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of a band we didn't miss!
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Rochdale Observer 4/8/1989 |
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I went down to the Boardwalk with the intention of seeing Sweet Addiction. But, as ever, fate lent a hand and we missed them completely. All was not lost, however, as High Bias were playing too, and they made up for the disappointment pretty well. A three piece consisting of Phil Popplewell (guitars and vocals), Mike Richards (drums) and Richard Mayers (bass and backing vocals), they play a finely tuned type of eighties rock, ever so slightly reminiscent of Rush, Led Zep and Roachford. Most of the tracks had a tight, funky backing layered over with a devastating guitar grind. The riffs were catchy and powerful, but I couldn't help wishing for a decent rip of a solo every now and again. Having said that, solos à la Van Halen would probably have reduced some of the songs to the level of cheap cliché, and they were better off without. It's just that when you hear this type of music, you expect to hear certain things in it. Praise is due to the band for knowing what to leave out as much as what to include. I copped a demo off them at the end of the night, and it turns out that the three best songs of the night are on it (surprise, surprise). Kicking off with "I'm Not Much", a nifty little groove that wouldn't seem out of place gracing The Chart Show, it swiftly moves into the only ballad of the set "Changes" , a mellow and moody piece that showcases one of the best fitting saxophone solos I've heard in a long time. The final song is the real killer, though - "Don't Feel So Good" is a stunning sneer at the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, based around a swirling Zeppelinesque riff that drives right through your head with a vengeance. Mean stuff, with a neat line in arrangement and lyrics; why aren't these people signed yet ? |
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Review from IRON FIST Rockzine Aug/Sept issue 1989 |
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HIGH BIAS - 3 Track Demo Tape |
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Quite original and hailing from Manchester, High Bias and the three songs on this tape came as a breath of fresh air after listening to so many bland, average and pure garbage demos this issue. Not metal, not pop rock, High Bias are perhaps best described as being in a similar vein to bands like The Outfield. "I'm Not Much" has a great, catchy chorus and is extremely easy to enjoy. "Changes" doesn't have a powerchord in sight, but is, never-the-less, excellent; the saxophone playing within it is inspired and boosts the song into another league - so easy going I doubt an earthquake would affect it. It's not hard to see why major labels are already interested, the production is crisp, the musicianship and arrangements tight and well thought-out and last cut "Don't Feel So Good" proves how inventive the band are. A pleasant change to most of the music I listen to all day, although it's still definitely rock, High Bias are well worth your time and money. WARREN SPEED. |
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