Florence black

Live at the DOME, Tufnell park, London, 9th Feb 2024

Blaizing a trail across the UK, three piece Welsh Rock band Florence Black celebrate the launch of their new album “Bed of nails” . For those lucky enough to see them perform at one of these smaller venues certainly witnessed something spectacular. Not for a big flashy stage show but for the pure brilliance of three very talented artists. Tristan Thomas (vocals/guitar) , Jordan Evans ( Bass/backing vocals) and Perry Davies (Drums/backing vocals) create a sound that just shouldn’t be possible with only three on stage but they do, delivering track after track that’s just pure class.

Opening with the title track “Bed of nails” they set the tone of what’s to come and really don’t disappoint. They tear through a massive 17 track set showing the crowd no mercy with an onslaught of grinding guitar riffs , deep driving bass and a drummer showing his kit absolutely no mercy. This band is tight. More impressively though is the ability for everyone to add to the vocal element , Tristan delivers that true gravely rock tone very pleasing to the ear but I was just as gobsmacked by the ability of Perry to drum at the pace he does as well as deliver the more metal style vocal that gives this band the edge.

Belting out all but two songs from the album they show just how good it is in the entirety, only slowing the tempo with “Warning signs” and “Back to the end”. As most gigs that are delivered with such brutality, its over way too soon, sending me on my way with songs like “Rockin ring” , “Start again” and “Taxman” ringing loud In my ears. The pinnacle of the set had to be the cover of “Breadfan” originally done by Budgie back in 1973. Sorry guys but Florence Black now own this. Tristans guitaring skills are on a whole other level on this track, whipping the crowd into a frenzy, feeding the crowd with the pure driving energy they all create on stage.

 For those who got to experience this tour experienced the birth of something huge. Next tour will defiantly be taking place in bigger venues. These boys certainly deserve it. For those out there who have not had the pleasure yet , you need to ;listen to this album, loud!

Definatly worth mentioning are the support band James and the cold gun, Welsh rock band keeping alive the guitar based rock style of the 1990’s. Slamming tracks loaded with some seriously powerful drumming , classic guitar feedback and a frontman with swagger. These guys are a joy to watch on stage. They deliver memorable tracks , feed the crowd with enough interaction to keep them bouncing and setting the mood for what’s to come. Hell they must be doing something right having supported Pearl jam in Hyde park..

Kicking off the evening was Kent based Metal/Rock band PRYMA. With a dash of metal , a little dose of thrash and a little experimental madness they crank out some truly neck breaking headbangers. As a band they own the stage, deliver a clean clear onslaught of undiluted energy. It’s refreshing to see such interaction between the band members on stage, they are there for a good time and it shows. Hats off to them too for their track “Dead to me” being chosen to be played on BBC introducing rock on 13th feb. Catch their tour happening over the next few months, I will be.