The Blinders, Albert Hall, 30th September 2021

The Blinders play bruising alt rock, or if you prefer, glam rock head melters with dirty guitars. My point is they’re not timid. They are a lot of fun though, despite the clout of these songs, the sound is packed with hooks and catchy lyrics. I first saw them supporting Blossoms at their homecoming lovefest at Edgley Park. The sun was still up late afternoon, as the band took to the stage and delivered an apocalyptic set that probably terrified half the chav laden masses. I was captivated. So I’m here at my beloved Albert Hall for more. They do have slower songs, but even these are tinged with a raw dangerous power. Desert soaked buzz guitars, baselines to soundtrack your decent into hell and the sort of drums that suit driving down abandoned roads at night with no lights. That’s to say, it’s all very atmospheric and perfect for this venue. Before the main act, having discovered The Blinders as support, I’d be remiss not to mention Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard. I’ve wanted to catch this lot since their last tour got pulled, but I’ll admit it was a (pleasant) surprise to find them here tonight. They do seem a bit trapped in the sound of the 70s, with some good ol’ foot stomping rock and/or roll, but damn it’s good. The singer wiggles is arse enough to make Jagger blush and if it weren’t for the guitar he’s wielding, would give old Mick a run for his money. Always try to get in early for the support, you might hear something great. To The Blinders then. Now alright it’s not exactly a ground breaking new sound either, but it sounds fucking cool as the opening bars begin to bounce around the acoustic perfection of Albert Hall and the crowd begin to go nuts. The pit is instant as those slower songs are kicked aside for one blistering track after another. It’s intense! Sex and swagger on stage charging the crowd into a frenzy. This is what rock gigs are about. Loud guitars, pulverising drums, ferocious bass, bongos and some hammondy organ for good measure. Yeah I said bongos, just go with it. This is music that grabs you and drags you down that dark dusty road in your mind to oblivion. The crowd loves this adopted Manc five piece and the crowd control look a bit terrified as they realise that really they’ve got no chance. There’s next to no chatter, but for nearly an hour an a half The Blinders test the integrity of these sacred walls and etch an impervious grin of every lucky soul in here. Phenomenal.