LIVE REVIEW: Smash Into Pieces @ KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton

When it comes to making the right first impression on the judging ground of heavy music, it’s the gold standard to setting their presence right to the reviewer. What makes it a little daunting was when Swedes SMASH INTO PIECES and Finnish heavy pop rockers CYAN KICKS reveal this specific UK tour to be their first exposure on an English stage, the claws were definitely out on the Nordic duo on the Wolverhampton backstreets and see if the rocking pair were worth the bite.

Illuminating the logo on the KK’s Steel Mill stage proudly on the video wall and the newest taste of Finland sprang on the floor. With a name like CYAN KICKS, some would imagine the typical lightly sweetened alt-pop rock. Instead, what confronted the curious audience was four vibrant Finns hosting a selection of heavy alt-rock anthems that sounded both fresh and catchy. From across the band’s three albums, which included the newest offering I Never Said 4ever, gave the crowd an introduction which rapidly embraced the quartet on command. Leading the charge was Susanna Alexandra, who revealed her unique vocal style through the delicate harmonies against some powerful long notes.

Comrades Leevi Erkkilä on bass, Niila Perkkiö on guitar and Pietari Reijonen on the drums administered an impactful union of sound providing an overall great stage presence. Tracks cementing their live stage debut were the catchy Addicted, the anthem driven Invincible, their older yet crisp synth rock-hitting Gasoline and rounding off with the exciting Hurricane that included an unexpected cartwheel from Leevi Erkkilä, giving a huge lasting impression. As CYAN KICKS embraced Wolverhampton with respected appreciation, it was a shame this was only for 35 minutes. The quality shown was enough to show their capabilities to one day headline their own shows and making their debut UK appearance the one to makes notes.

Rating: 8/10

Crackles of the dystopian digital aesthetic was on full display with catchy choruses from Flow, Wake Up and Glow In The Dark. That prepared the pace for SMASH INTO PIECES’ debut UK show to our judges of the evening. Bang Bang and their popular Let Me Be Your Superhero added flare, which was similar to what arena-based bands would possess.

While the set progressed with added synths and crowd participation from Arcadia and All Eyes On You, the eagle-eyed viewers in the crowd analysed the brand that is SMASH INTO PIECES. Taking positions each side of the stage were lead and rhythm guitarists Benjamin Jennebo and Emanuel Magnil, who were animated revealing their enjoyment with Wolverhampton. Seeing that gimmicks weren’t needed in this instance, vocalist Chris Hedman Sörbye grabbed the crowd’s attention. There were odd times where the vocals were on the quiet side, which was a shame to highlight that the exclusivity of the vocals could have been huge in the small space reaching for impact.

A unique tactic playing the industrial elements with APOC (known as The Apocalypse DJ) provided the mystique that their fans could appreciate. They even made sure that many illumination changes from the costume was noticed midst the black space. The quartet overall took marketability, like their native counterparts GHOST, when setting the right impression to their audience and the Swedes made it their time to cultivate through their distinctive charm. It was at times taken away from the stage being a little dark. It could have been how it was meant to be displayed for effect or first time nerves on a UK stage.

As Deadman added the element of what the crowd can quickly associate rock band SHINEDOWN with, Chris Hedman Sörbye expressed “it is important we stick together as one” with phones in the air for their profound performance of Vanguard. Their upbeat number Forever Alone worked well to their heavier numbers through the performance. Jokily asking where the wine was, their rendition of TEARS FOR FEARS classic Mad World fascinated the crowd with open arms. The encore of Boomerang had the place jumping alongside Susanna Alexandra of support CYAN KICKS adding fire and Six Feet Under closing their mega set on a good note, showcasing new work while also treating the audience to some favourites.

Rating: 7/10

Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Wolverhampton from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here: 

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