All photos by Carol Henson (aka Lady Gigger) and review written by Dave Martin.
Back to the Melbourne Rock Club for what unfortunately will be the last gig of the year here and for the foreseeable future, as Mark and his hard-working crew are taking a step back from gigs and having a well-earned rest.
Tonight, there should have been three bands, but the main band had to pull out due to unforeseen circumstances, so, as the saying goes, the show must go on, and Mark decided to carry on with the other two bands on the bill and put the event on for free.
Devoted Surrender are a four-piece rock/punk outfit from Stevenage. What makes them most interesting is their ages and the fact they have only been together as a band for just over a year.
Harry, lead singer and social media manager, and fellow founding member Ben are fifteen years of age, and they are the two eldest.
Shay on bass and Dylan, the drummer, are only thirteen years of age, and let me tell you, I heard their soundcheck, and these youngsters can play.
Shay already owns over twenty guitars and basses, and Shay has a strong musician bloodline.
They play original songs and covers.
Coming on the stage to an air raid siren sound bite, Harry has a young Robert Smith of the Cure vibe about him, complete with heavy kohl makeup, all in black, and a tie (nice image).
The room was pretty full today, which was nice to see, and the band have a young female following who had come along to support them tonight.
Two original songs, a fan favourite, Nothing’s New and the brilliantly titled Exit through the Static, and you could see these lads are in this for the long haul. Dylan, at such a young age, knows his way around a drumkit, and just a few songs in, I was so impressed: the rudimental stick work was phenomenal, and the way he kept time means he has a chance of massive success in this industry.
That also goes for Shay. His bass work was also incredible; he bent the strings, creating wailing tones, and his shredding was mind-blowing for one so young. Both these youngsters showcased their talent in spades tonight.
Not taking anything away from Harry and Ben; both ooze confidence on stage. Harry has a dry sense of humour, and we had some excellent axe work from Ben throughout the night.
The guys are heavily influenced by classic punk and alt/rock and perform it like consummate professionals.
Their unusual version of Ghostbusters had the young girls screaming out the chorus, cleverly constructed to fit in with their style of music.
There was also an interesting version of Blur’s Girls and Boys; they showed no nerves all night, and you could see they were enjoying every moment.
A faster version of QOTSA’s Go with the Flow had many of the punters dancing along.
Their final two songs were, surprise surprise, the Cure’s Boys Don’t Cry and Radiohead’s Creep, and as the song goes – lads, you are fucking special.
Don’t give up; keep enjoying it, and I can see you having a huge future.
Links: Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557690825234
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devotedsurrenderofficial
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@devoted_surrender
Co-headliners tonight were a local Cambridge band, For the Forsaken.
They are well known at the Melbourn, having played here a few times. I had heard a lot about them, and having influences like Black Stone Cherry and Alter Bridge, it should be an interesting set.
Dan Hunsdon on bass and lead vocals, his son Jack on rhythm guitar and BV’s, Stuart Isteed on lead guitar, and completing the band, Adam (Chevy) Cheverton on drums.
Their passion is in promoting addiction, mental health issues and recovery, and Dan won’t mind me saying he spent a lot of his life as an addict, has since been through a rehab programme and is now completely clean.
He now sponsors people in the same position he was in and should be heavily applauded for that.
The band’s songs are heavily based around Dan’s life changes and his road to recovery and take you on that journey.
Promoting their debut album, Hole in My Soul.
Dan has a loud and powerful growl to his voice and a great roar at times. Kicking off their set with ‘Guiding Star’, Stuart, standing on a monitor, played a blistering solo – they are full of energy, these guys.
Dan commands a stage adorned in white, forever working the audience and keeping them participating with hand claps, and he is a wonderful frontman.
Adam is my type of drummer, a skin-smashing tub thumper, and his double pedalling was brilliant, especially on the album title track Hole in My Soul.
Dan sings with such passion, and you can feel the emotion running through his veins with every song that is so personal to him, the connection to his past and the wonderful recovery. I love the journey these guys take you on; the chemistry with Jack and Adam was also prevalent throughout the night – both sharing some duet moments.
The riff-laden Take Me by the Hand had many headbanging, myself included.
A really tight band and an even tighter sound: if you get a chance, get out and see them.
Links:
Website: https://www.fortheforsaken.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/theforsakenband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortheforsakenband/
It was great seeing so many out supporting live music and these two excellent bands who have played tonight.
Yet another entertaining night courtesy of the never-ending hard work from Mark and his team.
Enjoy your break, lads; you deserve it.
Here’s to the next time.
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