Bob Vylan / Rock City / Nottingham
A trip into Nottingham to take in the Bob Vylan show on their “Viva La Vylan” tour. And there’s a packed house tonight !
First up in support, was a set from Cardiff’s own Panic Shack, a high octane guitar led punk sound, with some brilliantly quirky song titles/meanings, but often with a serious message, such as I Don’t Really Like which is for anyone who has ever felt on the end of mysogynistic encounters, being spoken down to, or the victim of ‘mansplaining. LIkewise Jiu Jitsu You is about fighting back against such people. Meal Deal, is well, all about going out for a meal deal, because ‘my house is f**king freeezing’.
Panic Shack deliver fast paced and punchy riffs. A very entertaining start to the night.
Next up is Kid Bookie from South London, as they deliver a high octane set of powerful rap vocals laid over and great n u-metal; guitar work. The energy levels just rise to another level, as Kid Bookie look to set the place alight with their rapid fire approach. Mixed in there, is a glorious version of the Radiohead classic Creep. The lyrics are delivered with anger and energy, backed up by those intense riffs. Intense stuff, and wonderful. The perfect foil for what’s to come….
Rock City is rammed tonight and ready for Bob Vylan to hit the stage. As always, as they walk out, Bobby goes through a session of stretching and meditation, which he encourages those that can to join in. Once done, the crowd roars and we’re underway. Bob Vylans style is quite unique. A cross between rap and punk, he mixes in conversation with the crowd, politics and a healthy dose of humour. Bobby’s energy levels are second to none as he moves effortlessly round the stage, from start to finish. He introduces the band members, which is himself, and Bobby on drums and describes themselves as the “Fred Perry mafia…. respect the wreath” !
The set touches on poverty (tracks like GDP) and toxic masculinity. He also covers the issues facing many in society with a well balanced intelligent and enraged explanation of the experienced faced by Black British people, with songs like I Heard You Want Your Country Back and We Live Here. It’s not outright rage, but an eloquently structured dismantling of discrimination.
Bobby is chatting away constantly, asking all us photographers in the pit if we’re ok, and grinning, telling everyone to get the surfers over to make security work, which the crowd duly obliged. The set is packed full of great tunes, such as the aforementioned GDP, for which the crowd goes absolutely mental shouting the words back and a new song Hunger Games is blasted out. Other highlights included Take That, He Sold Guns and the final number Wicked & Bad.
With just Bobby on vocals, and Bobby on drums, with the other instruments and effects through a track, they are a real force on stage. The tracks are punchy, and despite some of the subject matter, they are delivered in a brilliantly light, and approachable fashion. There is an ease to their performance, nothing feels manufactured - a genuine connection between artist and crowd.
Boby Vylan were something very different - a band that seem to cross and engage with generations, and mixing musical styles to engage with a wider audience. A positive and powerful presence on the music scene, with some tough and important messages, delivered in an engaging way.
I’m sure Bob Vylan have many many years of success ahead of them, and they’re definitely a band tick off that ‘must see’ list.
