Firebird 31/05/2004 Live at Whelans, Dublin
Support from: Revile, The 9ine
By Paddy Walsh
Photos by Simon Ward
Bill Steer needs little introduction, being something of a legend in his own right due to writing some of the best death metal tunes ever with the mighty Carcass. Since their split, he has been keeping himself busy with Firebird, a band as far removed from his former group as you could imagine. Firebird play bluesy stoner rock with the 70s on their minds, but thankfully we get to see Steer's talents on full display tonight, even if they're used to different effect.
First up, however, is Ireland's own Revile. Having been left somewhat underwhelmed by the melodic metal/ hard rock stylings of their recent High Tide EP, I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about their presence on this bill. However, they prove to be a better proposition live, their songs sounding much heavier, and simply better, in this setting. The vocals, possibly the weakest link on their EP, sound greatly improved live, although I still wish the singer would inject a little more variety. Still, Revile are worthy openers all the same.
Firebird
Next up are Welsh five-piece The 9ine with their enjoyable brand of hard rock. Occasional forays into psychedelic territory give them a bit of distinctiveness, not to mention some great riffs to boot. A little work on the somewhat derivative vocals and a some more imaginative use of those decks and we might have a band worth going to see on their own.
Firebird
Having only heard a few Firebird tracks via their website, I was unsure what to expect. Well, my anxiety proves unfounded, as Firebird sound fantastic. Despite being only a three piece, Bill Steer manages to command the kind of power from his guitar that most bands with two guitarists would be unable to match. This guy sure knows how to pen a catchy tune too, and I would hasten to add that watching the band while not nodding one's head is simply impossible. The solos (there are tons of them) are awesome too, Steer truly knows his instrument inside out. The drumming of Alan French is solid throughout, and he even has a few moments of showmanship himself. Bassist Al Steer proves to be very capable, and as a whole the band exude a chemistry and tightness perhaps indicative of Bill Steer's experience as a musician. With the mainstream currently fawning itself over awful shite like The Darkness, it is criminal that a band of Firebird's calibre are so overlooked. If you're going to have a retro revival then fine, but at least have some decent bands leading the fray, and Firebird proved tonight that they are definitely at the top of the heap when it comes to that.
Support from: Revile, The 9ine
By Paddy Walsh
Photos by Simon Ward
Bill Steer needs little introduction, being something of a legend in his own right due to writing some of the best death metal tunes ever with the mighty Carcass. Since their split, he has been keeping himself busy with Firebird, a band as far removed from his former group as you could imagine. Firebird play bluesy stoner rock with the 70s on their minds, but thankfully we get to see Steer's talents on full display tonight, even if they're used to different effect.
First up, however, is Ireland's own Revile. Having been left somewhat underwhelmed by the melodic metal/ hard rock stylings of their recent High Tide EP, I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about their presence on this bill. However, they prove to be a better proposition live, their songs sounding much heavier, and simply better, in this setting. The vocals, possibly the weakest link on their EP, sound greatly improved live, although I still wish the singer would inject a little more variety. Still, Revile are worthy openers all the same.
Firebird
Next up are Welsh five-piece The 9ine with their enjoyable brand of hard rock. Occasional forays into psychedelic territory give them a bit of distinctiveness, not to mention some great riffs to boot. A little work on the somewhat derivative vocals and a some more imaginative use of those decks and we might have a band worth going to see on their own.
Firebird
Having only heard a few Firebird tracks via their website, I was unsure what to expect. Well, my anxiety proves unfounded, as Firebird sound fantastic. Despite being only a three piece, Bill Steer manages to command the kind of power from his guitar that most bands with two guitarists would be unable to match. This guy sure knows how to pen a catchy tune too, and I would hasten to add that watching the band while not nodding one's head is simply impossible. The solos (there are tons of them) are awesome too, Steer truly knows his instrument inside out. The drumming of Alan French is solid throughout, and he even has a few moments of showmanship himself. Bassist Al Steer proves to be very capable, and as a whole the band exude a chemistry and tightness perhaps indicative of Bill Steer's experience as a musician. With the mainstream currently fawning itself over awful shite like The Darkness, it is criminal that a band of Firebird's calibre are so overlooked. If you're going to have a retro revival then fine, but at least have some decent bands leading the fray, and Firebird proved tonight that they are definitely at the top of the heap when it comes to that.
