LIVE REVIEW: HAGGARD CAT @ THE SEBRIGHT ARMS 28TH APRIL 2018
Background:
'Haggard Cat' was initially formed back in 2011 by Tom Marsh and Matt Reynolds from the highly renowned British hardcore band 'Heck' as a side project that would allow them to play as many shows as possible. Following the heartbreaking demise of 'Heck' in 2017, 'Haggard Cat' have now evolved into a fully fledged band on their own. After touring with the likes of 'Jamie Lenman' and 'Feed The Rhino' in recent months, 'Haggard Cat' released their debut record 'Challenger' on the 20th April 2018. Their show at The Sebright Arms is their first in London show since the albums release.
Sebright Arms - 28TH APRIL 2018
It is a miserable day in London, the sunny weather of the previous week feels like a distant memory, but it would take a lot more than rain to dampen the spirits of the group of excited fans gathering in The Sebright Arms tonight. 'Haggard Cat' may have only had an album out for a week, but they have already generated an impressive following of loyal fans.
First off though are 'Jonny Halifax & The Howling Truth'. As they take the stage, you could be forgiven for thinking that you have entered the wrong venue as the three men each take their seats and the vocalist picks up a steel lap guitar. Looks are very deceiving though as nothing could have prepared us for the wall of hard hitting stoner rock that came blasting from the speakers. Sounding like a majestic mix of 'Black Label Society' and 'Kyuss'; 'Jonny Halifax & The Howling Truth' are a non-stop riff machine. Groove laden bass riffs, shredding guitar solos and tight drum fills; 'Jonny Halifax & The Howling Truth' set the bar extremely high for what promises to be a great night.
Of all of the bands that have come to our attention this year, few have generated the same level of excitement as 'Screech Bats'. Tonight is 'Screech Bats' first London show since their sensational EP release show at The Monarch at the start of the month and they seem to be riding the crest of a tidal wave as they storm through an incredible set. Esme Bakers stage charisma is comparable to Will Gould of 'Creeper', but tonight is guitarist Kit Reeve's time to shine, diving across the stage and swinging the guitar around like a rag doll. The solo on 'That Valentines Song' is spine tingling, the bass comes to the foreground for closer 'ET' and Lexi Clark once again proves herself as a beast behind the drum kit throughout. 'Screech Bats' are quickly cementing themselves as one of the best and most exciting underground bands of the year and if there is any justice in the world then we expect to see them filling much larger venues in the not so distant future.
Over the last few years, 'Heck' had become notorious as one of the wildest and best live acts in the country and this is a moniker that 'Haggard Cat' are eager to maintain. Despite only being a two-piece, they are more than capable of putting on a show to rival anyone else. The last time we saw 'Haggard Cat' they were third support for 'Feed The Rhino'. Less than two months later and they are more than capable of headlining their own show. Playing almost all of the new record, (some tracks for the first time), the new songs sound massive. It's not all about the new album though as Jonny Halifax is welcomed back on stage to play harmonica for one of their earliest songs 'Alligator Tightrope'. New songs 'Bone Shaker' and 'Bad News (Travels Fast)' become instant anthems and the room goes absolutely wild for 'American Graffiti'.
'Heck' may be gone, but 'Haggard Cat' prove that they are more than capable of living up to the legacy that their former band has left behind.
