Live Review: Those Damn Crows – Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton
13th October 2023
Support: The Cruel Knives
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
A wet and breezy evening in Wolverhampton brings The Razor’s Edge team back to the Wulfrun Hall for the first time since it reopened just a few months ago. Welsh wizards Those Damn Crows are in town and along for the ride are Brit rockers The Cruel Knives.
The venue might look nice and fresh after its refit, but it’s the bands that are the showpiece this evening. The Cruel Knives set the stage ablaze with their opening performance. Kicking off their set with 'The Life That We Made,' the crowd was immediately thrust into the raw, unbridled energy that defines this band's soul. The seamless transition to 'Overdose' showcased their versatility, with gritty vocals and those powerful guitar.
'If This Is The End (I've Been a Fool From The Start)' was a true highlight, with its anthemic quality and a sing-along chorus that resonated deeply with the fans. The performance reached its peak with 'Shotgun to the Head,' a sonic onslaught that encapsulated The Cruel Knives' raw and unapologetic rock 'n' roll essence.
Up until this point the majority of the stage had been hidden by a huge Those Damn Crows backdrop, but as that is removed, the lads huge new stage setup is revealed. An 8 foot drum riser, ramps for the band to navigate the stage and platforms for Shane to rise on high. Without a note being played the audiences anticipation rises, the hottest act in the UK rock scene are about to put on one hell of a show.
A Those Damn Crows concert is not just a performance; it's a full-throttle rock 'n' roll experience that immerses you in a world of powerful music and raw emotion. The night kicked off with 'Who Did It,' and right from the first chord, it was evident that the Crows meant business.
Whilst the refit of the building could be seen as style over substance (that is certainly true of the bigger room next door) one thing that stands out is the sound quality in the Wulfrun Hall this evening. It once had a reputation as a big cavern where sound could get lost in the ether, tonight the band are able to highlight just how good this room sounds now, possibly the best sound I have heard at any concert venue, it is mesmerising.
Throughout the night, the band showcased their new material alongside their old. 'I Am' was a standout, delivering a profound and emotional punch with its moving lyrics and captivating melodies. The show's dynamics kept everyone on their toes, shifting from intense tracks like 'Takedown' and 'Rock N Roll Ain't Dead' to more introspective moments, such as 'Lay It All on Me’.
The drum and bass solo was an awe-inspiring moment, highlighting the individual talents of Ronnie Huxford and Lloyd Wood. 'Go Get It' served as a rallying cry, igniting the crowd with its anthemic energy. The evening came to a climactic close with ‘This Time I’m Ready' and ‘See You Again’ leaving the audience with a thundering conclusion to an unforgettable night. Those Damn Crows proved once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the rock world, we can’t wait to see what 2024 brings from the band!
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
