It doesn’t seem that long ago that people were bemoaning the fact that no one ever comes to Newcastle. More recently the likes of the Think Tank, the Riverside and Jumpin’ Jacks have added to The Cluny, Trillians and the O2 Academy to provide a range of venues to suit bands of all statures. Now Nemix Studios, a stone’s throw from the Discovery Museum, has pitched in with a rather fine rehearsal room/venue for bands just starting out on their live career or more established bands making tentative steps into new territories.
Local promoter Byker Grave have pulled off something of a coup bringing Sweden’s Hallas over for their first ever UK show and it was pleasing to see the venue full to give them a warm Geordie welcome.
With a set based mainly on their debut release, Excerpts From A Future Past, a flurry of six string activity heralded The Astral Steer with its retro feel bringing a familiarity to the music with a distinct hint of Wishbone Ash’s twin guitar harmonies with bassist/vocalist Tommy Alexandersson bringing the rich, mellow tones of Asia’s John Wetton to mind.
Repentance is even better with the opening guitar melody evoking Mark Knopfler at his best all underpinned by some prime-time Hammond organ from Nicklas Malmqvist.
Dressed in sparkly capes and glitter eye make-up, Hallas may look like Sweet’s younger brothers but they nail their Prog Rock credentials to the mast with the epic, Hammond organ powered, Shadow of The Templar.
Star Rider with its hypnotic beat, swirling synths and uplifting hook, combined with some superb guitar harmonies showed a more direct approach that may well draw in the more casual listener and showing Hallas may well have the dynamics and versatility to be in it for the long haul.
Review and Photos By Mick Burgess
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