InMe take over Newport Corn Exchange on Singer’s Birthday

Words and Photos by Dave Martin/Faversham Photography

On a warm Saturday night in Wales the Brenford based alternative rock group InMe took over the Newport Corn exchange on lead singer Dave McPherson’s 45^th birthday in what is the bands 30^th year as a group, supported by up-and-coming acts Black Lakes and Aethoria.

First to the stage were Suffolk based group Aethoria. The band are hot off their summer festival run having played Maid of Stone, Bloodstock and London Metal Fest to name a few.  Having covered all three of the events I knew what to expect from the 5 piece who only 6 weeks previous had released their first album, “Fool’s Gold”. Starting the set with “More Time”, Mercia-Jade Holden’s vocals cut through the air and with the guitar backing from Jamie Gray and Alex Coombes joining in early in the set. With many of the audience wearing Black Lakes and InMe merch it was clearly their first time watching Aethoria but unlikely to be the last judging by their reactions.  From his position side stage Lee Alexander delivered the intense rhythms that underpinned the groups sound and Mecia bounced around the stage like a whirling dervish, her energy infectious. Throughout the set Gray and bassist Connor Sheppard interacted showing the band’s chemistry. The group delivered multiple tracks from their latest album along with singles such as Tamed and Stepping Stones. The captivating melodies and pounding rhythms combined with the riff laden guitars are making Aethoria one of the hottest properties on the UK music scene.

Setlist

1. More Time
2. Tamed
3. Eden
4. Bring Me Home
5. Stepping Stones
6. Popcorn

Next to the stage were hard-hitting alternative metal band Black Lakes. Playing close to their home bases the group clearly have a following in the local area with many in the crowd already fans. The group are another band that I have covered on multiple occasions which meant I was excited to see them again. Starting off their set with “Burn” the band’s unique quality was clear from the very first bar. James Rowland and Scott Bradshaw’s guitars were at the forefront from the beginning with James wearing his customary stage attire that includes a kilt. The group have a mixture of personalities on stage from bassist Lee Harris’ dark moody presence to vocalist Will Preston’s dramatic flair and facial expressions and this contrast really works in drawing you in as a fan. The group played a cross-section of their previous tracks but also included unreleased track “Dead Inside” which was met with a positive response from those gathered before Dafydd Fuller’s high energy drumming launched the band into fourth track “Avarice”. The highlight of the set for me was “Hurricane” with its effect driven intro and exceptionally catch chorus. I found myself singing along at the top of my lungs to the track and for anyone not familiar with the band, I would strongly suggest this song as their entry point. On stage the band were jumping along which prompted the crowd to join in. I am a big fan of contrasting vocals, and this song has infectious singing and gutturals backed by pounding drums and excellent guitar work before abruptly finishing.  To end the set the group played piano introed “Dear Gods” which starts with an ethereal feel before heavier chorus kicks in. Black Lakes like Aethoria before them are a band that are on the up and up and it won’t be too long until they are gracing much larger stages.

Setlist

1. Burn
2. White Cliffs
3. Avarice
4. Fragments
5. Dissident
6. Verity in Flames
7. Hurricane
8. Dear Gods

Last to the stage were headline act InMe, a band I have been listening to for over 25 years. I had only managed to see them perform once before so the anticipation for their performance was high. Having spent my university years listening to the bands first two albums on repeat I was excited to see the group perform. To say they lived up to expectation was an understatement. Kicking off proceedings with the high energy “7 Weeks” from their second album “White Butterfly” it didn’t take long for the crowd to be singing along. Just to amplify the atmosphere the band moved into “Underdose” which had the audience screaming even louder. The band’s second most streamed track had everyone captivated as Dave McPhearson stood on the riser at the front of the stage delivering his distinctive vocals with gusto.  From my position in front of the stage one thing that stood out to me was the sheer skill of guitarist John O’Keeffe. I have worked with and seen many amazing guitar players and he was up there with the best live playing I have seen.  The interaction between the band and the crowd was palpable and this was only made stronger when Dave went into the crowd to sing as a circle of fans gathered around him. Other interactions included the audience singing happy birthday which was well received. One thing that I noticed was the variety of tracks being played and that it varied significantly from when I first saw them 18 months ago. The tracks that were played at both events were generally at different points during the set with one notable exception, “Faster the Chase”. The group ended with their most streamed song and this had the now sweaty crowd singing at the top of their lungs and what a fitting end to a fantastic evening of music from a great venue.

Setlist:

1. 7 Weeks
2. Underdose
3. So You Know
4. Confession
5. Just A Glimpse
6. Neptune
7. Prove Myself
8. Otherside
9. Reverie Shores
10. Cracking the Whip
11. Her Mask
12. Safe in a Room
13. All Terrain Vehicle
14. Firefly
15. Faster the Chase

Being my first time at the venue I wasn’t sure what to expect but there was great sound and lighting and a fantastic atmosphere. The South Walian’s have themselves a great venue and I look forward to my next visit.