The Diamonds and Disgrace Tour

The Diamonds and Disgrace Tour

Manchester Roadhouse

April 23rd 2013

Tonight's venue has to be the smallest and darkest place I have ever been to, but that said there is a real spark of anticipation in Manchester's Roadhouse.  The room itself is painted purple and is packed with teenagers (and some of us older music fans), all waiting for London rock band The Fearless Vampire Killers.

The night is kicked off by local Manchester band Century, who were good but seemed to lack the passion and charisma to get the crowd moving.  Couple this with the fact that anyone more than three rows back could not see anything but the tops of their heads and it does make you wonder why you came here in the first place.

Next to take the stage were Fort Hope, a rock band that hail from Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire.  I have to be honest and say that I had only heard of them because I liked their former band, My Passion. 

Although I had no view of the band I did get a good idea of what this band where about as the lyrics to their songs were very deep and powerful.  Lead singer Jon Gaskin has a deep and powerful voice adding extra emotion to their songs, and although they played all original material I thoroughly enjoyed their performance.

The sudden eruption of ear piercing screams that filled the small room made it obvious that the Fearless Vampire Killers had taken to the stage.  

Bursting out songs from their 2012 album 'Militia of the Lost' and 2013 EP 'Exposition: The Five Before The Flames', the FVK guys really got the crowd moving and bouncing.  Even at the back of the room you also managed to catch a glimpse of them as Kier and Laurence made good use of the speakers and monitors front stage by standing on them ensuring that they could see all their fans and that all their fans got a glimpse of them.

Taking us on a trip to Grandomina through songs such as 'Bite Down on my Winchester', 'Could We Burn, Darling', 'Bow Ties on Dead Guys' and 'P Train', co-frontmen Kier and Laurence put their heart and soul into every lyric they sing.  Team this with Cyrus on guitar, Drew on bass and Luke on drums, even the smallest dingiest venue will come alive.

Although the songs were originally written as a story for a concept album the listener can easily relate to the lyrics and apply them to the struggles that they face in their own lives. All of their songs have strong guitar riffs and melodies that you just can't help but sing along to.

Ending with a cover of Elton John's I'm still standing, Kier leaves you with no doubt that this song has more meaning to them that just a mere cover song.

The passion these five guys show on stage, along with their unique look and sound set them apart from every other British band on the circuit.  It's no wonder they have built such a strong following and are a regulars in all of the rock magazines.