Netherworld Rocks

Netherworld at Staines Riverside Club, 30th May 2008

Netherworld can be regarded as an instrumental trio of power, with the addition of a strong vocal armoury. Though the band relies heavily on Thin Lizzy numbers and cites Lizzy as a major influence, the lack of twin-leads (and therefore the consequential loss of any lead-clashes) makes their Lizzyfied sound a little weak. Instead, you would be better off comparing the band to Cream. Their’s is the classic three-way rock explosion that most aptly defines the work of Netherworld.

The predominant instrument in the arsenal of these long-haired do-gooders is the guitar of Jason Stretch. Or should I use the plural- guitars? That would more accurately describe the monster wails, sighs, cries and laments that heavily depend on lyrical echo to achieve their full splendour. Jason has, reputedly, toured with the likes of the Iron Maiden Steve Harris and Whitesnake’s Neil Murray and the sheer professionalism and dedication of his rock pedigree is fully demonstrated.

With a rampaging and driving rhythm provided by Ian Roberts, from the engine room, and the structure of each song carefully woven by bassist Smiffy, the Netherworld experience is as exhilarating as it is satisfying. Heavy and technically proficient, the two guitarists share out the vocal leads (actually I prefer Paul Smith). They even, at one stage, employ their road manager as a lead vocalist (very talented and well received by all.)

This band demands that the audience pays attention. Even in a small (and to be quite honest- fairly olde worlde) venue like Staines Riverside Club, the band were provocative and hard. One old-time club member pointed out to me before the show that the bass drum was amplified, “We have never experienced that kind of power here before”, he exclaimed with a startled expression. The hair is big, the sound is wide and fills a barn. The sense of urgency is electrifying. The sheer exhilaration is dizzying and uncompromising.

If you like AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, Free, Hendrix and a big dollop of Cream and you don’t mind having your eardrums shattered by power-crazed solos, riffs and fills- then Netherworld is for you.

If you missed them in Staines, try to catch them locally here:

Jun 15 2008 8:00P The Six Bells Brentford
Jun 20 2008 8:00P The Shire Horse Hounslow
Jul 11 2008 8:00P The Running Horse Bracknell
Jul 12 2008 8:00P Social Club Hounslow
Jul 20 2008 8:00P The Six Bells Brentford
Jul 25 2008 8:00P The Shire Horse Hounslow
Jul 26 2008 8:00P The Cardinal Wolsey East Molesey
Aug 1 2008 8:00P The Red Lion Twickenham

http://www.myspace.com/netherworldrock

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