LIVE MUSIC - Fieves @ The Penny Theatre, Canterbury 08/02/2019
Review by Jasleen Dhindsa
For fans of: Queens of the Stone Age, Fizzy Blood, System of a Down
Heavy guitar bands have been a staple of the Canterbury music scene since records began. In a scene that’s fairly dominated by individual groups dedicated to specific genres, it’s rare when a band transcends these barriers. Fieves are one of those bands, who fit in both in the “metal” scene of Canterbury, but also the more alternative scene curated by tastemakers such as Arts Cool and Easter Island; where it’s more about ethos than judging someone based on the genre of music that they play.
Fieves stand out on this line-up, their sound mixes together grunge, garage rock and post-hardcore, and they don’t quite fit into a box, which rather than alienating the listener does the quite opposite. The amalgamation of these heavy subgenres seems to make sense when looking at the individual parts of the band: Joel has a bluesy vocal that normally sits with garage or psych rock, yet grungey bass from Ethan, obvious metal nods with the shredding repetitive riffs from Michael and use of cowbell (!) from drummer Jack, come together in a way that makes Fieves music recognisable, yet simultaneously offers something distinct. It’s hella catchy too.
Some hits and misses trickled in to the set which is understandable for a band who haven’t been together very long. However, when they hit the right parts, it was commendable and sounded killer. Second track ‘Nytbirds’ and closing number ‘Xilla’ in particular were ferocious, ‘Nytbirds’ (taken off the band’s EP Loveslug) closes with an infectious rhythmic riff akin to System of A Down, and ‘Xilla’ really made a statement as the set closer. Fieves have rip-roaring energy, and an ear that toys with both the experimental and formulaic, with fiery irrepressibility.
Fieves are due to be releasing music very soon, with an upcoming show at Vinylstore Jr on Saturday 9th March
Facebook: facebook.com/fievesband/
