Devilskin - Devilskin @ Underworld, London - 22/03/17
It was a typical chilly March evening and being a new dad I still struggle to make it everywhere on time so I unfortunately missed the two opening bands Eva Plays Dead and Canadians Sumo Cyco however the good news for me is that this is a website that writes exclusively about NZ bands so it really couldn't have worked out better.
Upon arriving at a busy venue, there was a vibrant atmosphere, and a large number of Kiwi accents to be heard. Looking around, there was as a decent amount of Devilskin merchandise already being sported by the punters and people were clearly there to check the guys out. It had been two years since I had seen Devilskin live and a lot has happened in that time. The anticipation was building. Underworld is a split level venue so I made it down to the bottom level for the full experience.
After a dramatic intro track and a choreographed stage entrance, complete with smoke cannon, Devilskin didn't hang about and launched straight into Vessel which got the crowd going right from the start. This was followed up by the rocker In Black and crowd favourite Start a Revolution.
As a band they put on an energetic visual show and really got the crowd going which isn't always easy playing away from home and especially with some London audiences.
Jennie Skulander’s vocals were bang on, melodic and powerful, moving effortlessly to a dangerous throaty growl, she owned the stage. Nail Vincent’s guitar playing was top quality, playing some blazing solos, he had his chops down. Although for many years I knew Paul Martin as a lead guitar player he has really made the bass his own with Devilskin and slots right into the groove with drummer Nick.
Sound wise there was very little to complain about, however what started out as a good mix got progressively better through the set and was really cooking at the end.
The band continued through their set playing a mixture of tracks from the 2014 release We Rise and their latest album Be Like the River (2016). They also included a very well executed cover of Heart’s Barracuda.
Dedicating Never See the Light to fallen fellow musician Shoki Kamishima, Devilskin closed their set with a very well received Little Pills followed by the obligatory band photo from the stage.
The standout moments were Start a Revolution, Voices, Jennie’s vocals on Violation, Nail’s solo’s, and smoke cannons; just can’t get enough of those at any point in time. The full set list can be seen below.
As I mentioned it’s been 2 years since I have last seen Devilskin and the progression is evident in every aspect of the band - both in the songs and performance. Having known 3/4 of Devilskin for a number of years from the previous bands that they have been in, I am happy to say that these guys are making a dent in the world of international rock music and if they keep going like they are who knows where they will be in another 2 years.
Full Setlist - Devilskin - Underworld, London, 22/03/2017
Vessel
In Black
Start a revolution
House 13
FYI
Animal
Voices
Limbs
Mountains
Barracuda
Until You Bleed
Never See the Light
Violation
Little Pills
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About Devilskin
Jennie previously fronted Rotorua band Slipping Tongue garnering a swathe of fans with their videos, EPs and album. Slipping Tongue also impressed many when they opened for Coheed & Cambria in 2008.
On lead guitar is Nail from the popular Waikato band Chuganaut who won the NZ Battle of the Bands and the World Battle Of The Bands in 2004. Played BDO in 2005 and opened for Iron Maiden at Mt Smart stadium in 2009. Chuganaut has played numerous national tours and released several singles, EP’s, videos and an album. Nail's searing guitar work and high energy performance bring real intensity to the live show. Nail also performs with Beckoned.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Devilskin
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