Pythia + The Mariana Hollow
The Borderline, London, 29th February 2012
Review by Nicholas Holmes
All photos by Tess Donohoe http://www.tessdonohoe.com/
It is “leap day”, which only comes round every fourth year, and according to Celtic tradition a time when women propose to men – if the man refuses he has to buy her twelve pairs of gloves! Female-fronted bands Pythia and The Mariana Hollow would be happy enough for both men and women to show love for their new albums – no gloves necessary. The Borderline, literally an underground venue, is bustling for this launch event celebrating the release of the headliners’ new second full-length work – “The Serpent’s Curse”.
The Mariana Hollow kick off the live action with a short but sweet set. Their sound is one with real commercial potential. The band recently self-released their own second album, “Velvet Black Sky”, and the songs are built around infectious melodies, chugging riffs and big choruses – topped with strong vocals from Rebecca Spinks. Material as catchy as “Come Undone” and “Your Halo” means they deserve to have a bright future.
http://www.themarianahollow.com/
Check out The Mariana Hollow interview with metalgigs here.
It has been a turbulent time for Pythia, from lows of losing loved ones to joys of new birth – a difficult gestation period for “The Serpent’s Curse”. The set begins in storming fashion with the new album’s lead single, “Betray My Heart”, and older track “Sarah (Bury Her)”. Sporting a new Bettie Page-style fringed hairdo, Emily Ovenden’s classically-trained vocals soar on tracks such as speedy thrash-influenced “Just A Lie” and “Heartless” to slower, moodier “The Circle”. It is a sign of strong songs when brand new ones sit well with older material.
The band’s first album gets an airing too, with “Sweet Cantation”, “Tristan” and the Brian Blessed-boosted ode to the folly of war, “Army of The Damned”. Speaking of battles, there is an air of defiance demonstrated as Emily reminds the audience Pythia is an example of the underground music ethos, releasing their records themselves and basically doing everything their own way. Oh…and she then offers to sign anything and everything at the post-show meet and greet – including “nut sacks”!
Showing obvious influences from classic British heavy metal, especially on tracks such as “Cry For Our Nation”, even their visual style is a clear – and fun – nod to older historical traditions. In keeping with the imagery used in the videos for “Betray My Heart” and “Sarah”, the boys in the band are decked out in knight-style gear and Emily wears a stunning dress – medieval babe indeed!
The set closes with the rallying cry of “No Compromise”, Emily leading the audience in a rabble rousing call-and-response. A thundering finish to an impressive show. It is great to see a mix of men and women, and varying ages attending. Everyone from older rockers who remember the early days of Iron Maiden to enthusiastic teenagers. Hopefully they – the Pythia Army, as they are affectionately referred to – should spread the word and sign up new recruits.
Prior to the gig Emily from Pythia took time out to answer some questions with Nicholas, you can check out her interview, including questions about a 250,000 disc record collection here!
Leave A Comment