REVIEW: Alvarez Kings, The Grapes
AFTER headlining in front of 1500 fans at London's Koko earlier this year it's a credit to Alvarez Kings they support local music by taking over Sheffield's intimate but legendary Grapes for the night.
Many famous acts have played here, not least the Arctic Monkeys, but few can have created an atmosphere better than this, the upstairs room bursting at the seams and many local musos in the audience sensing a special night.
Formed some six years ago in Rotherham, Alvarez Kings were originally called Red Shed after the vehicle got to gigs in. But since changing their name and relaunching in 2006 they haven't looked back.
They are led by charismatic frontman Simon Thompson, whose sibling Paul plays bass, and have supported the Arctics, Little Man Tate, The Enemy and Reverend And The Makers among others but now headline nationwide, surely on the brink of being signed by a major label.
The audience was warmed up by local young guns Century Kids who boast two vocalists; not the only similarity to Brum bunch The Twang. They're a bit rough round the edges but a highly promising set confirms they're ones to watch.
It's all about the Alvarez Kings tonight, though, and from opener An Honest Dilemma the boys have the audience bouncing and singing to nearly every track. Shirtless drummer Rich creates a driving indie beat while edgy guitars provide the platform for Simon's understated vocals on classic tracks like Picking Up The Pieces.
A previous visit here several years ago saw them play to an audience of about five. But those days are long gone as tonight's exceptional performance showed why the Kings reign supreme over the region's unsigned music scene.
What do you think? Add your comment below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
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