It’s Saturday...and I begrudgingly wake up to the sweet song of seagulls outside my hotel window at roughly too early in the morning. The view from which is spectacular by the way...I’m overlooking the adjacent shopping precinct, so I get a wonderful look at the roof from an angle that aspiring scaffolders can only dream of. The seagulls mock me. I’m not hungover though which is a good thing (I think), so I have a quick shower and decide that, if I’m to cover a full day of bands today, I will need sustenance other than alcohol. Wetherspoons it is! I jest...I have my Michelin-Scarred breakfast and chill out until the 2pm doors at The Alhambra. 

There is a small queue of committed, early Goths formed on the street corner where The Alhambra is situated on the seafront...and in the sunshine, with people walking their dogs, joggers, general townsfolk going about their day...it’s a bizarre visual for a Saturday afternoon I have to admit, and I’m in the bloody queue! Nevertheless, we head in, find a table spot where there are again complimentary Haribo’s and other sweets (Listen, Goth’s like Gummy Bears too OK!) and we get our first drinks in, ready for our first band of the day...but it’s a slow start... 

The first band in question is ART GALLERY [2] who sadly suffer for several things...the first being the time. It’s 2pm and the weather is ACTUALLY nice, so the huge windows at the front of the building are letting all of the sunlight in. I’m wearing a fishnet shirt; I don’t want to explain THAT tan at the day job. Also, while we’re not REALLY vampires, the Sun doesn’t make us turn into dust, it DOES kill a Gothic atmosphere pretty quickly. Just close the bloody curtains! The vibe is well-off before we even start!

Secondly...it’s a motivational thing, and I’ll use my love of pro-wrestling as an example here. Typically...you want your first match of the night to be short, sharp, energetic and entertaining to rile up the crowd; get them settled and invested for a good time, which is why WCW succeeded with its Cruiserweight division. Gigs are the same...it doesn’t matter what genre you’re dealing with, have the opening act bring some fun, bring some energy and gear up the audience. Art Gallery don’t do that. An actual art gallery would be more audibly entertaining. They’re like a library for someone who can’t read. Just shut up and look at the pictures, all of which are black & white. Ironically Cathy went to a gallery yesterday that was disappointingly only half open, and that was still better. Cathy is now canon in Morecambe content... 
Songs like “Dandelions” utilise elements of post-punk, indie and shoegaze for an incredibly dreary number. Post-Surrealist apparently. Sometimes plants are pretty, sometimes plants are weeds, flowers or not...this is a weed of a song. There is some nostalgic Vox Continental instrumentation akin to THE ANIMALS or THE DOORS giving a sense of old-school authenticity but it’s rather drab. “On The Factory Floor” highlights industrial, working-class roots of the community and culture, which is applaudable, while “C’est La Vie” which translates as “Such Is Life” sums up the set. It happened; it’s a thing. The singer goes on a rant about how a bug flew into his mouth or throat, or something, and it nearly stopped him being able to perform for us today...it was just awkward between-track banter that made me wish the bug was Megaguirus.  

Our second band come accompanied by our 3rd pint of Detention, which is some guest ale, and it feels like I’m being punished with detention as DRAVE [3] hit the stage. There is a sluggish, stoner / grunge quality to the Indie rock they present, and it reminds me why I have zero intention of ever going to see a band like SLEAFORD MODS live. Or dead, either one. The practically spoken delivery of “White Whine” which sounds like the theme for some early 2000’s Channel 4 late-night show is uninspiring...while “Drave”...yes they named one of their songs after themselves...not a self-titled album...a song...and my first thoughts of the word are, oh it must be a play on words, like, a dreary rave, tongue in cheek type deal, like my own name. No. Drave is an archaic term for drive, as in to be forced or impelled. Well, I am forced to listen to this and impelled to tell you to not really bother with this lot. I mean you can, but don’t. I rambled there...lost my point...crap song. 

More weak pints of ale later because even though we improved the Dracula cocktails, they are still very sweet and not worth it, it’s time for band number three, IAMIMPERFECT [6] who at least bring some tunes despite their honesty. Tracks like “Static & Feeling” embrace a very alt. electronic, pre-programmed approach that you can compare to artists like CELLDWELLER or SCANDROID etc. They sound like they would genuinely be at home on the FiXT roster to be fair which is an honest endorsement. “Inside Of Me” has a softer vocal approach generally but it’s similar, and credit to them they produce some catchy noise. Easily the first highlight of the day. 

Who do we have next? SUBATOMIC STRANGERS [6] have travelled from Belgium to Morecambe and I'm personally grateful of that, as vocalist Sharon Braye has a fantastic set of pipes on her. Only two albums into their career, she projects herself like a seasoned veteran and really carries the group, who peddle more synth-driven emotionally tinged indie-rock. “What Goes Around” is a funk-driven, light guitar piece with a decent hook, while “Air” harbours more of a ballad quality; being crooned away nicely to their credit. The primary highlight however comes from “Ashes Of The Past”, as we get our first bout of crowd-interaction and sing-along participation. The simple yet melodic “Whoa-oh’s” give light IRON MAIDEN chorus vibes and it’s fun to see a room full of Goth’s have a bit of a sing song. They don’t blow you away, but they are enjoyable, despite not quite fitting the aesthetic as you’d imagine. 

Speaking of, we have our next band, THE EDDIES [6] who take the post out of post-punk. Yes, the Scottish ensemble are a straight-up punk band, and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, there was a nagging thought in the back of my mind that they would be like PRETTY ADDICTED from 2025. Fine on paper and in principle but presented with the finesse of a coat-hanger abortion. What? That’s exactly what she sounded like! Luckily The Eddies don’t have that issue as despite the punk-by-numbers sound, they are vibrant and provide a welcomed dose of energy at the halfway point. They’ve been asked to play before, but scheduling conflicts prevented it until now, and I’m glad it came when it did. Tracks like “Control” off of the album “Unfinished Business” just deliver simple, no-nonsense punk rock, and the crowd are moving. What more could you ask for? Food...that is the answer...and luckily, it’s half-time. 

​The little kitchen area opens, and once again they have some hearty vegetable curry with rice and naan, and also the option of cheesy nacho’s with salsa, hot dogs and burgers. It’s a welcome respite from the so-far generally uninspiring line-up, and while the sound-quality has been OK, the sounds themselves pack as much punch as these pints of Detention. It’s barely beer flavoured water really and I’ve been to the toilet about eleventeen hundred times already...time for some red wine before I detox! Mind you, a plastic wine glass? Of course...where is Marcel Lucont when you need his vitriolic verbiage towards such heinous crimes. Sacre bleu!  

Dinner is over, and we’re on the final stretch as the last couple of bands are ready to round-off Corrosion 2026...as next up we have SEEKERS ARE LOVERS [2]. It might as well have been a death row meal as these died a death. The German outfit combine electronic inspired early post-punk with wailing and screeching guitar licks more akin to thrash and glam metal in places, yet have the stage presence of that failed Trump assassination. I mean they tried but, it was a bit embarrassing, and a bit of a failure, and the only things hurt are our ears. Even the mic stand gave up, falling over at least three times. The universe sends its hints. Tracks like “Hunting A Ghost” have more mood and atmosphere but overall, the best thing about this band was the bassist. I wholeheartedly apologise for any notion of sexism or misogyny but, to be fair, she was pretty. Doesn’t say much for the band when that is your only honest highlight. Actually I take that back...the highlight was the fact they DIDN’T play their cover of “Smalltown Boy”...merciful god... 

Next, we have our penultimate band and thank the ever-loving fuck for MANUSKRIPT [10]. EASILY, not only the best band of the night but of the entire weekend and I’m so glad they have been booked here today! These Nottingham based rockers have been on Mike and Donna’s radar for a while, so seeing the glee on Mike’s face when he introduced them on stage, saying he remembers seeing them so many years ago, it was another reminder that, this is at its heart, a community. There are your regulars, your relatives near and far, neighbours, new friends, old acquaintances, and this is what we live for. The dance floor is packed as these veterans absolutely OWN the stage.  

They coincidentally open with MORECAMBE & WISE hit “Bring Me Sunshine”, which I used to introduce part one of my review, great minds think alike! Their new single “Doomscrolling” does more than show there’s life in these veterans yet, as they have a satirical socio-political stab at the world, but they are so jovial in general! There is an idiot at the front with a damn Glastonbury style Manuskript flag, waving it around like Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VII, ready to defend some sort of honour. You are indoors...put the flag away...Nottingham they are from not Normandy...fucking hell.  

Tracks like “Natural High” and “No Reprise” really showcase the bands tendencies of bridging 90’s Brit-pop aesthetics with more traditional 80’s synth-rich proto-Goth ideas musically, and it’s a fantastic combination, while the unexpected cover of PET SHOP BOYS classic “It’s A Sin” harbours a wonderfully gleeful sing-along. Now I’ll be honest...Manuskript are a real example of a band’s band...and I say that as, I went into this weekend only really checking out some tracks on Spotify to get a gauge of their style and sound...and on paper they were alright...but on stage? They rewrote the script. The between song banter, the camaraderie between the members, the noticeable, genuine fun the guys were having on stage, the crowd interaction...these guys SHOULD have headlined the weekend in all honesty...but we still have one more band to come... 

On first listen, Canada’s TRAITRS [7] should be on par performance wise, as they have been entrusted with closing the weekend, and have a decent enough back catalogue to pluck from, but, they somehow manage to fall a little flat. Opening track “Oh, Ballerina” starts slowly, teasing atmosphere and anticipation, before growing into this energetic, proto-Goth plume of nostalgia. The pace of the percussion here drives this track with an impatience, as it dances desperately around The Alhambra.  

Tracks like “The Suffering Of Spiders” channel the likes of THE CURE, especially with Shawn Tucker’s vocals, being delivered with a pained drone amidst the light, melodic and synth-backed guitars and prominent bassline. “Mouth Poisons” sounds like a term Danhausen would diagnose you with for telling lies before cursing you, but it’s a catchy enough, melodic piece of post-punk. Early cuts like “Youth Cults” house THE SMITHS elements and overall, the band sound like an amalgamation of iconic early influences with a modern production budget and software.  

As decent as these are, I still believe Manuskript should have been the ones to close the show this weekend as they clearly had the biggest following and reception, but truthfully this Saturday as a whole, has been a little underwhelming. A lot of the bands are new or simply have very little material to play with for numerous reasons, and while it is genuinely fantastic that they are given a chance, and a platform through weekends such as this, it’s a hell of a trip out of your way to Morecambe with expenses, to take a gamble on a sadly shallow line-up.  

On one hand sure, we turn up regardless because at the end of the day it IS about friends and community, we enjoy the company, the reunion and the celebration of Goth subculture... but on the other hand, we are still there for a weekend line-up of bands by the by and, for the most part this weekend, Saturday mainly, the bands are just a bit...boring. I leave The Alhambra, full of weak ale, cold in the seaside March air, appreciating the community and grateful for working alongside some truly wonderful people, staying as positive as I can ahead of a 200+ mile trip home on a Sunday. Has this line-up put me off future events? Hell no... I’ll be around...just as I purchased a Morecambe FC shirt on this visit, I will support the Shrimps and cockle pickers (Damnit we were so close!) of the Alhambra team and continue to give my honest feedback and try to encourage more people to attend future events. Embrace a little West-coast adventure. September see’s the return of BATS IN THE ATTIC...a week after I’m in Helsinki, Finland, for THE 69 EYES...I'm going to be absolutely knackered... watch this space...I’m going to need stronger beer than Detention that's for sure!

Notable by its absence last year, MERTHYR ROCK returns to the grounds of Cyfarthfa Park in style for 2014 with a new look, new organiser and a new lease of life. It’s been stripped back from a three day event to just the one day, but if anything, it’s done nothing but benefit the festival greatly. The line-up this year was the best it’s ever been, with not only British bands being booked, but massive bands from across the pond in the USA too. Here’s what went down…

It’s 3pm, the gates have been open an hour, and the first act of the day are about to hit the main stage and open proceedings, it’s a band you’ll be familiar with; CLEAR THE AUDITORIUM [6]. The young Welsh electronic-rock 4-piece won the Young Promoters Network battle of the bands and as a result, got to kick off the festival. The boys were as charismatic as ever, playing through tracks such as “Outbreak”, “Eye For An Eye” and “We Are The Danger”, but it was clear that performing on a stage of that size was new to them and you didn't quite get the full CTA experience. Performing at this level however will come naturally to them sooner rather than later, and this was a promising start both for the festival, and the band.

Second band, second stage, and we’re treated to one of the highlight sets of the day very early on in the form of COLT 45 [8]. The Cumbrian based 3-piece delivered a stunning set of RISE AGAINST inspired punk-rock from their albums “Coughing Up Confessions” and the more recent “The Tide Is Turning”, and really it’s all over far too soon. Brilliant display and the bar is set high already.

REAPER IN SICILY [6] are no strangers to Merthyr Rock and this year they’re back performing in the YPN Up-And-Coming tent. As predicted they put on a great performance churning out the crowd pleaser's, and it’s also worth noting that their new members Mitch Ponting (guitar) and Sean Ruck (drums) have effortlessly slotted into their respective roles, but the tent itself IS small and really doesn't quite suit the bands energy. They worked well with what they had at their disposal, with their brand new single getting a great reception, things no doubt looking good for the future.

Nantwich’s BLITZ KIDS [7] hit the main stage at 5pm and prove why they’re one of the biggest rising UK bands on the scene right now, off the back of their hit album “The Good Youth”. Songs like “Run For Cover” and “Sold My Soul” going down well with the afternoons entertainment now in full swing.

LOSTALONE [6] were up shortly after on the second stage, and with a live set said to be “must see”, expectations were high for the Derby based trio. They performed well but didn't quite manage to have a complete grasp of the crowd; possibly down to a lot of people were there to watch a new band, as opposed to being actual fans, who knows... 

Next up we’re treated to the set of the day, courtesy of ANTI-FLAG [9]. The Pennsylvanian punks delivered on all fronts and had the crowd begging for more. With a back catalogue spanning twenty years they pleased fans of all ages and even started up the first proper circle pits of the day. This was straight up, high-octane punk rock at its finest and it laid waste to Merthyr Rock.

Keeping in tune with American punk rock, we take it down a peg or two now for REEL BIG FISH [8] who bring the trumpets and the fun by the bucket load. Their ska-infused style of up-beat pop-punk had the crowd singing and dancing and kept spirits high into the early evening, ensuring summer was still in full swing, especially with hits such as “Monkey Man” and a brilliant cover of A-HA’s “Take On Me”.

THE BLACKOUT [9] never fail to disappoint, and close the second stage with a bang. Being home-town heroes, they get a great crowd and lap up the opportunity to play such a big show in what’s essentially their back yard. Playing tracks from “Hope” and “The Best In Town”, plus with probably the best banter of the day courtesy of front-man Sean Smith, it’s impossible not to enjoy their set and we look forward to their next tour in October.

Finally then, it’s time to close the festival and at 9pm, the head liners, TAKING BACK SUNDAY [6] grace the stage amidst a colourful light display to break up the night sky. They perform well, opening up with recent hit single “Stood A Chance” off the acclaimed album “Happiness Is”, and fleet back and forth their back catalogue playing some crowd favourites, however given some of the performances we've seen today, it’s somewhat of an anti-climax and the whole set can’t help but appear just a bit mellow for a headline act, but they still had some great sing-along's.

All in all, Merthyr Rock’s return to the festival calendar has been nothing less than triumphant. It may be a relatively young festival, and will need time to flourish, but given the right support, this annual event in the valleys of South Wales can become more than a hidden gem for lovers of live music for years to come. Here’s to 2015; the road to Merthyr begins again…

Photo's courtesy of Menai Richards: https://www.facebook.com/MenaiRichardsPhotography

After a highly successful start to the “Road To Merthyr”, courtesy of KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES and a series of brilliant, intimate live shows, we must now avert our attention to the next generation of rising rock stars, as tonight, the YOUNG PROMOTERS NETWORK are back in Merthyr Tydfil’s Red House for “Breaking Bands”. This battle of the bands competition has been set up to allow one lucky up and coming Welsh band, the opportunity to open the main stage at MERTHYR ROCK, which is being held at Cyfarthfa Park on August 17th, and features a line-up including the likes of THE BLACKOUT, TAKING BACK SUNDAY and ANTI-FLAG. There were four bands booked for tonight, all ready to step up and grab the opportunity of a lifetime…there are three actually playing…this is what went down…

CIVIL FOES [N/A] from Aberdare were originally looking forward to playing tonight, looking forward to the chance to shine, however, due to circumstances within the band, they have sadly called it a day and have split up. It’s a shame we didn’t get to see them perform but we wish them all the best in any and all future projects.

CLEAR THE AUDITORIUM [8] are the first on stage and get the daunting task of having to set the bar early on, but boy do they do it in style. Playing a mixture of tracks from their “2021” and “The Final Broadcast” EP’s, their blend of alternative rock and dub-infused electronic beats goes down a storm and it’s hard to tell which is more energetic; the music or the band themselves! Front-man Dafydd Richards getting into the full swing of the occasion, climbs 12-15 ft up one of the venues walls, runs through the crowd, throws himself around the stage…it’s a confident, determined all-round display that demands your attention and is nothing less than impressive.

Up next are Cardiff’s LAST VENDETTA [6] who, despite delivering a quality dose of melodic punk-pop, just can’t quite live up to tonight’s opening act in terms of performance and hunger. Their set was good, the band are tight but really they lacked any real spark. The inclusion too of MICHAEL JACKSON cover “Man In The Mirror” didn't help matters tonight either, as while the track itself is a good one, and it was played brilliantly, when a band is looking to impress, you should be looking to stick to original material, it slightly cheapened the performance.

Finally then, we shift gears once more for the final act of the night, Bridgend’s SET TO BREAK [7] who pummel the unsuspecting crowd with a ferocious set of hard hitting metal-core. Their performance is strong, their technical ability, musically, is superb and vocalist George Ross has an impressive set of pipes on him to say the least. Inspired by artists such as ARCHITECTS and PARKWAY DRIVE, they end the night in brutal fashion playing songs from their newest EP; “Redemption”, leaving the judging panel with a lot to mull over…

Having taken each of tonight’s three performances fairly, weighing up pros and cons, the judging panel firstly decided that it was between two of the three bands without a shadow of doubt. Secondly, the panel took into consideration that tonight’s winner would be opening the main stage of Merthyr Rock, they would need to set the tone for a great day of live music and entertainment early on, supporting a mixed line-up of artists with a mixture of styles…and with that in mind, the panel reached a unanimous decision. The winners…Clear The Auditorium.

We wish the boys from Pontypridd all the best and look forward to seeing you again on the 17th, commiserations to our runners up, Last Vendetta and Set To Break, we’re sure you’ll be back for more in future, but this is CTA’s moment, and its thoroughly deserved.


For tickets to Merthyr Rock, please visit http://www.merthyrrock.com/
Article photo courtesy of Menai Richards: https://www.facebook.com/MenaiRichardsPhotography