Musical Discoveries live review, September 2005
Live at The Assembly Rooms, Derby, Saturday 3rd Sept 2005 as part of Bloodstock
[View the article on Musical Discoveries's website here]
[Musical Discoveries]
After the festival's success in showcasing bands with female singers in 2004, the organisers pulled off quite a coup in 2005 by having the two best-known Dutch female fronted bands playing on the same day. With After Forever playing in the early evening--their first time in the UK--and Within Temptation headlining, this promised to be quite a festival.
Earlier in the day, however, British band Season's End played an excellent 35-minute set, having been promoted to the main stage in 2005. In truth, this was a similar set to the one played on the second stage in 2004, with the same songs showcased from their recently re-released debut album The Failing Light (review), including the very impressive "Ghost in My Emotion" with second vocalist David Stanton showcased as usual. However the band has clearly come on in leaps and bounds as performers. Singer Becki Clark prowled the stage like a lioness, and the rest of the band threw themselves into their performances with huge commitment, even including Dave Smith, rocking backwards and forwards behind his keyboard.
"Into the Flames" included an extended instrumental section that allowed various musicians a few moments in the limelight, especially skilled second guitarist Daryl Kellie, bassist Tom Nicholls and powerful drummer Paul White. While this felt a little forced in such a short set, it demonstrated the current level of cohesion and ambition in a band very much on the rise. Season's End remains an excellent, dynamic group with plenty of character and drive. The world awaits them!
4 out of 5
Chris Walkden of Musical Discoveries
http://www.musicaldiscoveries.com
