LIVE REVIEW: Giant Walker @ The Frog & Fiddle, Cheltenham
On a pleasant Friday evening, we head to Cheltenham to The Frog & Fiddle, a wonderful grass roots venue that consistently showcases local, new, upcoming, and established talent. With the original first band, WAVE ARCANA, unable to perform due to illness, it’s now a three band bill, but that isn’t going to dampen the night.
Kicking off the night are Cheltenham locals, I, THE LION. These guys have been a staple of the local Cheltenham scene for over ten years, so we’re already in good hands. We’re taken on a journey of sound, with upbeat, energetic riffs reminiscent of BIFFY CLYRO blending seamlessly into slower, more mellow sections. They show off their indie rock bangers like the veterans they are.
Even though they are the local act, being given a solid forty minute slot really gives them a chance to shine. For many in the audience, this was their first exposure to the band, and they certainly left with new fans.
The band had some playful banter on stage between songs, humorously re-naming themselves “PROJECTOR” during a chat with the crowd and saying, “we are PROJECTOR, and this is our first gig.” Their lighthearted jokes brought some laughs and helped ease the crowd into the night.
Feeling nicely warmed up, we’re all ready for the rest of the evening.
Rating: 8/10
After a short break, HAWXX is ready to hit the stage. With BELINDA CARLISLE blasting as their hype song before they go on, you can see them dancing and getting ready to perform. Bursting onto the stage with heavy rock-laced guitars and four-part harmonies, these women bring the power, commanding the audience from the very first note.
They draw the crowd forward, rocking hard and singing along. Their mix of heavy riffs and sweet melodies creates a delicious balance, making the audience dance one moment and mellow out the next. Partway through the set, we get a surprise treat. Known as The Buttercup, two members of HAWXX switch things up with a fun Irish interlude, playing the accordion and pipes. It’s a refreshing and playful change of pace.
The set flies by with more great songs. The band clearly enjoys the performance as much as the audience, and the music transitions beautifully into a more grungy sound, allowing their vocals to really shine. They end with Be That Whore, a song addressing the historical treatment of women, which serves as the pinnacle of their set. It powerfully reinforces the band’s message and leaves a lasting impact on the crowd. With such a big finish, GIANT WALKER has some big shoes to fill.
Rating: 9/10
GIANT WALKER definitely fills those shoes when they take the stage. Starting off slow, they quickly build energy within a few short seconds. Their music has a proggy groove, giving them a different vibe from HAWXX, but they still sound epic.
Touring their new album Silhouettes, they work through the set list, showing off their new tracks to an audience that may not have come specifically for them. Many fans, initially there for HAWXX, poked their heads back in to check out the final band and ended up sticking around.
Steff’s powerful, soulful vocals stand out, adding depth to the sound. The string section is just as lively, rocking out on stage, with fingers working furiously in a non-stop flurry.
A few songs in, they mention their new album, and the crowd responds with loud cheers. It’s great to see the audience supporting them, whether it’s their first time hearing the band or they’re die-hard fans. The night took us on a musical journey, from indie to punk to prog, leaving us with a fun and diverse showcase of music. All three bands were great in their own right and really had something for everyone.
Rating: 9/10
Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in Cheltenham from Sarah Henry here:
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