Slaves to Gravity - Stoke Sugarmill
As part of their headline tour of the UK to promote their upcoming album release “Scatter the Crow”, a warm Saturday evening saw Slaves to Gravity grace the stage at the Sugarmill in Stoke. It would prove to be a night filled with great live music and an atmosphere to match.
The night began with local stoke band “Operation Error” who, although deprived of on stage space due to multiple drum kits, did not lack energy or conviction. Pounding through an anthemic set filled with thunderous rhythms and emotive melodies, they set the high standard which would be continued throughout the night, and provided a sense of anticipation to the ever growing crowd.
Grand Volume were main support to Slaves to Gravity and despite lacking a dedicated bass player, the three piece alternative rock band from Manchester didn’t lack power. Using the wonders of modern technology Drummer and vocalist Jon Green provided the band with thunderous bass and other subtleties only noticeable in moments of deep concentration. Also hindered by a lack of space, they surged through a short raucous set alive with changeable tempos, and impressed a stoke crowd who were obviously enjoying the nights musical offerings.
Headliners Slaves to Gravity have been around since the summer of 2006 and are currently receiving acclaim for their debut, self produced album “Scatter the Crow”. Tonight was not my first Slaves to Gravity experience, I had previously seen them perform an exciting set supporting Fu Manchu in Manchester, and once again they didn’t fail to impress. Now with a clear run of the stage, Slaves to Gravity appeared to rapturous applause from what was a small yet eager crowd.
Tommy Gleeson performed with a swagger and self confidence which only comes from extensive touring and a belief in the strength of their music. The crowd became further animated and energized when the clanging chords of “Mr Regulator” first rang out. Other favourites included “Big red” and “Meantime”. The only slip up of an otherwise faultless set came when Tommy swung his guitar, unfortunately knocking over his microphone stand just before another surging chorus of “Meantime”. The microphone stand was quickly salvaged by the Slaves to Gravity guitar tech and they continued their onslaught.
Throughout the night, all the bands used the podiums at the sides of the Sugarmill stage to great effect, and Slaves to Gravity were no different. Towering above the crowd on occasions, sweat flicked from the drenched hair of the Slaves to Gravity front man and showed just how much energy they give to their live performances.
Slaves to Gravity, Grand Volume, and Operation Error provided a night of great entertainment to the on-looking stoke crowd. Slaves to Gravity’s “Scatter the Crow” is out now, I suggest you check it out!