Planet Rockstock 2021 - Thursday review
The event kicks off in style
Last updated 16th Nov 2021
Planet Rockstock 2021 kicks off on the Thursday night on The Graham Harding stage with the likes of Matt Pearce & The Mutiny, Grand Slam, and Everyday Heroes.
Brighton progressive rock band Aren Drift open the night with their captivating blend of classic rock and epic riffs. Frontwoman Radka Nemcova lures the crowd in with her sensual stage presence and unique voice. In an intense display of synchronised hair-whipping, Aren Drift get the crowd clapping along to the beat of their loud and energetic drumming. The Graham Harding stage is treated to songs from Aren Drift’s debut EP ‘Beneath the Surface’ as well as brand new unreleased tracks such as ‘Porcelain Dolls’ and ‘Sirens’ which blow the crowd away with their bone-deep basslines and gothic edge. Aren Drift end their set with their anthem ‘Snow Queen’, showcasing enchantress Radka’s haunting vocals and the band’s hypnotising rock theatricality.
When local South Wales lads Everyday Heroes kickstart their set with beefy guitar riffs, it's clear that they mean business. Backed by crashing cymbals and monstrous bass, Everyday Heroes have the whole room pumping their fists in the air with their tracks ‘Find My Way’ and ‘All Outta Faith’ from their debut album ‘A Tale of Sin & Sorrow’. Released in mid-2020, Everyday Heroes haven’t had the chance to play most of the album live until now, but it clearly isn't lost to Covid as our Planet Rock crowd sing along to every word. Energetic and vibrant, Everyday Heroes display scuzzy basslines and hints of lively blues-rock to a hungry audience, proving that they’re a skilled band with a growing fanbase.
Italian rockers Hangarvain flew all the way over to Trecco Bay just to play their set for us on Thursday night. With a sea of clapping hands and the room echoing harmonies back to the stage, Hangarvain tear up the stage with their massive chorus on frantic ‘Rock Down the House’. Charismatic frontman Sergio ‘Toledo’ Mosca oozes swagger as he playfully interacts with the crowd and charms them with his commanding vocals. Although it’s been over two years since the Italians last played in the UK, it truly feels like The Graham Harding stage was a second home to them as the crowd lap up their infectious energy and furious guitar hooks.
Blaring sirens sound as Grand Slam make their way to the stage, stealing the attention of everyone in the room. Originally formed by Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott in 1984, Grand Slam founding legendary guitarist Laurence Archer revived the band in 2016. Grand Slam’s set merges classic 80’s Grand Slam songs with newer material from their 2019 studio album ‘Hit the Ground’, with tracks ‘Gone Are the Days’, ‘Military Man’, and ‘Crime Rate’, laden with loud cymbals and blues-rock basslines. Guitar master Laurence Archer shreds show-stopping solos as Grand Slam finish their impressive set with ‘Sisters of Mercy’ as the crowd sing every word back at them.
Thursday night headliners Matt Pearce and the Mutiny close the first night of Rockstock 2021 with their vivacious showcase of mind-blowing blues-rock. If you caught Matt Pearce at Planet Rock’s Winter’s End 2020 festival, then you know that the band’s concoction of funky bass riffs and groovy keys are unmissable. Playing songs like ‘Scarecrowing’ and ‘Gotta Get Home’, Matt Pearce demonstrates why he’s such a renounced guitarist, as his fury of finger-licks fill the room with scorching guitar riffs that rip through the room. There's even a saxophone solo thrown in.
With the atmosphere vibrating in excitement and pints flowing all night, it's clear that our Planet Rock listeners are buzzing to be back out at Rockstock seeing some good rock ‘n’ roll live on the stage again, where it belongs. For many, this will have been their first taste of live music in a long time but judging by the grins on their faces as they sing their hearts out, it was well worth the wait.