Islington's 02 academy is the scene for this triple helping of rock, with a bit of blues and punk thrown in for good measure. Selecting support bands for a tour must be quite hard, but The Union managed this perfectly, Mad Dog are a 3 piece from London, they play their rock hard, in the way Led Zeppelin did in the early seventies. Lead singer Tommy has a wonderful rock look about him, his voice is full of that Plant'esq style that makes you think you've been transported back to the early days of heavy metal. The band get a full half hour to show the early crowd what they are made of and they use the time well, new single "let's be friends" gives out a pulsating beat, along with the sublime heavy riffs we associate with this style of rock. Finishing with a lengthly number, that has everything from guitar solos, pulsing bass lines and grinding vocals. With a new album out early next year, watch out for Mad Dog they will rock you hard, and expect a few festival appearances in 2012.

Fighting Wolves have been getting plenty of radio air play with their single “One minute more” and justifiably so, the 4 piece from London sound a little like Sum41 but a bit more rockier, they appeal to the ear and make light work of their 40 minute set. Engaging with an audience that is not yours, but appreciate what you do gets a little easier for Fighting Wolves and they play their songs with great energy and the crowd respond. Leaving their current single till last, they want the crowd to remember them, which they achieve. This won't be the last we see or hear of Fighting Wolves, they are out on the road again this December supporting the wonderful Saint Jude

The Union are touring in support of their new album "Sirens Song" which is a little heavier than the debut album from last year. Starting off with "Easy Street" the band very quickly get into their rhythm and so do the audience. Flipping between songs from each album is giving the crowd exactly what they want, including a pretty good sing a, clap along to current single "Black Gold". The band are very tight and professional in their delivery of their music, and the crowd really appreciate the effort. “Sirens Song” is quickly followed by crowd favourite “Black Monday” as the band walk off stage the crowd demand more and are rewarded with the best of the night “Step up to the Plate”, sadly it’s all over too quickly and the band leave behind a very happy audience.

Article : Andy J