IAMWARFACE: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
IAMWARFACE
Gig report as IAMWARFACE are guests of Metallica Reloaded at Brighton Venue CHALK – 13/03/2020.
IAMWARFACE is a Nu-Rock Band. They formed up in Brighton in 2016 by singer/producer Matt Warneford. The name is a cunning metaphor for his own original style of bombastic high-energy groove based electro-rock, which has been affectionaly branded “Rocktronica” by none other than legendary Virgin Radio host Eddy Temple Morris. The aim of IAMWARFACE has always been to create a new, edgier kind of rock sound, echoing the rebellious creativity of the early 90s and punk danger of the 70s.
The Band:
Matt Warneford – Vocals.
IAMWARFACE: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Lou Matthews – guitar.
IAMWARFACE: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Tom Howe keyboards.
IAMWARFACE: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Mike Smith – bass.
IAMWARFACE: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Adam Stanley drums.
IAMWARFACE: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
An all out assault from these guys! What a set. If you had arrived with a few cobwebs at CHALK between your ears, then these were the guys to blow them away! They buckled up, plugged in and belted it out for 30 minutes for a pretty large crowd. This is was the second time I had seen these guys. The last time I saw them they had won an online vote to appear at Best Of Brighton 2.
They are a fine outfit to go see live. They will serve up an interesting mix up of musical combinations. The sense of angst is sewn together with some wickedly dirty guitar riffs. Then you have an interesting addition of keys, electronic synthesisers. The songs are catchy, damn catchy. The vocals on top produce a unique sound and experience. If you saw IAMWARFACE live somewhere you would have to stop, watch and listen.
IAMWARFACE: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
IAMWARFACE: THE SET
Thank you to Matt for the set list, he wrote it down as he was selling copies of the bands new album, Year Of The Dragon.
The songs served up tonight: To Die For, Black Room, Say My Name, Fear The Future, Vampire, Red Queen and the last song was Trigons.
You kind of just know that when you catch IAMWARFACE you can expect an ear busting set and a good visual show. The band utilise every inch of the stage. The centre character, Matt, jumped and swirled around the stage while belting out the songs. At one point he launched into the crowd, greeting friends of the band and saying hi to people who had not seen the band before. He really is one of the most enigmatic and engaging front men around at the moment. He can be edgy one minute and then his face will break with a disarming smile.
IAMWARFACE: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
There is some subtle creativity taking place throughout the set. At one time the smoke shrouding the stage, and the lighting bathing Matt in a wash of blood red was really atmospheric, also the stripped back stage area looked bleak and served as a rather good backdrop to the performance from the guys. Another time he came off the stage and was followed by a single beam of white light. It was all very futuristic almost Blade Runner-esque. A great touch.
And Finally…
The imagery of a struggling Matt breaking free from the stage was impressive. Once he was in the crowd the persona changed. This was an exciting set of original songs, no covers. IAMWARFACE will always deliver a set that will have the audience talking about it for days after. They are that good. You have to go see these guys and check out the power that Matt and his band produce whilst their overall performance is solid as hell! Matt his voice is at times aggressive, raw and will catch you off guard. But again I can confirm he is full of raw energy which increases as the set progresses. And yet between some of the songs he relaxes, talks to the crowd and is thanking everyone for being here. Then its back to IAMWARFACE.
IAMWARFACE: photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The set ended and Matt clutching his mic falls to the ground. Well played you guys. Awesome display tonight.
IAMWARFACE have fast become a go-see band for us at Scene Sussex.
Check the band Facebook page here.
Check the band on the WWW here.
The night was hosted by Black Rabbit Productions. They work hard promoting live music on the south coast. They are a promotion company with years of experience putting on music shows. Tonight was superb, and so good to see a local band being given support/guest slot. Great job guys! Find them here on the WWW.
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All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2020.
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