Social clubs in the UK, otherwise known as working men’s clubs, had something of a tough reputation back in the day. Inhabited by grizzled old men who needed somewhere to unwind after a tough shift on the coal face or at the ship yards, supping their pint of stout while playing dominoes waiting impatiently for the “turn” to come on stage. The acts appearance was met, more often than not, with indifference or a hail of impatient catcalls.
It was a tough scene but many bands back then honed their craft against hostile audiences but if they could make it through that baptism of fire, they could face anything.
Clubs these days have certainly changed, with women now welcomed into the man only domain. Many hark back to those times as the halcyon days but to others progress has finally been made.
Tonight Poland’s Amarok, on their very first UK tour graced the small but perfectly formed stage after sterling support slots by local lads Stuckfish and Colin Bass, the appropriately named bass player from Prog legends, Camel.
With a show built around their most recent release, Hope, this was an absolute masterclass in cultured, classy, atmospheric and beautifully haunting modern Progressive Rock where the emphasis was on beautifully constructed songs rather than overt displays of flashy musicianship and it was all the better for it.
With references as diverse as their Polish compatriots Riverside and Porcupine Tree to Jean-Michel Jarre, Dire Straits and Pink Floyd, Amarok were a total sonic joy.
With the main vocals coming from guitarist Michal Wojtas were strong on melody and passion while bassist Kornel Poplawski, percussionist, Marta Wojtas and drummer Konrad Zielinski even stepped up to the microphone after a brief blast of a didgeridoo for “Welcome”. It is this vocal interplay combined with dreamy soundscapes and sublime guitar melodies that give Amarok such an enchanting sound.
The dark shadows, layers of dry ice and moody lighting might have been a photographers nightmare but it created a suitably eyrie atmosphere that perfectly enhanced the music.
It may have been the smouldering performance or the passionate flames of premier league Prog Rock but whatever it was a mid set fire alarm and visit from the local fire brigade may have caused a slight delay in the show but that did not detract from the overall performance.
Camel’s Colin bass added his velvet smooth vocals to “Hero” and “It’s Not The End” shimmered in ethereal beauty but the plaudits went to the scintillating hypnotic pulse of “Trail” which closed the show in emphatic style and “Trail” may well be the best modern Prog Rock song of the last decade. Yes, it’s THAT good.
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