Gig review: DEFECTS – Satans Hollow, Manchester, Friday 31 May 2024

To say I was looking forward to this would be a huge understatement.

After reviewing their album “Modern Error” before it’s release, I was eagerly awaiting this album release show.

I managed to get there not long before Defects started. But before we got on to the main event. I took in what an incredible venue it was. It was as if I was walking straight into a catacomb. Not to mention a huge statue of satan himself in the corner. What a way to add to the atmosphere.

The stage was smack bang in the middle of the venue and a circular one at that! My immediate thought was 360 angle so I can see every single musical technicality being displayed. Huge win!

After only a couple of minutes since purchasing my drinks, the roar of a bass pedal ripped through my chest along with the words “Manchester!!!” Defects were in the building!!

When I tell you every single song played was incredible I’m not even joking. Down to the slick guitar work, the meticulous precision of the bass, the dynamite drumming and varying vocal range tore the absolute roof off Satans Hollow!

Whist the band was playing I took the opportunity to pay close attention to every single member of the band. The craftsmanship was on another level. Each member of the band having their own individual flair but combined was just an absolute transcendent musical experience . Tony’s vocals were as always guttural and from the heart.

The album is deep in emotion talking about personal experiences “Scapegoat” being one. There was small introductions to a couple of songs talking about how we go through experiences, and overcome them. Music and this album in particular being something that propelled through the dark periods. I can completely relate to this as music has always been my escape and safe space so I completely understood and took in the emotion displayed whilst the songs were being played.

Harry on the drums was on another level. Earthquake level drum pedalling. The guitar and bass work was so incredibly slick and clean.

Myself and other members of the crowd were not shy in singing our hearts out to songs such as “Dream Awake” and “Echo Chamber”

My personal favourite had to be “Recurring” which is my favourite track off the album and it was the closing track of the set. It was gritty, raw, powerful and I was completely and utterly immersed.

We all know that feeling when you discover a band and you know they are going to be huge? That is exactly what I felt that night. I felt extremely privileged to have seen these guys in such an intimate venue. As I have a feeling that’s not going to happen anymore.

After they grace the stage at Download shortly I can see them completely propelling forwards. Not only are these guys talented as hell, they are super nice! Had such a blast meeting them after.

Speaking to frontman Tony on his influences and Linkin Park being one of them. Reflecting back I can see that coming through with the vocal delivery.

Also speaking on how the band has similar musical tastes and that being why it was easy to find the bands overall sound is definitely reflected in the bands overall delivery. You really just had to be there.

This band is one to watch. Cannot big up this gig enough. Take a well deserved bow Defects well and truly deserved.

Merch was purchased and I wear my T-shirt with absolute pride!

Review & photos by Lucy Parr

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)