The Wildhearts, Florence Black, Asomvel – Shepherds Bush Empire – 6th June 2024
So, The Wildhearts are back, but are they really back or just going through the motions?
Billed as the “biggest production The Wildhearts have ever put on” – who could resist attending this world exclusive date at the Shepherds Bush Empire to see the rejuvenation of some of the most enduring bands on the UK rock scene. Before we go to see what the latest incarnation was like, though, had some rather good supports to warm us up.
ASOMVEL
Starting the proceedings this evening are Asomvel. This is a band that not only sounds like Motorhead but also looks like Motorhead. And they wear this with pride so not really plagiarism, more a nod to the great band themselves. That’s not to say that Asomvel are a covers band or a parody, they take the spirit of Motorhead and run with it.
The band is very much a family affair with Ralph Robinson on bass and vocals being the son of Lenny Robinson (guitar), brother of Stel Robinson (guitar) and nephew of Jay-Jay Winter, the founder of the band who sadly died in a fatal car accident. The line up is completed by Ryan Thackwray on drums, sitting astride a very large kit.
You know it is going to be loud and full on before the band even take to the stage with the assembled Marshall cabs and amps at the back of the stage – 12 Marshall heads, 12 Marshall cabs, impressive but also slightly Spinal Tap. However, you can forgive the band a little indulgence here, once they take to the stage, the energy starts flowing and the music thunders along.
Ralph Robinson, looking and sounding very Lemmy like, at one point it sounds like his voice may leave him before the end of the set but he does make it through. The crowd, now swollen to a decent size, are loving the band and there is no shortage of singing along, head banging and fists in the air. Indeed, I’d be surprised if Asomvel didn’t make a good few friends this evening, their songs are solid and definitely hit the spot and the band themselves are clearly having a great time performing.
Born To Rock ‘n’ Roll from the current album of the same name sees everyone singing and these guys really do look like they were indeed born to rock and roll, running around the stage pouring energy out into the Empire. Closer, The Nightmare Ain’t Over leaves the ears ringing. The band take a bow and a quick stage snap for the scrapbook, you could be forgiven for thinking they were headlining tonight!
FLORENCE BLACK
Next up are Florence Black from Wales. This tight 3 piece slow things down and turn the focus round to a more traditional hard rock based sound. Not really the sort of music I would be first in line for but I was hugely impressed this evening. Sometimes, the stars converge to bring something special out of the hat and it feels like that tonight, Tristan Thomas’ guitar lines sound great, backed up by thunderous vocals.
The rhythm section of Jordan Evans (bass) and Perry Davies (drums) do a very solid job too, with Davies’ drums in particular slicing through the mix and sounding as crisp as can be, this man does not spare the skins at and is punishing the drumkit with some gusto! It should also be noted that the sound overall this evening has also been of a very high standard, top marks to the mixing desk people.
Look Up, from the Weight Of The World album has an earworm of a hook and showcases the vocal range of Thomas, all driven along by those pounding drums. Black Cat shows the versatility of the writing with a rollercoaster of styles and once again some strong vocals. Zulu doubles down on the heaviness and we’re left with the crowd favourite Sun And Moon. Top notch performance in my opinion and a band I’d have no hesitation in paying to see again.
THE WILDHEARTS
So, the crowd suitably warmed up it is time for The Wildhearts to take to the stage. Now, this is a band that could not really be considered a beacon of stability, with multiple personnel changes throughout their history and periods of inactivity, tonight they are back with a brand new line-up of Ginger (guitars and vocals), Jon Poole (bass), Ben Marsden (guitars) and Pontus Snibb (drums). While Marsden and Snibb are new to The Wildhearts, Jon Poole has been a long time collaborator with Ginger and has a string of credits as long as your arm.
There is an air of expectation in the venue, the crowd not really knowing what the new line up would be like, would it have been best to just leave the memory of The Wildhearts there. They needn’t have worried though as the new band weren’t going to let anyone down tonight. Opening with Sleepaway from the rather excellent last album 21st Century Love Songs it’s clear there is a new found energy within the band with Ginger looking animated and engaged and Jon Poole leaping around the stage!
There are confetti cannons and pyros along with an impressive lighting show to accompany the music, all making the point that this was a special show and that it is marking a new chapter for the band. The set comprises a mixture of old and new, as you’d expect, with old favourites popping up frequently and each is accompanied by much crowd singing.
Suckerpunch andI Wanna Go Where the People Go both delve into the back catalogue and are great singalong opportunities for the now full to bursting venue. Vanilla Radio rocks along at a furious pace. There is a new Wildhearts album in the works, probably looking at a September release data and tonight we also get a preview. The new songs fit into the set nicely, sitting comfortably beside old favourites.Eventually sounds like it is already set to become a firm favourite, typical Wildhearts, punchy, catchy and powerful. with some nice guitar work from Marsden. Hurt People Hurt People takes a different direction and is mellow by comparison with thought provoking lyrics.
Chutzpah chugs us into submission and it is the end of the set. Just enough time for the band to leave the stage and then return to the stage. Before the music starts again, the crowd serenade the stage and Ginger comments that this is “what it’s all about…” they then launch into Greetings From Shitsville & My Baby Is a Headfuck which are both welcomed and sung along with.
The evening ends with Caprice from the PHUQ album. With this ringing in our ears, we make our way back to the Central line for the journey home. At the beginning of the review I asked if The Wildhearts were back or just going through the motions – I think I have my answer! Looking forward to the new album and a new chapter in the story that is The Wildhearts
The Wildhearts have a new album recorded and pencilled in for release around September 2024.
All concert photography by Graham Hilling. You can check out more of his work on his website, here.
The Wildhearts online: Website / Facebook / X (formerly Twitter) / Instagram / YouTube
Florence Black online: Website / Facebook / X (formerly Twitter) / Instagram / YouTube
Asomvel online: Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube
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