pretty_maids_2013_10

» Pretty Maids 2013 10 18

Reviewed by Mozzy
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Support: Storyteller
City: Sandviken, Sweden
Venue: Lobby Night club
Date: October 18, 2013
Pretty Maids set length: 90 min

Pretty Maids

When having a glance at the venue earlier in the evening, it revealed a very modest stage, with the room containing it offering limited space. It was clear that this was going to be an intimate Pretty Maids gig, and when the intro starts the place is packed and an air of excitement can be felt. The Danes come out all guns blazing, opening with two songs from latest album Motherland which go down great. We then get the old favourite Love Games as the third number, a move that really gets the place going. Two more gems from Motherland, the title track and Sad To See You Suffer, are brilliant before another golden oldie, Yellow Rain brings an air of euphoria, complete with passionate singing.

After a drum solo from Allan Tschicaja lets his band mates catch their breath for a while, the rest of the set is a showcase of hard rock/heavy metal of the highest quality, with virtually every tune being a highlight. Savage Heart is beautiful, with the crowd singing along during the emotive ballad, while I.N.V.U is awesome, being introduced with a cool segment of Pink Floyd's Another Brick In The Wall.

While the outstanding setlist with its quality material is a real winner in itself, the performance must also be praised. It has been clear for a long time that this classic Danish group is enjoying a very good run in their career, something which kicked off with previous album Pandemonium, and they are going from strength to strength. It's obvious the spirit in the band is splendid, something which is apparent tonight too, with frequent smiles and enthusiastic interaction taking place onstage.

Musically, the quintet sounds solid and heavy, with rhythm section Rene Shades on bass and Allan Tschicaja on drums striking a fine partnership. Keyboardist Morten Sandager delivers tasteful parts, while Ken Hammer's guitar sound is just awesome, his sharp riffs and memorable melodies being equally brilliant. Nonetheless, the biggest star tonight is Ronnie Atkins. The blonde vocalist's voice is in terrific shape and he puts in a quality performance. Apart from his appealing voice, Atkins displays great stage presence and energy plus an excellent bond with the audience. Speaking of the audience, they are truly showing their approval, and the three encores bring the room into ecstasy.

Back To Back and Future World create a magnificent heavy metal party while the infectious Little Drops Of Heaven, sandwiched between the two anthems, has everyone joyfully singing along. Truly a brilliant evening, directed by the Danish class act that is Pretty Maids.

Performance: 9 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The awesome setlist with its first-class tunes
Worst: The view from the floor was not ideal, luckily one is quite tall

Setlist:
Mother Of All Lies
I See Ghosts
Love Games
Motherland
Sad To See You Suffer
Yellow Rain
Drum Solo
It Comes At Night
Savage Heart
Rodeo
Please Don't Leave Me
I.N.V.U.
Red, Hot And Heavy
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Back To Back
Little Drops Of Heaven
Future World