Shaman’s Harvest, Black Top Mojo, Eddie And The Wolves – Rebellion, Manchester 13/03/2025
13th March 2025Over the years, I’ve been spoiled rotten by both Mascot Records and Rebellion Manchester with countless top-tier lineups, showcasing everything from rising local talent to iconic genre-defining acts, along with bucket list bands I’ve adored since my teenage years. Tonight though was different. Different in that – I confess – I had never heard a note by or even heard of the band Shaman’s Harvest! Maybe I could be forgiven as this would mark the first ever UK tour for the USA-based band. An alternative rock band with a sound that blends southern rock, country, and classic metal, and have enabled them to share the stage with the likes of Black Stone Cherry, Stone Sour, and Alice In Chains (all of this I learned via the power of Google). “About Time Tour” seems like an apt name given the band’s pedigree. I resisted the urge to visit Spotify prior to the gig, instead opting for the (hopeful) joy of discovering that band in the flesh and live in its purest form. They would be joined by fellow touring partners Blacktop Mojo and local support Eddie And The Wolves
Upon arriving at the venue, it was clear this debut was a highly anticipated one given that the queue was already snaking around the venue long before doors had opened. The downstairs bar was open, the upstairs projector screen deployed and those arriving early set up camp next to the stage for prime viewing position. It was going to be a busy one…
first time playing to people”
As a reference to the huge numbers that had already assembled, hopefully, the extra eyeballs and ‘exposure’ (a dirty word, I know) would benefit the band in the long run. After all, there was a lot to admire. The synergy between the band’s two vocalists, the southern style funk and grooves, as well as the overall grunge flavour. Those jazz-inspired funk elements would have got more bodies moving and swaying if there was more room in the venue…it was packed even this early on! The performance would have been better with an improved live mix as the bass sadly became overpowering and muddied the sound on a few occasions, making it less enjoyable to watch. Though this is a minor slight on what was a respectable opening performance.
Continuing the theme of Southern rock, everything about this felt like a MAJOR upgrade in every capacity (with no disrespect to Eddie And The Wolves)! I had spied some of the band’s merch upon entering the venue. As such, it came as no surprise to see the level of crowd engagement; heads were banging, hips were swaying, and a whole lotta singing! Yep, this was clearly a big deal for some. All this was facilitated by the band’s solid and charismatic stage presence, as the grunge sound reminiscent of a Ugly Kid Joe and Audioslave fusion was a hit with the casual observers too. They filled that stage with tremendous ease, and the voice of powerhouse vocalist Matt filled the air. There was even time for a duet with Shaman’s Harvest’s vocalist Nathan for one song, allegedly the very first time they had attempted this. The backing vocals sounded epic on ‘Dreams’…well I thought it was the backing vocals. It was actually the collective chorus of the crowd threatening to take over!
“If this is what it’s like in the UK then we’re definitely coming back“. Could I have put it better than Matt himself?
Time for the main event. Would my decision to go in completely blind pay off?
Well, to be truthful, this was a difficult start to the set! The levels seemed off here with the bass becoming overpowering for the second time tonight, as well as the vocals struggling to project above. Additionally, it seemed, though the crowd had thinned slightly and some energy had been zapped. Maybe as it was well past 9 pm on a weeknight with a much older audience. Though things got better. Much better. Starting with the sound engineer earning their wages and correcting the levels. We saw more heads moving, the venue filling back up again, as well as some more outstretched arms and singing along to the infectious choruses. Having never even listened to the band prior, I found myself humming along to the melodies on many occasions as it was just so natural and easy to. Perhaps best exemplified with the thunderous gang vocals and chorus in ‘Bird Dog’.
Whilst the Southern flair was still alive and well, the band incorporated more mellow ambient style ballads to add greater depth and compositional variety to the set and evening as a whole. Add in some mighty fine lead guitar work too for good measure.
Though riddle me this, why on earth do people pay their entrance fee and attend only to talk all through these parts? Genuinely, why? Show some damn respect for the musicians who have travelled thousands of miles to be here for the first time! Though this old man yelling at a cloud moment didn’t ruin the set for me. A set that was just the right length at 1 hour; a short sharp introduction to the band. One look around the room towards the end and it was easy to forget that it was a Wednesday evening given the numbers and tangible energy in the room. If and when Shaman’s Harvest return to the city, they’ll be made very welcome once again. A push out of my usual comfort zone but one that was very worthwhile.
