation they have created a set full of passion, and pure rock energy, leaving no doubt that they are a band on the rise.

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Dead to Me

I’m loving the mix of bands on the bill, each bringing something a wee bit different and taking to the stage now are the heavy metal band The Black Hounds. This band have some great head banging songs that are heavy and in your face. Playing songs like ‘Foundations,’ ‘Breaking the Cycle,’ ‘The Rot’ and finishing off with ‘All Kingdoms Fall’ from their latest album, they went down a storm.

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All Kingdoms Fall

I can’t believe it’s now 8pm, where did that six hours go? The music just keeps on coming at this well organised event that has just a fifteen-minute change over between bands.

Next up is Circus 66, a four-piece hard rock band, led by powerhouse vocalist Annabelle, and her incredible voice. Not only that but she is backed up by Luke, Matt and Leigh who infuse the songs with that edgy energy that brings it all together.

With raw energy and tight musicianship, they deliver a brilliant performance that is a hit with the crowd. A highlight of their performance was ‘Save the Damn World,’ their last single, that showcases their style and power. Watch out for their next single which will be released on the 31st of January.

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Save the Damn World

The penultimate band SKAM, take to the stage and deliver an impressive set of classic rock songs. I loved their set which included songs from their latest album ‘From The Depth,’ singing their last single which was released in November, ‘Selfish Friend’ has a great solid rock sound that I really liked. They included a heavier, darker song written by Neil called ‘Fate of Souls,’ which is also on the album, its a great track that ebbs and flows with a gritty soundtrack that carries it along. Having seen them for the first time, like so many of the bands playing today, I’ll be downloading their material to get a better insight in to them.

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Rising Fever

As the night progressed there was a raffle, with some great prizes ranging from Stonedead Festival tickets to merch bundles. Pete K. Mally did the honours and somehow managed to grab the attention of what now is a very tipsy crowd. Not only that but James from Black Lakes put up for auction the guitar that was used in the videos for ‘White Cliffs’ and ‘Burn,’ raising a whopping £350 for the cause. Hats off to Mark Parsley for that bid.

With all that done it was time for the headliners Black Lakes. This band have something special; I personally think they should be headlining stadiums because as far as I’m concerned, they have everything in abundance, from fantastic well written powerful music and lyrics to stage presence and performance.

Starting their set with the brilliant single ’Verity in Flames,’ they never let up and continued in the same energetic vain, playing songs from their debut album ‘Dead Gods.’ Their songs blend raw emotion and melodies, and there’s not a track on the album I don’t like. Favourites are ‘The Fallen,’ ‘Dead Gods,’ ‘Burn,’ and ‘Rapture’ to name a few. They have anthemic choruses in abundance making for a great atmosphere are the barrier where everyone was singing at the top of their voices.

It’s only a matter of time before Black Lakes have people sit up and take notice of them, because this band are destined for bigger things.

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Burn

Hurricane

All too soon the night is over, and as I write this review the news that the day has made £2,113.40 for Dementia UK is overwhelming. Dave Evans has done an amazing job organising and bringing all the bands together to help in his quest. The bands have been fantastic, giving their time and energy for free. And it is the rock fans that buy the tickets from Dave that has made the whole event a success, what says more about the rock community than that?

Around 944,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK, and someone develops the condition every three minutes. Dementia causes changes in memory, thinking, personality and behaviour, but symptoms vary depending on which type the person has. Dementia UK (www.dementiauk.org )has a mine of information, from how they can support people after a diagnosis, to health advice, a helpline and how to live with the illness as well as how to donate.

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