 
The Answer has been a busy band. 2009 has sent
them on two U.S tours, two European tours, a flying
visit to the land of the rising sun, a Download
Festival, and two gallops around the UK to boot.
Their second run around our humble island brought
them tonight to Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall;
making for a small and energetic show for the
midlands crowd.
Unfortunately a late arrival meant missing opening
act Black Spiders, but next up was punchy three
piece General Fiasco. Fiasco wasted no time in
ripping through songs in their 30 minute set list,
belting through track after track. Playing to
a rather fragmented and stagnant audience, they
played a humble half hour which failed to capture
too much audience appreciation. Not through lack
of trying though. The band were enthused and animated,
particularly drummer – Leaky; animated and
dynamic, it was easy to focus the audience attention
on this skin basher. They’re great at what
they do, and are all talented artists, yet tonight’s
performance just didn’t seem to ignite anything
new with their spark.
The reason we’re all here tonight soon
followed. The Answer emerged to a now comfortably
full auditorium, and wasted no time getting into
the thick of it. A brilliant instrumental opening
certainly blew any reservations away from, as
each of the three melody makers slipped seamlessly
into their preferred audio craftsmanship. Once
front man Cormac Neeson had meandered his way
onto the stage, the band blasted straight into
Everyday Demons’ mid track – ‘Tonight’
The Answer are filled to the brim with a classic
rock vibe, with their own Irish sportsmanship
and fire thrown into their musical direction.
Each instrument strives to drown out the next
in a barrage of audio assault which flows surprisingly
smoothly. Unfortunately, the sound man tonight
was not quite as in tune with his musical passion,
with Nesson’s vocals occasionally being
smothered under the wailing guitars and pounding
drums; making it hard to distinguish his brilliant
vocals. Only on those nether regions clinching
super high notes did his voice ring out above
everything else. It’s a shame, and no fault
of his own; Nesson’s voice is clearly one
with both power and heart, and yet still made
for a brilliant complement throughout each track.
Track number four of the set – ‘Cry
Out’ brought the pace of the evening down
just a notch, with slower pacing but brilliant
wailing guitars, and thankfully, a small respite
by the in-house engineer with vocals emerging
louder and more clear.
Guitarist Paul Mahon understandably attracts
much attention tonight, with just his sheer brilliance
on the guitar. The fretwork is clinical yet so
so fast whilst his quick changing effects and
tones flow fluidly through every riff of every
song. It’s truly inspiring when one is fortunate
enough to see a master of his instrument at work,
and tonight’s performance by Mahon was no
exception. Perfect.
A standout feeling you experienced from The Answer’s
performance though, is that they were genuinely
passionate to be up there playing tonight. This
is only driven home further when Nesson shares
his story of when earlier in the day drummer James
Heatley was paid a surprise visit by Mick McCarthy,
and after some lucrative offers; James’
only passion was to “Go on that stage tonight,
and hit those drums as hard as he possibly could”.
It’s refreshing and moving to know these
people truly do appreciate what they do for a
living, and Nesson never misses a chance to get
involved with his admiring audience at any point,
as he dives down into the front row at varying
high points throughout the evening; even bringing
out a harmonica from time to time.
Other classics such as ‘Never Too Late’,
‘Comfort Zone’ and ‘Evil Man’
were brilliantly received, but top trump of the
evening had to be the penultimate number- ‘Under
The Sky ‘. Truly billowing drumbeats and
solos, gorgeous chugging live riffs, and fantastically
venomous vocals just help cap off a brilliant
pre encore set. The extended live version really
helped seal the audience together in a guitar
chugging loving bubble. After the obligatory exit
left, The Answer were quick again to emerge for
one final number to round off the evening, the
brilliantly epic- ‘Preachin’.
All in all The Answer do exactly what they set
out to achieve. A classic rock - AC/DC influenced
band, which has evolved and grown its own uniquely
original roots and style. If you want a band whom
are confident in their delivery and direction,
but whom are also passionate about the music they
create, The Answer are the solution you are looking
for.
“Our business here with you lovely people
here on this fine night, is rock and roll”
bellowed Neeson over the drowning noise of cheers
and applause, and judging from tonight’s
reactions, business is better than good.
General Fiasco 3/5
The Answer 4.5/5
Review By Phil Davies |
