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Triad are a Rhythm and Blues influenced power trio from Nottingham. They have been on the live circuit since 2007, but it was only when guitarist/vocalist Malcolm Watson and bassist/backing vocalist Mark Steele joined original member and drummer Jules Freeston did the band take its current musical form. The band have since recruited a new bass player for their touring purposes. Originally more of a rock band, Triad are now firmly based on the roots of Rhythm and Blues. They take their influences from artists as diverse as Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Humble Pie, The Small Faces and at the other end of the spectrum the likes of Stan Kenton and The Grateful Dead.
The band’s impressive live performances have seen them garner plaudits from the likes of Simon Kirke and Bernie Marsden no less. So much so, they have secured support slots with ‘A celebration of Bad Co & Free’ and Bernie at their respective gigs. They have also been confirmed to play at the legendary Rhythm & Blues festival in Colne. So, as I have recently reviewed a whole era of blues artists young and old I was very interested to see how Triad compared. The EP itself starts off with the band’s take on Frankie Miller’s ‘Ain’t Got No Money’. Malcolm Watson perfectly recreating the guitar crunch of the original, not sounding dissimilar to Pete Townshend, such is his raw and bluesy tone. The song itself is a stripped to the bones, gritty number and drummer Jules Freeston nails the whole thing down tightly. Malcolm’s vocal delivery is purposeful and punched out with passion and intent, and is complimented by bassist Mark Steele’s enthusiastic backing vocals. There is soulful guitar solo from Malcolm which shows his worth as a guitarist of some standing. For a band who have only been together for a relatively short time they deliver a tight sound. As an opening gambit it’s a short and snappy introduction that showcases each member’s respective talents as musicians. Next up is the much covered classic ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’, a song written by Booker T Jones, but popularised by the legendary Albert King. Triad play their trump card here. What they manage to do is, by subtly changing the tempo of the song, turn an overplayed cover version into a song that they’ve made their own. Malcolm’s guitar has Stevie Ray Vaughan and Rory Gallagher written all over it, his tone is beautiful. Jules’ drumming is wonderfully free and expressive, yet never losing sight of the tempo. The vocals are once again delivered with passion and expressiveness. I would love to see this song performed live such is its soul and passion. The final song on the EP is ‘Some Kind Of Wonderful’, a song popularised by Buddy Guy and also covered by Paul Rodgers. Triad’s take on it is more akin to the Grand Funk Railroad version. It’s a joyous stomping song, that instantly brings a smile to your face. The band sound like they are having fun here, Malcolm especially sounds ready to crack into a laugh at any time. I feel the vocals could be filled out with more help from Steele but remember this is a band who entered the studio after only a few months together. it’s a testimony to the Triad’s skill that they can get together and record 3 ambitious and varied songs after such a short time together. What this EP also demonstrates is what a star they have in guitarist Malcolm, his playing manages to be both meticulous and effortless at the same time. He can just as easily throw in a Townsend-esque riff, as he can recreate the heart wringing soulfulness of Rory Gallagher or Jimi Hendrix. Drummer and founding member Jules effortlessly keeps the engine room powered up with his tight and impressive skin pounding, whilst bassist Mark Steele completes a stiring rhythm section with his fluid playing and solid backing vocals. Its always difficult to assess a band over a few songs, but what is evident is Triad’s passion for the music, in Malcolm they have a deadly weapon - a guitarist who can cover all areas with apparent ease. The band are by no means in the flush of youth and have served their musical apprenticeships but they demonstrate a neat ability to make a song their own and that’s always a sign of a talented band. They are in the middle of a blues resurgence and as such could really take advantage of the prestigious support slots with Bernie Marsden and ‘A celebration of Bad Co & Free‘. There are a large number of blues artists who want to play in the UK at the moment, so these are exciting times for a band with history, experience and talent - a band such as Triad.
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Triad play The Great British Rhythm & Blues International music festival at Colne, Lancashire on Sunday August 29th. They will be sharing the bill with such legends as Peter Green, The Hamsters, Dr Feelgood, Nine Below Zero and Eddie And The Hotrods to name but a few. http://www.bluesfestival.co.uk/index.php They support ‘A celebration of Bad Co and Free’ at The Diamond at Sutton-In-Ashfield on Sat 19th June. http://www.thediamonduk.com/ And ex-Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden on his ‘Bernie plays Rory’ tour, where he plays tribute to the late great Rory Gallagher, at the Robin 2 in Bilston on Saturday 13th November. http://www.therobin.co.uk/
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Triad - EP |
