LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: AlienNation @ B2, Norwich
AlienNation at the Brickmakers B2 29th July 2023
Once again Terry from AlienNation put together a fantastic lineup to the Brickmakers B2. Having attended a number of his events, it is clear to see the hard work he puts into getting bands from different parts of the country, that never disappoint. Regardless of age of performers, he gives them a chance to get known in an extremely competitive industry. if you decided to stay in, then you missed out, as it is promoters like AlienNation that keeps the live music scene alive.
AlienNarion on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AlienNationLiveEvents
Novastatus
London based Novastatus brought a very unique and different sound to a lively audience at the B2. Now despite them being the first band on, from the very first song, the brought a varied & fresh sound. One of the tracks had a small introduction explaining that the song was about *killing a bunch of people for someone you love*, the song itself had a EMO feel to it, which felt it had been influenced by Pierce the Veil.
Each track they played from their set had a different feel to it. The most surprising was when they played a track called “Eclipse” where the lead vocalist was able to rap fluently in the verse and then sing in the chorus. Each member of the band played brilliantly and in perfect time with the vocalist. The only disappointment was that they only had a 30 minute set, for which went too quickly, I really hope to see them play again in the future.
I was lucky enough to have a brief talk with the lead vocalist after the event, when he told me he would love for them to come back to Norwich and play at The Waterfront, this I felt was really nice as it shows that Norwich has something to offer to the live music scene.
You can find Novastatus on YouTube, where they have recently put their own twist on Rasmus “In the shadows” along with some other tracks. They also can be found on other streaming platforms.
Novastatus on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NovaStatusOfficial
AJQJ
I have had the pleasure of seeing Suffolk based band a few times now, with Azza on Vocals & Guitar, Joseph on Bass & Cameron on drums, their crisp and catchy Alternative Rock sound is extremely easy to listen to. Right from the first track, you immediately think of elements influenced by Fall Out Boy but with a edgier sound that just works so well that you just want them to play more.
AJQJ on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AJQJBand
Occoeur
I absolutely love it when bands from miles away put so much passion into their music that they are willing to do hours of travelling, just to showcase what they can do on stage and Occoeur were no different, despite travelling from the Midlands, they put on a performance consisting of hard rock that takes me back to when I first started getting into metal during the 90’s. The power of Alexandra”s vocals were absolutely mind blowing that I am surprised she didn’t blow the roof off the B2. While I understand they are taking a break from touring, I hope that Occoeur returns to the stage soon. Occoeur can be heard on YouTube and other streaming platforms.
Occoeur on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Occoeur
Repair to Ruin
I have had the pleasure seeing London based Repair to Ruin a few times now and these guys just keep on getting better and better with Jake on Lead Vocals / Guitar, Don Backing Vocals / Bass, Jason on Drums. Jake’s deep power metal vocals with Grunge influences fit perfectly on every song that they played. I can seriously see these guys at a major festival in the next few years as it is easy to get lost in their raw sound and leaves you wanting more.
Repair to Ruin on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/repair2ruin
Jehenna
I have had the honour of seeing Norfolk based band Jehenna a number of times with Emily on lead vocals / guitar, Emma on Keyboard / backing vocals, Zak on Guitar, Joseph on Bass (Joseph already played for AJQJ earlier on in the night, and is able to blend into any band that he performs with). Now despite their main drummer falling ill, they were able to get in Ian Arnold (ColdHarbour UK) as replacement at the very last minute, he sounded like he had played with them for years.
Emily’s unique vocals along with the amazing talents from the other members, is what separates Jehenna from other bands, to the extent that every time I have seen them perform, there have been members of different bands of all different genres, wanting to get to the front to show their support. It is just so easy to forget being there as a Photographer and just enjoying every song that they play.
While the majority of songs they performed like Alien, Animal. The Preacher, Evil Genius was their own material, they did thrown in a couple of covers which normally I am fussy with, but they played them so well that every person in the venue was singing along.
The passion that Jehenna put into music is among the best I have seen and heard, not only do they gig regularly but they have also put in time and the Studio to record Animal & Preacher, along with music videos for both, which are on YouTube and the songs themselves can be purchased from different providers. Having purchased both of their singles, I sincerely hope that they release an album in the near future and get to be part of a major festival as they deserve success.
Jehenna on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/JehennaBand
Settlements
Once again the B2 was in high demand for the headline act Norwich’s very own Settlements, I have only seen these play once before and just had to see them again, as they produce such a variation of sounds. If you want a band that can do Funk, Blues or just good old fashioned Rock with some mean rifts, then look no further than Settlements. The only gutting thing was that due to a slight overrun, I wasn’t able to stay for the full set as my cab had arrived. But will hopefully see them perform again soon.
Settlements on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/SettlementsBandGB
