Stone Gods / Big Linda

You have to hand it to Stone Gods. Rather than jumping straight on the coat tails of the hype of their previous band (The Darkness, for those out of the loop), they've started right from the bottom again – and with a far superior brand of hard rock and heavy metal in tow. Headlining a venue that, whilst conveniently placed and enjoyable for its intimacy, is far from the heady days of Alexandra Palace and topping the bill at Reading Festival, the group (now minus one Justin Hawkins) has another opportunity to prove to the nation's capital just why they are and always have been more than a novelty act.

Before this though come Big Linda, a group that are so clearly assured of their credentials as future big shots that their confident swagger is only eclipsed by their admittedly decent style, incorporating classic rock elements with a modern twinge that fans of fellow newcomers The Answer and Priestess will relish. They're no Led Zeppelin, but they are certainly loyal fans, with axeman Patrick Murdoch nabbing just a riff or two from Page's book to promising effect. The crowd's reaction is positive enough to suggest that these Londoners will be back soon with a bigger crowd in front of them.

Naturally, Stone Gods blow them straight out of the water from the very first note of 'Burn The Witch'; an epic tune so destined to open rock concerts that it's a shock in itself that it wasn't written thirty years ago. What follows is a master class in rock 'n' roll, with Dan Hawkins every inch the solo-wielding guitar hero and Richie Edwards effortlessly filling the gap that Justin's departure inevitably left. His performance is confident, professional and heartfelt, and his enthusiasm is infectious and shared by fellow band members and audience alike.

Even with their debut album yet to be released, a startling number of songs receive recognition and singalongs from many portions of the crowd, and an inspired cover of Metallica classic 'Whiplash' only adds to the pandemonium that begins to ensue around the building.

By the end of the evening it becomes obvious that Stone Gods are slowly but surely amassing an impressive fanbase, and it can't possibly be too long before they are headlining venues twice this size. Where the Darkness were admittedly one hell of an entertaining rock act, Stone Gods have far more depth, variation and longevity in their songs, and it is difficult to see them not going the distance with this one. Come back soon lads, and get that bloody album out already!

FUTURE GIGS

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