Review by Gary Roebuck photos By Callum Roebuck
Cyprus “The island of Love” that tonight would have had “Aphrodite” dancing.
Symbiosis delivered a “Firecracker” of a set to close this blockbuster 4 day festival of rock,fire shows and DJ,s amid the historic harbour/castle area of this ancient town.
Symbiotic brothers Jay, Themis, Aleksander and Miltos from a mix of a couple of countries and bloodlines – namely part English/Cypriot, Serbian and last but not least a Cypriot duo.
These locally acclaimed lads shone bright on a night where they played on stage for the best part of 2 and a half hours in what could only be described as stifling near 38 real feel degree heat and I sit writing this review in 30 real feel degree heat in “Scotland” and you can’t say that too often
The lads who are famed as a top notch rock covers band on this island started us off on this rollercoaster of a set in front of a sizeable audience of eager fan based locals and curious tourists with the Pearl Jam number “Even Flow” followed by “Vertigo” from U2 and then the classic “Summer of ‘69 from a certain Bryan Adams, the first quartet of songs was completed by The Calling “Wherever you will go” and as early as 4 songs in the stage was set for a night of classic rock covers.
Covers from the “Foo Fighters” and “Blink 182” was then followed by the Bon Jovi anthem “It’s my Life” and as early into the set I was informed that the event could be heard at the other end of the promenade – that will allude to how loud this gig was and having walked this area prior to tonight many times was backed up by one of the best lighting displays I’ve witnessed.
Midset we were treated to anthem after anthem from this set as “American Idiot” was followed by “Iris”, “Creep”, “Dakota” and “Use Somebody”.
It was noticeable halfway through the set that the audience had dwindled a little due to the heat but what then followed was a rocking trio of “In Bloom”, “Whole Lotta Love” and “Highway to Hell” and on watching around during tonight’s mammoth set that whatever the age these tunes were they were received and appreciated by young and old alike.
Never have I witnessed an act so accomplished to carry out such an astonishing gig in such warm surroundings but from Themis Papadopoulos on lead with his “Slash” hairstyle, bare chest, leather clad trousers and boots – oh what a night he delivered when we were treated mid-set to a cord shredding instrumental with said guitar behind him on his back played on his shoulders.Aleksander Jotovic on bass struck a pose throughout and it was awesome to see a gig where cigs could be part of the set as he plundered through song after song, Miltos Miltiadis on drums was coolness personified as he delivered a frenetic at times beat all the time keeping the guys to his front well led and what can be said about the jewel in the crown Jay Georgiades front and centre even although we were only through half the set the pace was fervent as this band of “Symbiotic” brothers created a bond that will live not only within the quartet but will be remembered as the band of the weekend Jay his voice never wavered throughout this vocal, lung bursting set.
“Everlong”, “Alive” and “Rock you like a Hurricane” kept us in awe as we were catapulted into the last 9 anthems of the night.
Green Day “Basket Case” followed by an absolutely outrageous cover of “Zombie” had the re energised crowd at capacity once again as I noticed I’d gone from back to middle to front of the stage and the participation from the captive audience vocally here was evident to see with arm swaying, fist pumping adrenaline fueled enthusiasm back to fever pitch, I’ve heard covers of “Zombie” before but this was manic.
“In the End”,”Nothing else Matters” and “Wish you were Here” led us into the final few songs of the set and it was a joy to behold to see and hear so many of the young ramping up the vocals throughout as there was barely a gap in the area from front of stage to the very back.
What followed was a quartet of gigantic tunes and what set would not keep you enthralled when they included “Wanted dead or Alive” Jay picking up on guitar ”Smells like teen Spirit” which was met with absolute adoration before the penultimate tune “Smoke on the Water” before bedlam erupted with the set closer “Enter Sandman”.
That was that you’d think after well over 2 hours of rock god anthems but this audience due to Jay keeping them in the palms of his hands had the audience crying out for “one more tune” which he toyed with as he asked “if that’s as loud you can ask” volume cranked up duly we then were left in awe as an absolute classic cover of “Mr Brightside” was delivered and crowd participation left us at the end.
“One more song” was asked again for but there was nothing left in the tank as the guys left the stage to tumultuous applause.
Let me say that whilst these guys are about –
“Old School Rock” is “ Alive and Kicking”
So many highlights for me but to pick 3 songs that epitomised the set and crowd participation my favourites were “Smells like teen Spirit”, “Highway to Hell” and set closer “Mr. Brightside”.
For me catching a band I,d heard so much about but had never had the opportunity due to being the best part of 2,500 miles away and not playing in a pub venue tonight but in the surrounding area of Pafos harbour with it’s luxury yachts and fishing boats and with the castle at it’s entrance has left “Symbiosis” with I,d say not just one new fan but quite a few.
You’ve certainly caught my attention!!!
Jay thanks for putting the time off with me post gig to get a chat and until the next time – and there will be for me I’ll sign off with my customary signature.
“Until the next time” – Adios Gazza.
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