Monthly Archives: July 2012

GRAF ORLOCK, LICH, THE QUERELLES + BROKER –   Green Door Store - 9^th July 2012.

Words by Colum Bell

The first band up were Broker, and due to a late arrival I only got to catch the end of their set. Broker played a sort of noise rock in the same vein as Jesus Lizard, Botch and Cave In, and sounded pretty good for what seemed like a new band. Next up were the Querelles who played rock and roll. They were pretty good, but I couldn’t help feeling that they didn’t quite fit tonight’s bill. Part of me was expecting them to be somewhat heavier.

Due to a late start it was almost 10.15pm before Lich from Kent, and the main support for the tour took the stage. They brutally stormed through a short (around 20 minutes!) but sweet and sludgey set.

Graf Orlock didn’t start until around 10.40pm, but it was certainly worth the wait. The previous bands

Faith No More Sunday 8th July 2012

Hammersmith Apollo, London

Words by Antony Roberts

Support band Guano Podano sounded like a 3 piece film soundtrack band, with lots and lots of Hank Marvin style tremolo added.  Whilst their shimmering tones would have worked perfectly adding atmosphere to a Tarantino or Lynch desert scene most of the crowd were unappreciative, with practically everyone around us nattering away to each other.  It was only when Mike Patton briefly appeared onstage to do vocals for "Prairie Fire" that the audience responded anything beyond it's previous polite applause and actually took interest.  

There's a long 45 minute gap between Guano Padano and Faith No More.  The entire stage was decked out in white, amps are covered in sheets, even the keyboards are white and an entourage of staff/roadies shuffled back and forth bringing on flowers, and more flowers, and more flowers (see the videos, it looked like a florists display by the time everything was set up!).

The band walked out in all white suits and what looked like Yoga meditation outfits, and start into the instrumental "Woodpecker From Mars" before

Words and photos Antony Roberts

(apologise for the photos, taken on point and shoot due to lack of photo pass).

Despite huge queues it was surprisingly quick to get into the sold out Forum venue, and entering the main downstairs I was greeted to a total sweat box.  The venue was rammed more than any gig I've attended having gone to many sold out shows there before, i guess some shows are more "sold out" than others.

The stage was blocked off by a giant curtain emblazoned with the Kiss logo to keep the stage set up hidden from view until the time was ready.  Prior to the 9PM start the crowd were already reaching fever pitch.  Even a hit on the snare from a drum tech was responded with huge cheers from the audience.  Anticipation levels were high and I've never seen such a joyous crowd, smiles on