Live Review: Florence Black - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
6th February 2024
Support: Muddibrooke, James and the Cold Gun
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
Florence Black have come a long way in a short amount of time, just two years ago they were the support band at this very venue, playing the smaller room to maybe seventy fans. Tonight, on a headline tour to promote their latest album ‘Bed of Nails’ the band return to the legendary KK’s Steel Mill, this time playing the main room to a sold out crowd.
The night kicked off with a solid performance from the opening band, Muddibrooke, who set the stage on fire with their high-energy setlist. It’s the second time in as many weeks the band have opened a show at the Steel Mill, and their fan base in the West Midlands is growing fast. Tracks like ‘ADHD’ and ‘Turn To Dust’ showcased their raw talent and infectious energy, warming up the crowd for the main acts to come.
Following Muddibrooke, James and the Cold Gun took the stage as the main support act, delivering a setlist filled with gritty riffs and soulful melodies. They too have played this venue a number of times in the recent past – interestingly each time with a different line up – but tonight they were on top form, probably the best Wolverhampton has ever seen of the outfit. Tracks like ‘Seven’ and ‘Cheating on the Sun’ captivated the audience, setting the stage perfectly for the headliner, Florence Black.
Florence Black exploded onto the stage with an adrenaline-fuelled performance that left the audience begging for more. From the moment they launched into ‘Bed of Nails’, it was clear that this Welsh trio meant business. Each song from their setlist was a sonic assault on the senses, with blistering guitar solos, thunderous drums, and powerhouse vocals that reverberated throughout.
Highlights from Florence Black's set included the anthemic ‘Solid 9’, the gritty 'Don't Hold Me Down’, and the pulsating ‘The Deep End’. The band showcased their versatility with tracks like ‘Taxman’ and ‘Warning Sign’, seamlessly blending elements of hard rock and blues into their signature sound.
Midway through the set, Florence Black treated the crowd to a thrilling cover of the Budgie classic made famous by Metallica, ‘Breadfan’, which had everyone in the venue headbanging in unison. No Florence Black set is complete without that gem. They followed it up with fan favourites like ‘Bird on a Chain’ and wonderfully anthemic ‘Zulu’, keeping the energy levels at an all-time high.
But perhaps the most unforgettable moment of the night came during the encore when Florence Black performed ‘Sun & Moon’, a hauntingly beautiful song that brought chills to everyone in attendance. It was a perfect way to close out an unforgettable evening of rock 'n' roll.
With their powerhouse performance and electrifying stage presence, Florence Black proved once again why they're one of the most exciting rock bands on the scene today. If you ever get the chance to see them, don’t miss out!
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
