Effigy 2017 Highlights
Belgium Post Hardcore trio Brutus opened up the Exchange stage of the Effigy Weekender. This was the band’s first time in Bristol as they were on their first ever European tour. Brutus definitely set the tempo for the other bands, playing tracks of their newly released deubt album ‘Burst’ including ‘Drive’ and ‘All Along’. Notably the band’s high energy and great stage presence carried their set, this was matched by the energy of the crowd. Other notable mentions were the vocal range and energy of vocalist/ drummer Stefanie Mannaerts as well as the energy of guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden who wouldn’t stop moving throughout the band’s set. The fact that the band used to be a ‘Refused’ tribute act, its no wonder they are a great live band and one which I highly reccomended seeing.
Having not seen or heard The Broken Oak Duet's music before the one word I’ve got to describe them is ‘precise’. This certainly happended to be the case as from the first note the band had the crowd moving with the fast heavy riffs and the hard hitting drumming. Depsite only being two members they know how to make an impact, both being musically intertwined. The band played tracks from their latest release ‘Terrian’ including tracks ‘March’ and ‘Roger the Optometrist’.
Having seen an amazing night of bands before them, it was a big ask for the headline act to come out and deliver. However Bristol rockers ‘Memory Of Elephants’ delivered in full force with a packed room not one person seemed to be stood still. The band played tracks off their EP ‘Faux Carrion’ including ‘Chacking For Cwmbran’. The band had the crowd in full voice with guest vocals from members of the crowd in the final seven minute song. A notable mention must be said to the orgainsers of Effigy and to the people behind the Stag and Hounds venue which unfortuntly will be soon closing its doors. For the many years in the Bristol music scene the venue has become a great staple for up and coming bands giving them a platfrom to play and to be heard by many. The venue has a communuity welcoming feel to it, fans and staff members alike. Being run on sheer passion. Although it’s a crying shame that the venue is soon to be closing, it can go down with its head held high having given joy to many, having putting on great shows like this one over the years.
The Broken Oak Duet - https://www.facebook.com/thebrokenoakduet/
Memory Of Elephants - https://www.facebook.com/MemoryOfElephants/
Photos & Review - Anthony Shaw Photography
