Live Report: Swami And The Bed Of Nails play dream show for Belfast rock fans

By Hot Press’s count it’s been seven long years since we last saw rock ‘n’ roll icon and man of many bands (and indeed names) John Reis round these parts. An expert in the delicate art of decapitation by guitar, the riff merchant and erstwhile member of a gaggle of seminal groups, including Rocket From The Crypt, Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu and the Sultans, has electrified more people than Old Sparky in The Green Mile and we can’t wait to get our face melted off at Belfast venue Ulster Sports Club.

But before John/Swami/Speedo/Slasher and his latest band treat us to his brand new batch of explosive anthems, NI genre splicers Many Souls are here to warm us up. Featuring members of Blue Whale and former Hot Press Hot For… alumni Not Squares in their ranks, this new group of seasoned performers waste little time getting the audience in a headlock and that’s thanks, in part, to to their newly installed frontman Ciaran Hughes, who shuns the stage in favour of prowling around the pit looking like Nigel McGuinness in his prime.

It’s the ex singer for Saint Dudes’ debut show with the band and he’s making his first impression count with his growls, howls, charisma and croons. While it’s still early days for Many Souls, their powerful and sometimes playful tunes call to mind the fretboard gymnastics of The Cast Of Cheers and the fire and wit of Jam Room era Clutch. Needless to say, we can’t get enough of them. ‘Bananas And Wine’ is a tasty offering, as is a rump shaking track that may/may not have been called ‘Just Add Love’ or, as I heard it, ‘Just Add Wolves.’

Fans of prickly post hardcore and irresistible grooves will be in heaven once they hear Many Souls.

Next up, it’s the main event and the band look like the latest arrivals on Love Island in their eye-catching, matching Aztec print shirts. Playing material culled from recent records Ride The Wild Night and newie All Of This Awaits You, I’m pleased to report that Reis still has a right appendage that rivals down on his luck, long distance truck driving arm wrestler Lincoln Hawk and it’s full of power and precision.

Onstage for just over an hour, Swami And The Bed Of Nails blast through a bevy of lean and loud rock ‘n’ roll songs. This latest era in Reis’ ongoing musical story sees him fortify his catchy and crushing tunes with keyboards, giving the material more groove and melody, occasionally reminding this writer of 70s British glam bands like Racey and Mud. Standouts include the swaggering ‘Rip From The Bone,’ the hook laden 50s rocker ‘Teen Hate’ and a savage run through of ‘Ketchup, Mustard, And Relish.’

The tremendously likeable John is full of his trademark charm this evening and when he’s not slagging off an American budget tool company, he’s good naturedly taking the piss out of vapers. The Belfast audience love him and the feeling is mutual as the San Diego native tells us that their song ‘Don’t Wait’ owes a debt to '70s Ulster punk heroes Protex.

A crowd pleasing run through of ‘All Hits’ by Reis’ old band the Night Marchers ends proceedings on a high note and the feel good track-which should’ve been a smash-is bursting with hooks and humour. “Thank you for remembering us and our big sound” offers John. Mr Reis, how could we ever forget you?