ROXX ACTION + FATAL SMILE
2010-05-13
DE ROTS, ANTWERPEN

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Swedish glam on a Flemish stage, it's beginning to become some sort of guarantee for old school, balls-out fun.

This was no difference on that Thursday evening, when we entered during Roxx Action's set:
the place was nice and packed for a weekday, some headbangers and sing-alongers already warming up, if not already giving it their all...

As a beginning glam band with very young members, these guys promise to bring something special in the (near?) future.

For a first experience with the band, I heard a little bit too many mistakes and sloppy parts in the gig,
although this didn't take any of the atmosphere away.
Some work to do, but I love a band that shows growth over time, which should make it alright in Roxx Action's case.

After a lengthier set than I expected, Fatal Smile took the stage and started out with a blast.

I have to admit that I hadn't heard from these guys yet, and didn't check any of their music before coming down to De Rots,
but seen as I love a clean slate on bands who are already performing on a high level, this was no disadvantage.

Much grittier than their peers in Swedish glam/sleaze, they got my undivided attention (and along with me, the rest of the place).
I couldn't put my finger on it (yet, I hope), but their crossover between hardrock and Swedish sleaze really works.

As a consequence, it wasn't hard to get the crowd moving, especially to their better known songs.
SOB and Run For Your Life were chanted along by a large pack of the youngsters present, there even was some stage-diving action going on towards the end of the set.

Fatal Smile kicked off their tour in Antwerp with a hangover, but had the musical and vocal capacity to keep it at one remark about how shit they were feeling.
No hangover slip-ups anywhere, and just a great show altogether.

You can expect a cd review or two later on, seen as Fatal Smile was nice enough to pack an extra suitcase full of merchandise...