Live Review: Starbenders - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhapton
9th October 2023
Support: The Soul Revival
Words & Photos: Tim Finch
As autumn rolls in through the back streets of Wolverhampton, the finest venue in the Black Country prepares itself for an epic showing from Atlanta’s own Starbenders who produce an eclectic blend of glam rock, punk, and pop. The band shone in the same venue just eight months ago in support of Palaye Royale and now they get the chance to headline.
Kicking odd proceedings are British rockers The Soul Revival. Having been given the smallest room possible on stage they do their best to make the most of the opportunity, despite front man Steve warning he may topple over at any point.
From the off their ‘big rock attitude’ shines through. The raucous guitars of band newcomer Andy rips through those Marshall amps. He has the swagger, the energy, the girth of a rock star guitarist, meant for stages much bigger than this. His solos highlight the first few numbers perfectly.
Vocally Steve is reminiscent of James Toseland, especially those ooon Toselands 2014 album ‘Renegade’. And that is meant as the best possible compliment, the gritty drawl of his accent rings through the mic and captivates an enthralled audience.
For thirty minutes the band fly through a set of awe inspiring classic rock. With the genres revival (no pun intended) in full swing the band slot in nicely to compliment tonight’s headliner. A show of promise, this quartet will be one to watch.
Starbenders offer a different take on rock to their support, and the anticipation for what is to come is high as the band take to the stage. Commencing with 'Blood Moon,' they set the stage for an otherworldly experience that was both enigmatic and captivating. With their spellbinding presence, they quickly transported the audience into a realm where rock 'n' roll met the supernatural, and 'Holy Mother' followed suit, with its haunting melodies and ethereal harmonies that sent shivers down the spine.
Kimi Shelter asks “are there any witches in the audience” as the band leads into 'Bitches Be Witches', which cranked up the intensity as Starbenders showcased their uncanny ability to blend elements of rock and mysticism seamlessly. The performance continued to showcase their versatility, 'Cover Me' and 'Seven White Horses' demonstrated their knack for crafting emotionally charged ballads that resonated deeply. The power of lead vocalist Kimi Shelter's voice was undeniable, commanding the stage with a raw and untamed energy that was utterly enthralling.
The concert was not without its moments of sheer rock 'n' roll swagger, evident in tracks like 'Push' and 'Body Talk,' where the band's raw, unfiltered energy filled the venue. The feverish guitar solos, like Kriss's spellbinding performance, were a testament to the band's exceptional musicianship.
As the night was nearing its end, 'If You Need It' and 'Precious' provided a sense of closure to the magical journey, leaving the audience yearning for more. The Starbenders' performance was a powerful concoction of rock, mysticism, and artistry, leaving a lasting imprint on all who were lucky enough to bear witness to their enchanting show. It was a night where music transcended the ordinary and ventured into the extraordinary, a testament to the boundless potential of this mesmerizing band.
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
