Juliet’s Not Dead, Amongst Liars
Rough Trade, Nottingham, November 20
Amongst Liars
There’s nothing like a lead singer with a death stare to start the night off right – and a drummer wearing a mask which pisses all over anything Slipknot have so far come up with. Amongst Liars’ metalcore bubbles over with menace and is delivered with a slight snarl and icy swagger. These boys are tight as you like and loud enough to drown out all thoughts other than, ‘Ooooooh this is a powerful and pleasurable alt rock assault.’ Amongst Liars play their tormented little souls out up on Rough Trade’s stage tonight, but there’s heart in those lyrics of theirs.
Juliet’s Not Dead
Lit by a visually stunning backdrop, fronted by a lead singer whose lyrics land viscerally, Juliet’s Not Dead don’t need to demand anything from their Notts crowd tonight. Every line that’s sung back to the band, each clap-along, all the adoration and attention that’s focused on the boys is freely given. At no point does beyond-charismatic frontman Stevie Stoker yell ‘SCREAM FOR ME MUTHAFUKAAAAHHHHHSSSS!!!’ He’s far too polite to do that, for a start. Completely comfortable in front of his crowd Stevie’s warm and easy interaction is less alpha more old style entertainer. And that’s really refreshing. The folk here have willingly put in the miles to get their fix of their faves tonight and it feels like a family gathering you actually want to go it. And don’t really wish to leave. This venue is a small one. But size is important kids, and Juliet’s Not Dead’s stadium sound fills Rough Trade. They unleash their big chemical rush classic rock songs which glitter with a little glam and a lot of gut-punching guitars courtesy of both Stevie and Dan King. After building the anticipation with a teasingly long intro, opener ‘Sinner Or Saint’ drops and gets the band’s set full of solid rock and zero gimmicks under way. The genuine yearning of Stevie’s voice in more gentle ‘Monroe’ hits hard. This is a set of high energy (‘Fist Fight By The Waterside’, ‘Trading Hearts’) and heightened emotions. It’s both absolutely heart-wrenching and heart-warming when Stevie dedicates ‘Passing Ships’ to the band’s dear friend Kristy Robson. Drummer Jack Corbett holds nothing back - averse to neither taking out a vendetta on his kit (all out, frantic hard rock ‘King and Queen’) or serving intricate and tasteful (‘Open Fire’). Stage right new recruit Josh Fodden looks like he’s been in the band since forever, standing confidently and casually nailing every note, not least the bass solo in ‘Own Worst Enemy’. Even though Stevie’s the type of frontman your eyes follow, you can’t help but tear your focus away to take in what Jack, Josh and Dan are up to. ‘64 White Lies’ brings the set to an end but it doesn’t provide closure – it makes it clear why just the one night with JND isn’t enough, and why their fans keep coming back for more.
