Live: Mallory Knox @ Bristol Academy

by | Mar 23, 2017

Excitement looms over Bristol this evening. Mallory Knox received their second top 20 album last week, and tonight, they’re debuting some of their hotly discussed tracks for the first time on date number one of the Wired tour.

Mikey Chapman, frontman of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Mikey Chapman, frontman of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

To begin the evening, they’ve brought along Fatherson, a Scottish three-piece with an enveloping quaint folk-rock sound. Their sound is crisp, with a faultless performance that’s been perfected to a “T” and though filled with powerful melodies that are nicely boosted by singer, Ross Leighton’s voice.

David Jakes, singer of Lonely the Brave in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

David Jakes, singer of Lonely the Brave in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Following on, Lonely The Brave, deliver a particularly varied performance, keeping the audience on their toes. Mellow with distinctive vocal techniques placed against more instrumentally-focussed songs is a subtle juxtaposition that still recognisably shows off their skill and creativity. What they lack in stage ‘banter’ (not that it is necessarily needed), they make up for in a lively and refreshing set.

 

Joe Savins, guitarist of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Joe Savins, guitarist of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

The ringing sound of a plugged in guitar underneath an introductory is the first indication that Mallory Knox are about to come on stage. The second is the largely illuminated, almost blinding, but hard to resist, letter lights with (in case you couldn’t guess), the initials MK. The last, to passersby, are the piercing screams from adoring fans because they’ve just caught a glimpse of somebody’s instrument.

This introduction to Giving It Up continues for around a minute until the five members victoriously walk onto stage, prepared to please and share what their proud faces are trying to say.

Sam Douglas, bassist of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Sam Douglas, bassist of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Album title track, Wired, follows but, despite being new, feels familiar. Perhaps it’s the frequent radio play or the fact that the crowd are faithfully singing the words as thought it’s a classic. This stays constant too. Getaway’s introduction is hauntingly loud and bouncing off the venues walls, and fan-favourite Lighthouse, is barely audible underneath the enthusiasm.

Mikey Chapman, frontman of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Mikey Chapman, frontman of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Singer, Mikey Chapman’s voice simultaneously has a certain gruffness and clarity that results in such a distinct and mesmerising vocal performance throughout. It’s particularly prominent in an unexpectedly nostalgic sounding California and the undeniably epic Lucky Me. Not only is singing alone worth noting, but his ability to seamlessly go from casual stage chat with fan that initiates an acapella version of Oceans, to an empowering speech about religion before Saviour, is a part that not a lot of people can play.

Mikey Chapman, frontman of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Mikey Chapman, frontman of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

After the hour and fifteen minutes of music, their facial expressions have never been so clear. They’re proud of the release of Wired, they’re proud of their growth as band, they’re proud of their performance and they’re proud of the journey they’ve gone through, the trials and tribulations they’ve overcome, to get to where they are right now, and to have a dedicated fan base that happily supports their every move.

Sam Douglas, bassist of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Sam Douglas, bassist of Mallory Knox in Bristol o2 Academy (Natalie Lam)

Live Review & Photography by Natalie Lam

Mallory Knox on 20th March 2017  at Bristol Academy

[data-ps-embed-type=slideshow] > iframe {position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;}

_psEmbed(“https://rockshot.photoshelter.com”);

The Royston Club (Sam Crowston)

The Royston Club Announce New Album ‘Songs For The Spine’ And Biggest Tour Yet Ciematic

After the Top 20 success of their debut album, The Royston Club are pushing into bold new territory with the announcement of their second full-length record, Songs For The Spine, due out 8th August. Alongside the album reveal comes the emotionally charged new single Glued To The Bed, premiered by Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music, and news of their biggest UK headline tour to date—culminating in a major London show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town.

Lissie (Madison Speer)

Rockshot Favourite Lissie Returns With Tender New EP Promises, Sharing Heartfelt Cover Of ‘I’ll Stand By You’

A long-time favourite here at Rockshot Magazine, American singer-songwriter Lissie makes a welcome return with her...
Skerryvore (Press)

Skerryvore Unveil Uplifting New Single ‘The Sea That Sings’ Ahead of Biggest Show Yet At Floors Castle

Scottish folk-rock trailblazers Skerryvore are celebrating 20 years of music, memories, and massive live moments with...
Will Linley (Press)

Will Linley Channels Heartache Into Euphoria On New Single ‘Cinematic’

South African-born artist Will Linley is keeping his foot on the gas. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter has returned with his brand-new single Cinematic via Island Records—a sweeping, emotional anthem that perfectly captures the push-pull between heartbreak and hope. Known for his self-coined “sad-pop” style, Linley once again proves his ability to transform personal pain into songs that make you want to dance through the tears.

House of Protection (Anthony Tran)

House Of Protection Drop Electrifying New EP ‘Outrun You All’ & Announce UK Tour Dates

One of the most thrilling new forces in heavy music, House Of Protection have released their sophomore EP Outrun You All via Red Bull Records—a genre-hopping, high-octane project that confirms the duo’s position as one of 2024’s most fearless acts. Known for fusing atmospheric trip-hop, art punk, underground electronic, and hardcore chaos, the band wastes no time diving deep into their expansive musical world on this blistering seven-track release.

Jawbone (Rob Blackham / Blackham Images)

Jawbone Reignite Their Signature Sound With ‘Jawbone II’ — A Soulful, Live-Wire Triumph Of Folk, Rock & Psychedelia

It’s been a long time coming, but some things are worth the wait. Acclaimed British roots-rock band Jawbone have released their long-anticipated second album, Jawbone II, out now via 5dB Records (also home to anaiis, Ashaine White, and MOULD). Arriving seven years after their 2018 debut, Jawbone II reintroduces the quartet with the full force of their signature blend: timeless songwriting, masterful musicianship, and a rare kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

The Zipheads Kickstart A Rock ‘N’ Roll Renaissance In London

There’s two types of people in this world: those who’ve experienced The Zipheads live, and those who are missing out....
Reneé Rapp (Zora Sicher)

Reneé Rapp Enters Her Villain Era with Explosive New Single ‘Leave Me Alone’ and Announces Sophomore Album ‘Bite Me’

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp has officially kicked off a brand-new chapter with the release of her blistering new single, Leave Me Alone—out today via Interscope Records—alongside the announcement of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Bite Me, arriving on 1st August.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing