Tonight was the official launch of Ablaze’s new album ‘Sink Ya Teeth In’, the long awaited follow up to their debut album ‘No Chaser’. It was a full house in the band room, filled with devoted fans, music lovers, musicians and industry peers. A lucky few fans had already been treated to a VIP exclusive acoustic performance and you could feel the electricity and excitement in the crowd. I knew we were in for a great night. But first there were a host of special guests to proceed the main event.
On stage for their very first live performance were Love Bite, a brand new band with a line-up of seasoned performers. Fronted by Cassandra Vlahos (She Wolf) on vocals and guitar, Marcus Brown (Ellis Ares) on guitar, Lucas Manitta (Stranger in Town) on drums and Tori Giamba (Pseudo Echo) on bass. With some initial technical issues soon pushed aside, Love Bite proceeded to shake off the early gremlins, an over enthusiastic smoke machine and first time nerves they soon let the music do the talking. Love Bite has a raw high energy sound and is musically tight.
Their sound gave me Paramore vibes, but they are not a copycat version in the slightest. Cassandra is a sexy guitar goddess and as she became more comfortable being front and centre of the stage, her vocals and stage presence became stronger. Love Bite performed five-original songs and closed with an AC/DC classic ‘Shoot to Thrill’.
Love Bite Gallery
With the smoke now cleared and it was time for Howling Mountain to take the stage. I saw Howling Mountain a month ago for the first time and was extremely impressed with this raw, dirty blues, stoner rock band. Lead by the formidable Sarah Eidan and her powerful vocals and shredding guitar playing, she is joined by Mike Polomeque on drums and Michael James on bass, with their solid driving rhythms.
This three-piece have a chaotic and unique blend of genres that is totally their own sound. Playing a seven-song set, Howling Mountain delivered a solid performance, with my favourite being ‘All Talk No Play’, the title song from their latest album. Howling Mountain’s high-energy sound is definitely worth the listen, but be warned it might make you crave ice cream.
Howling Mountain Gallery
With the bandroom pumped for more music, on to the stage walk Shotgun Mistress. Shotgun Mistress is a four-piece band led by Glenn Patrick on vocals, Matt Wilcock on guitar, “Diamond” Dave Lee on drums and Ben Curnow on bass. I have seen Shotgun Mistress a few times now and as always they deliver an awesome performance.
Glenn’s hard rock screams and vocal range is as hypnotic as ever. Their punching drum beats and guitar licks are top notch. The performance of all the members is energetic to the last beat. The stage can not contain Glenn with his ‘Steven Tyler’ frontman style, roaming in the crowd and singing his lungs out.
This is a band you need to see live to get the full experience of a big stadium sound on a pub stage. Shotgun Mistress played an eight-song set including tracks from their album “Kings of the Revolution” and my favourite ‘Mary Jane’.
So finally it’s time. The main event. The crowd have been warmed up and are ready for the big launch of ‘Sink Ya Teeth In’. The curtain is closed, we are plunged into darkness and then the haunting intro of Cait Hurley’s version of Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’ fills the air… a hypnotic tribute to the departed Osbourne! And then the big entrance, fireworks and bang straight into track one ‘Gasoline’. Not only is this a launch of a new album, but it is an introduction to the new guitarist Mike Lyon. To quote lead singer Danny, “New stuff for you tonight”. Ablaze played seven of the eight tracks off the new album, but were on stage for a mind blowing nineteen song set.
This performance was more of a party than a launch, with the crowd fully engaged cheering, arm waving, head banging, singing and clapping. Everyone’s favourite song ‘Where’s My Drink’ had the shots from the rum bottle flowing into the mouths of band members and jubilant fans alike. This was frontman Danny Slaviero’s unique way of introducing the band, with Paris Rowe on bass, Ben Anderson on lead guitar, Mike Lyon on rhythm guitar and everyone’s favourite drummer Dan ‘Mango’ Mangano. The pub choir was in full voice with everyone singing to ‘It’s a Long Way Home’.
Ten songs in and new man Mike got the chance to flex his vocal chords joining Mango on acoustic guitar covering Diesel’s ‘Crying Shame’, with a special guest, the smiling assassin himself Luciano Alvaro (Warbirds) appearing behind the kit as Danny came back on stage sharing vocals with Mango and Mike before the sublime Ben Anderson appears playing the Saxophone. “How cool was that”, exclaimed Danny and cool it was. With chants of “Mango Lets Go” Mango stays playing the acoustic guitar and sings ‘Bottom Of My Bottle’ with Danny. The harmonies between the two were a real treat.
If things weren’t explosive enough then ‘Siren’s Call’ took everything to another level with the appearance of five foot long inflatable great white sharks launched into the crowd – cue five sharks crowd surfing and causing hilariously effective bedlam for the next ten minutes. It was during this shark frenzy, that I got attacked by a shark that knocked a full pint of beer into my lap, and although very soggy, the show went on. The final song of the night saw a stage filled with talent, as Howling Mountain’s Sarah and Love Bite’s Cassandra returned to join the band to help sing AC/DC ‘Highway to Hell’ to close and incredible night of live music and celebrations. What a launch and what a way to close.
As I squelched back to my car in beer soaked jeans I knew we had all been part of a special night and Ablaze had blown the Leadbeater away with their epic new album ‘Sink Ya Teeth In’. In closing ‘Sink Ya Teeth In’ has eight killer tracks that are true to Ablaze’s hard rock, high energy sound and showcase savvy song writing skills. ‘Sink Ya Teeth In’ is available on vinyl, CD or to download to purchase HERE. An added Xmas song bonus track is available only on the CD.
The Rockpit, OzGreeny Photography & Kelly Green would like to thank Ablaze, Raging Bear Artist Management & The Leadbeater for the media access and a great night of celebrations.
Photos: OzGreeny’s Photography
Ablaze Gallery
