Ahh, my home from home—back at Bannermans tonight for one of my favourite Japanese bands, Electric Eel Shock. But first up, we have a Glasgow band on their debut gig: Stop The Suns From Setting. The band formed last year and draw inspiration from the likes of Spiritbox, Sleep Token, and Bring Me the Horizon. They released their excellent debut single, “Rebirth,” last month—a full-on, intense rocker that I thought had real hints of Lacuna Coil about it. There’s a strong melodic sound throughout their set, along with the odd growl from Kels, which I wasn’t expecting.
The band sailed through the likes of “Say It Again” and “Chest Cavity.” I thought they were really good—you’d never have guessed this was their first gig, as they looked like they’d been at it for years. They ploughed through a short but very enjoyable set, with Chris killing it on his intense guitar sound using an 8-string Ibanez. Dani was bouncing all over the place on bass, and bringing up the rear in the rhythm section was Panka on drums. The band showed no nerves and went down well with the crowd, which clearly included a fair few friends and family for . I’m looking forward to the EP—if the single and this performance are anything to go by, it’ll be something special.
I would certainly urge you to catch them when they’re out gigging again. Aside from their influences, I’d say if you’re a fan of Lacuna Coil or Within Temptation-style melodic heavy vibes with big riffs, go check them out—I can see a big future for them if they keep going as they are.
Now for a band who sound like no other: the men from Japan, Electric Eel Shock. The majority of tonight’s setlist comes from last year’s fantastic album, Heavy Metal Black Belt, and the boys open tonight with a twin salvo from that very album—starting with the bouncy, rifftastic “Nice Guy of the Year,” followed by the intense, speed-infused “Metalheads Just Want to Have Fun.” Quality start.
A crowd favourite now with the fun-filled “My Favorite No.9″—the crowd is bouncing. Aki is just the perfect frontman, wielding his trademark flying V guitar, always engaging with the crowd and bringing the laughs. A slower intro brings us “Lost in Sweden,” before we go “Up and Down” with its odd, bouncy vibe. They let us know how “Rock & Roll Can Rescue the World.” The boys’ love for ’80s metal shines through in “So Much 80’s,” full of classic metal riffs—one of my favourites tonight.
We’re treated to a few more before the end of the set, including another favourite: the intensely riffing “Metalman” and the thumping “Scream for Me.” Encores are always funny at Bannermans, as the bands have nowhere to go—so the boys launch into the drumtastic, intense “Suicide Rock & Roll” before ending with a firm crowd favourite, “Bastard!”—where, apparently, everyone is a bastard. A perfect ending to a fun-packed set from a band who are always a blast to watch and listen to.
The band engage with the crowd constantly and clearly have a lot of fun on stage together. And who doesn’t love a naked drummer playing with his obligatory sports sock and four drumsticks? One of the most intense drummers you’ll ever see. The band are pure rock ’n’ roll, with an intensity, humour, and sound that no one else has. Catch these boys when you can—you’re always guaranteed a great night out.
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Photos by Coops Gig Photography
