KK’s Steelmill – 22/07/22
It’s testament to the quality and popularity of Ashen Reach that a) Myke Gray chose them as support for his Mykestock shows and b) they deliver a set lifted straight from their debut album that they have been belting out for well over a year now.
There is no doubting the talent on show here as they open with the debut album opener, ‘Fighting for my Life’. The decent crowd here getting in to it straight away. Kyle Stanley has vocal pipes to die for, full of power and emotion as heard on second track ‘Epiphany’, and again on Here I go, “the only ballad on the Album” as Kyle described it.
The duelling guitars are evident with lead being swapped between Paddy And Joe throughout. The base line of Mike McCarroll and Jess Stanley’s thundering back line adding huge depth and power to the songs.
Title track, the near nine minute Homecoming closed their 50 minute set with all the swagger and power of a classic track that will undoubtedly stay in their set forever. With their blend of classic rock melody coupled with aggressive and intense modern metal Ashen Reach have created an expansive sound that this crowd lapped up and will set them fair in the future.
We had a heads up already that Myke Gray’s three Mykestock shows would cover all of Myke’s superb back catalogue and run to near two and a half hours. This was going to deliver. And we were not disappointed.
The smaller room at KK’s was packed to hear opener Stand Up For Rock N Roll from the Red White and Blues album, a great album from Myke’s career in my opinion. It certainly got the crowd in the mood straight away. Hands in the air, the set just didn’t stop, with one hit after the other, Turn It Up Louder, being one of my faves, before vocalist Revival Black’s Dan Byrne got chance of a breather, to say
hello to the crowd.
Singles Trouble, Out In The Cold and You don’t Love Me were the first songs from Myke’s Jagged Edge era and the crowd reacted as if they’d hit the number one spot all those years ago. The band were on fire, Dan Byrne is blessed with an amazing voice that suited these songs so well. Myke was resplendent in his black and white outfit and clearly enjoying every minute. Ex Inglorious bass demon Colin Parkinson was on fire, whilst Neil Ogden was delivering the beat and Glenn Quinn finished the lineup in real style.
This was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with a catalogue that Myke should be truly proud of, songs like Let It Shine, Look But Don’t Touch, Tower Of Strength bringing home just why the 90’s were such a good time for rock music. Every single song stood up to the scrutiny of the crowd who sang along to each and every one.
After just under two hours we were hot and sweaty just like we were a few days earlier in the heatwave, but for a very different reason. Time for a breather. A very brief one because we were just warmed up for another seven song encore. This Is How We Rock & Roll/Born To Rock & Roll and the excellent Red White & Blues bringing the house down before a more reflective couple of acoustic numbers with the beautiful Wings Of An Angel being performed in memory of Myke’s sister, brilliantly performed by Myke and Dan.
Well Myke told us during the set that this was his farewell. What a farewell it was if true. We wish Myke every happiness and success in the future but don’t be surprised if Myke’s never ending broad smile greets us again.
Reviewed by Russ Taylor
