No, I’m not a Fresher but wouldn’t miss a chance to catch up with Stig and Dead Man’s Pistol. We came across them back in May 2023 at their first gig also at The Railway and been friends since so supporting their rise is important.
I believe this was a Freshers week event organised by Winchester University music courses so all bands present are studying and part of those courses. The opening two bands are newly formed, Cheap Trait started the night off, they have only been together for six months, this being there second gig ever but they show promise. The often usual teething from new bands, finding themselves on stage, already fronting original songs that are starting to form who they are well, these intermixed with a Portishead cover of Glory Box and Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana.
Second up was a band called Foreign Haze, I was told they were nine months in the making. Their provided write up: ‘Foreign Haze are an energetic alt-rock band based right here in Winchester, they deliver fast catchy guitar riffs and passionate performances. The band have hit the ground running with a successful lineup of gigs this spring, and are now working on releasing their debut EP over the summer.’ Musically great and obviously honing their craft so to speak. Finishing with a few upbeat track and a surprise cover of Bonkers!
The headline act was Dead Mans Pistol, a couple of years in now and not just going from strength to strength but having been there since the beginning I can honestly say theyve never sounded better. They describe themselves as: “an energetic and quirky heavy metal band who are not afraid of the dark. Stig Price fronts the band with his penetrative vocals that you not only hear, but feel with every fibre of your being. Oli Spring plays ferocious bass lines with a cavalier attitude. Whilst Matty Wylie and Johnny ‘The Joker’ Stilwell entertain the crowd with their catchy riffs and melodic guitar solos. Finally, Holly Seabrook keeps the band sounding incredible as she plays the drums with an intensity you will never forget!”
A great bunch clearly having fun, but fun with skill. Musically so tight, they play together so well and Stigs vocals have never been so good. It would be great to see them move up to bigger stages with a metal crowd to headbang back at them with the energy they give out. Thanks for the shoutout mid set!
https://www.instagram.com/deadmanspistol
This type of gig is important for bands to ‘cut their teeth’ and try things out hence i’ll keep attending. Small venues are great spaces.
