Back at Bannermans Edinburgh for the first time this year, we’re here to catch the Bulletboys, returning after a six-year absence. But first, we have two new bands for me to discover.
First on stage are Alpha Sista from Northern Ireland, led by their dynamic neon-haired singer, Hayley Norton. They launch straight into the rocking “Tales of Wow” and it’s indeed a wow as Hayley never stays still. The band follows with “Miss Crimson”, a classic rock twin guitar song. They are a tight band, and Hayley’s strong voice reminds me of early Lee Aaron. The band blasts through a short but powerful and energetic six-song set, including rockers like “Carry On” and “Can’t Keep Listening”. I look forward to their debut album, their demos promise great things. Check out the band on YouTube and live if you get the chance. I’ll certainly be looking out for them in the future.
Next up is the American band Garden of Eden, featuring Steve Unger from Metal Church on bass. Dan Crenshaw on guitar and vocals sounds like a cross between Steven Tyler meets Brian Johnson with a touch of Axl Rose, one of those old school gruff voices that I love. Despite having been around since 1995, they kick it up with songs like the marching thumper “Stormy Winter”, the heavier “Kick Kick”, and classic rockers “Ready to Rock” and “Evil Woman”. I enjoyed their set of proper rock. They’re worth checking out if you get the chance.
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Now, onto the main event: the Bulletboys are back at Bannermans after a six-year absence, with main man Marq Torien still at the helm, joined by Brad Lang on bass, Ira Black on guitar, and drummer Fred Aching this time around. The boys crank through a perfectly formed set, including rockers like “Hard As a Rock” and “Crank me Up” from their 1988 debut album, and the excellent “Rollover” and the smoother “Symphony” from 2015’s Elefante.
Marq pulls out all the stops and poses tonight, showcasing his consummate performer skills. Brad throws the bass about like a true rock star, Ira kills it on guitar, and not forgetting Fred pounding in the rear, if you’ll pardon the phrasing. The band ends with the crowd-pleaser and singalong “Smooth up in Ya”.
This was a killer set by a band and singer still on top form. Go see them when you can, you’ll be taken back to 1988 and rock your socks off. What a night!
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Photos by Coops Gig Photography
