NP Presents COB @ Band on the Wall - Gig Review

On the 6th of March 2025, the shade of the parasol was cast on Band on the Wall. The two

men stand at the back of the curtains as the band set up.

SOULIST

‘There's gonna be a new generation.’ 

This four-piece self-described ‘rock and roll’ band were first to start off the night. Suni, the lead singer and lyricist, stood strong at the centre of the stage with his three boys complementing him. 

Reminiscent of the sounds of artists such as DEVO and Green Day while strongly keeping the Manchester sound close to heart. A modern John/Paul dynamic between the guitarists, with the steady and technically impressive backbeat of bass and drums complementing them perfectly.

Soulist are the type of band you really must see live to truly appreciate the passion They bring to the scene.

MLEKO

‘If there's no blood, there's no demand.’

This eclectic group of artists drowned the stage with an impressive three guitarists, sax, trumpet, drums and bass. Who needs floor space anyway?

As the band began the colours of influence slowly reinvented themselves, and by the end of the song, it was like a soundtrack to a Greek epic. As If Hamlet had electric guitars. With rich poetic lyricism being sung with so much passion, you would think the man was going to explode.

As MLEKO set went on, the musicians were clad in black light which hit their teeth and instruments in bright luminescent. Jazz, Soul, poetry and passion and the only brass band I have ever met to be able to play metal (effectively.)

If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing MLEKO, words cannot do justice to the tension that this wonderfully brilliant and surly influential band give. MLEKO takes you to the edge and holds you over the cliff, refusing to drop you until the very last note.

Reminiscent of everything from Charles Mingus to black country new road to Bowie’s Blackstar.

Musically genius. A must-see live.

COB

Big leather jackets, organised chaos. Like the soundtrack to a Manchester riot.

Consisting of Drums, guitars, synth, bass and a violin in leu of a lead guitarist. This headlining band is a fresh glass of water in an ocean of Britpop revivalists.

With an individual sound and a creativity that is equally imputed from each member. Adalaide on the synth is the heartbeat of tonality while the drummer and guitarist lay a beautiful foundation for the powerful lead vocals and the amazingly talented violinist. So fitting that you forget that it is a classical instrument you're hearing and not a Stratocaster.

Like kissing a storm. Reminiscent of bands like the Velvet Underground, and an amazing stage presence, especially from the singer Burtie.

Unequally brilliant. If COB tells you to drink the Kool-Aid, do it.

Review by Max Clayton.

Pictures by Pete & Alison Rooney.