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The Graveltones & StoneRider @ The Garage 20th November 2012 - (Ninelives UK Event) As I step foot into The Garage on this chilly evening, my hopes are set high for tonight’s gig. The Graveltones and StoneRider playing together is a line-up that I made sure I wouldn’t miss. Both bands are entirely different from one another, yet similar in a way that makes sense that they should both find themselves here. StoneRider, from Atlanta, are currently supporting Europe on their European tour, yet on a night off, managed to fit in this headline gig. Unfortunately the evil clutches of Laryngitis had hold of Matt (lead vox and guitar) which resulted in a much shorter set, which is a shame purely for my own selfish reasons. It was disappointing to see it cut short, but needs must and health is much more important. So, let’s look at the gig shall we?  The Graveltones Pic: Robbie Rooney The Graveltones open up with ‘Lightning Bolt’ which straight away rips the shit outta the joint and gets everyone grooving. The Graveltones are a two piece with Jimmy O on vocals and guitar and Mikey Sorbello on drums. I can honestly say that I don’t think that I have ever seen two people make so much noise and by noise I mean really tasty music. When you think of these guys, the closest comparison I can think of is White Stripes….. But you know, with an actual drummer! The relationship between both Jimmy O and Mikey can really be seen as they launch into ‘Blamin’ It On You’ which is a fabulous blues based song , filled with attitude and a crazy gleam in Jimmy O’s eyes as he strums that guitar for all its worth. The Graveltones project pure passion for the songs and it is completely infectious. As I look across the stage I can see Mikey pounding his high hat with a tambourine and one stick under arm as Jimmy O turns to him for a killer head banging moment.  Jimmy O - The Graveltones Pic: Robbie Rooney As the gig goes on they play tracks from their EP ‘Take It From Me’, ‘Want Your Love’ and many more. The highlight of the set is ‘Sullen Blue’. Why? I hear you ask. Well, that is quite simple. I feel that this song captures the essence of this band perfectly. Jimmy O’s vocals are hungry and laced with raw power, the song itself is again blues driven and dirty. Just the way I like it. Mikey shines on this song, and I have no problem with declaring him to be every drummer’s wet dream. Playing for 16 years, he has skills that are rarely seen. I have never seen a drum solo like it. All in all I would highly suggest that you get yourself to see these guys, as they do need to be seen to be believed…. Next up was a certain 3 long haired men by the name of StoneRider. If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, then I would describe them as a very 70’s esque, blues, stoner rock band. In a word, brilliant! And boy do these cats know how to rock your soul… First song up was ‘Show Me The Light’. Jason’s drums come sauntering in with a light to heavy drum roll while Matt lays a great bluesy melody down, and as the song breaks, BAM! Adam gives a high kick and is already bouncing around the stage with so much life. Matt’s guitar solo is marvellous as his fingers glide effortlessly over the fret board. A great high energy, opening track from their album ‘Fountains Left To Wake’, perfect to get the crowd in the mood for what is yet to come.  Matt - StoneRider Pic: Robbie Rooney As ‘Say I Won’t’ started you could already hear the crowd wooing and the vibe was just brilliant. This is one of those songs that just sends you back in time. I could totally see myself driving down route 66 high as a kite, shootin’ the breeze with this song being the soundtrack. I love the bass line on this track as it complements the guitar perfectly which to me sounds very similar to the Hendrix era. ‘ElDorado’ up next and by far my favourite track… laced with charisma, this song is definitely a journey, best taken with your eyes closed as you glide over the music as if it were like waves under you. The crowd thought the same as they were screaming for more and dancing along in time. Not one person in the place was still and I find that testament to the music itself. This track can be quite reminiscent of The Doors in the jamming style as one eager crowd member shouts mid song “Excellent, build it up!” and boy did they…. Jason let rip a brilliant drum roll/beat that lead the song to a climax and left the crowd in awe.  Jason - StoneRider Pic: Robbie Rooney The boys pick up the pace to the much faster and rockier ‘Undercover’. Adam jumped in to assist with vocals on what is just a great classic rock, bluesy tune, along with ‘Ramble Down’. Jason took on vocals for this one to help Matt out which was great to hear, and did not let up the drums once... brilliant! Last track of the night, much to everyone’s dismay was ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ as Matt says to the crowd “This is our last song of the night, we appreciate it, we’ll be back” which is music to my ears. Jason leads in on drums and the boys kick off with yet another brilliant high energy track. At one point I was surprised Adam didn’t give himself whiplash he was that lost in the moment, which is always fantastic to see.  Adam - StoneRider Pic: Robbie Rooney All in all I have to say this is definitely in my list of favourite gigs of all time (No I'm not being dramatic). It was one hell of a night for live music on all counts. Can’t fault it, and I am eagerly waiting the time when I can see and rock out to StoneRider and The Graveltones once again. Thanks for a great gig guys! More Info: StoneRider: http://stoneriderband.com/ https://www.facebook.com/stoneriderband?fref=ts The Graveltones: http://www.thegraveltones.com/ Video: StoneRider 'Say I Won't'
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