LIVE REVIEW: VOLA @ Rebellion, Manchester

Having existed as a band for over ten years, VOLA have constantly strived to redefine their sound, culminating in the band’s second album: last year’s electronic-infused LP Applause of a Distant Crowd. Back in 2015 VOLA garnered widespread acclaim outside of their native Denmark upon the release of their groove-laden debut album Inmazes, and firmly cemented themselves as ‘one to watch’ for the future. In a stark departure from the musical style of Inmazes, the band’s second and most recent album explores a more melodic, electronic, and poppy iteration of VOLA, while still maintaining the groovy, prog riffs that made their debut so great. This year marks the first time the band has embarked on a headline tour across Europe – and with RENDEZVOUS POINT and ARCH ECHO in tow, it promises to be an unmissable event.

Tasked with kicking off the second night of the tour were Norwegian prog-metallers RENDEZVOUS POINT. Utilising interesting time signatures throughout their set, the band showcased their inherent knack for the fundamentals of prog, executed in such a way that their own voice still managed to stand proudly at the forefront. Having just released their second album, the band wasted no time before blasting through some of their newer material, and by the time the band played Pressure, the rapidly expanding Manchester crowd were getting fully behind them.

The strong rhythmic and melodic elements that form the backbone of the band’s sound provided a springboard on which the powerful vocals of Geirmund Hansen leapt out at the audience and shone like a jewel atop a grandiose crown. Building their set from some of the best material across the band’s two albums, RENDEZVOUS POINT provided a complete snapshot of what the band are all about and executed it with finesse. For a band with fewer miles on the clock than many of their peers operating on a similar level, the road ahead looks exciting for RENDEZVOUS POINT.

Rating: 7/10

For those uninitiated in the ways of the next band, allow a short introduction. ARCH ECHO play a brand of instrumental music that borders on sheer virtuosity. With a sound akin to that of POLYPHIA and INTERVALS, but with elements of DREAM THEATER and PERIPHERY thrown in for good measure, the band’s live set is truly a sight to behold. In what was a flawless set, the band expertly traversed the length and breadth of their material in a performance that would be sure to leave even the most hard-to-please music fan absolutely awe-stricken.

With two eight-track albums under their belt and each member being prolific and accomplished musicians in their own right, ARCH ECHO‘s live recreations of their complex back catalogue and nothing short of masterful. Intricate guitar melodies are backed by thick distorted chords and held together by drum beats and fills that zip around the kit in an effortless display of someone at peak music ability. The harmonised melodies between guitar player Adam Rafowitz and keys player Joey Izzo playfully weave around one another and fit together as satisfyingly as the last piece in an incredibly difficult jigsaw.

ARCH ECHO‘s live prowess is that of a band that most could only hope to even come close to. Compositionally, the music was so perfectly balanced, well-rounded, and harmonically and melodically pleasing, that even those who don’t consider themselves well-versed in instrumental music are sure to be able to take something from it. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary artists such as ANIMALS AS LEADERS, INTERVALS, POLYPHIA, or more classic artists like Eric Johnson, Alan Holdsworth, Satriani or Vai – ARCH ECHO are an absolute must-see artist. The whole set was magnificent from start to finish and the band made it near impossible to find fault in it.

Rating: 9/10

Following their sold-out London show the previous night, it was time for the headliners to bring the night to a close. With the release of their latest album Applause of a Distant Crowd, VOLA took the opportunity to further showcase the many facets of their sound, a fact which is reflected in the wide variety of people in attendance – some clearly fans of the heavier Inmazes side of the band and others who jumped aboard the VOLA train for the band’s newfound pop sensibilities. This speaks volumes about the sheer mass-appeal that the band possess: there’s something for everyone, no matter who you are.

Kicking their set off with an array of songs from their latest studio offering, the band were immediately met with a cheer, the magnitude of which seemed to defy the capacity of the room. Given the excellent reception they were getting on what is their first tour outside of their native Denmark, the band seemed to be exuding a vibrant glow – the glow of of a band who are clearly and obviously grateful for everything they’ve achieved so far, a glow that proved infectious and quickly radiated throughout the packed room, creating a cordial atmosphere that persisted for the remainder of the set.

Building off the momentum from the opening tracks Still and Smartfriend, the band electrified the room further with one of the most popular tracks from the new album; the uplifting Ghosts. The ultra-electronic, synthesised melody of the intro acted as a rallying cry for the whole room to come together in unison, fully content in the moment being shared by all. With the majority of the set being made up from the band’s newer material, a surprise moment came with the live debut of one of VOLA‘s older tracks A Stare Without Eyes. Given the calibre of the track and the fact that its live debut comes three years after the initial release of Inmazes, it really speaks volumes of just how good that album was. The recreation of the track within a live setting was just as technically impressive and groove-laden as its studio counterpart, but greatly elevated by the sheer power only achievable in a live setting.

For a band only just beginning to hit their stride, VOLA manage to cultivate an atmosphere akin to those veterans of the international scene. Having such an eclectic and impressive back catalogue makes witnessing VOLA live a joy – a fact made more impressive given the fact they’re only two albums deep into their career. The inclusion of both RENDEZVOUS POINT and the incredible ARCH ECHO make the Applause of a Distant Crowd tour an event not to be missed.

Rating: 8/10

Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in Manchester from Alex Dixon here: