Heading for the big time
Hondo Maclean are a five piece from South Wales and the first thing that hits you about their music is the frantic double bass drumming! I think it's pretty safe to say that they make an immediate impression, the whole band is immediately into it with all guitarists jumping and moving as the singer goes down to the crowd and is immersed in a sea of hands.
Big, fast, hammered riffs give an overall impression of unleashed power; the vocals for the main part are screamed but occasionally mellow out in the verse. The nearest comparison (if you had to make one) would be a harder version of Hundred Reasons.
The music is pretty relentless but the crowd are ready for it after the more melodious opening provided by Three Children Of Fortune. Hondo Maclean go down a storm. Half way through the set the singer dons a guitar which makes three six strings on stage at the same time and to their credit it works well, making a big sound that is well complimented by good vocal harmonies.
The band finish with yet another powerhouse of a tune that ends in thumping power chords and a grunt. A good set that surely bodes well for the future of Hondo Maclean, any band that puts as much effort as they do into their performance deserve a break!
Special mention must be made for the punter that strode his way through the crowd clad in homemade horned helmet, full body armour and a battle axe all crafted from beer boxes; improvisation at its best! (Photos?! -Ed.)