The Revenants / The Red Kites

Two stellar bands shared the Zed Alley stage in Bristol, each delivering something distinct yet complementary. The Revenants brought the fire and fury of classic rock, while AK and The Red Kites delivered soulful swagger with rock and blues depth. Together, they created a night that will be remembered as a standout double header – a celebration of musicianship and the joy of live performance.

Both bands performed their hearts out and gave us an excellent night of rock music. First up, Bristol’s own intimate music cavern hosted the excellent AK & The Red Kites, the new power trio formed by songwriter/guitarist, Andrew Knightley.

The debut EP ‘Proverbial Storm’ gained high acclaim and firmly showcases Knightley’s eclectic range as a songwriter and musician; ranging from full on high tempo hard rockers to panoramic swamp with incursions into country and blues rock territory. A unique fusion of delta blues, country, and high-energy hard-edged rock.

With Knightley, rising from the ashes of his previous Blues Rock band, Trident Waters, the new three-piece band played tracks from their uplifting and hook drenched debut six-track EP. The diverse range of influences spanning the debut EP transfers so impeccably into the live setting, colouring the traditional chords and shaping a sound that belies the trio’s structure.

They gave us rootsy, classic, southern blues rock, with presence, cohesion, and sheer musical force. It was a triumph of a performance with Knightley’s unique and powerful voice stunning the crowd.

Alongside his powerful vocals and expressive guitar work were Rob Hoey on bass and Ash Sims on drums, both laying down grooves that were rich, dynamic, and totally locked in. The trio rocked the room form the start of their set to the end.

The band conjures the heat and soul of southern blues, layered with the punch of classic rock and a contemporary energy that feels both raw and refined with a full but textured sound.

They opened with the excellent ‘Devil’s Stomp’ which builds to a wild crescendo with Rob’s mellifluous bass breakdown providing a fluid contrast. This set the tone for what was to follow. ‘Cosmic Train’ continues the vibe with Andrew’s guitar soaring.

Then comes ‘Broken Love’ and the title track, ‘Proverbial Storm’, both hugely infectious superheavy funk rock songs and a blistering rendition of ‘Hotter Than The Sun’.

Andrew donning the Les Paul for party anthem ‘Good Time Roller’ and then the staccato rhythm and whipcrack snare of ‘Baby Don’t Love Me’, with the fluidity of the playing and tone on the guitar perfectly captured in this intimate venue. Making his Les Paul soar as he rips his way across the tracks with blistering solos and frenetic energy that pulls the skin off your face.

The pulsating ‘Tear It Up’ with the heavy wah-wah, emphasising its rock pedigree, led to the anthemic ‘Stronger’, steeped in rich, weighty blues, and wonderfully titled ‘Karmic Rituals’, before they closed with Trident Waters’ ‘Control The Animal’ and ‘Wolf Moon’, equal parts brooding, pulsating, and soaring with Ash’s piledriving contribution on drums. A fitting way to close a show that the band should consider a triumph.

This is muddy blues-inspired, weightily rhythmed rock’n’roll at it’s best. Their polish and stage chemistry was striking: every note, every transition, every beat showed the mark of serious musicianship and commitment.

Second band of the night were Basingstoke-based Revenant who brought their signature hard-rock/rock’n’roll energy to the room, captivating the crowd with gritty riffs, soaring harmonies and a powerful stage presence.

Dynamic chemistry and genre-bending sound delivered a performance that left a lasting impression as they rock their way across a groove-laden, in your face collection of killer guitar infused tracks.

Made up of four musicians; Carl Donoghue (drums), Matthew Hudson (guitar), Robin Nutley (bass), Sam Lay (singer/guitarist), they played songs from their two EPs ‘What A Time To Be Alive’ and ‘Bad Medicine’.

The lyrics are very much focussed on life, love, and loss, including mental health challenges but wrapped up in a driving, hard-rocking soundscape that gives the songs a positivity and an upbeat feeling.

Opening with ‘Public Service Announcement’ and ‘Waste My Time’, a gloriously up-tempo slice of hard-edged Southern-styled rock’n’roll with a true rebel heart, the two lead guitarists offering some wonderful melodic power. With this band we have duelling Les Paul guitars, with the brothers in arms combining perfectly.

They also possess a fantastic duo of a rhythm section who all combine brilliantly with drummer Carl and the imposing presence of long-haired bassist Robin.

Title track ‘Best Medicine’ pays a homage to the mighty Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot keeping it simple on the arrangement front, with catchy melodies and excellent use of the two guitars.

‘Runaway Rage’ adds some swampy slide guitar into the mix, with a deliciously mid-tempo groove. The songs covered a wide range of emotions including the latest single ‘The Healer’ about a friend who did not want to be on this planet anymore, and how they were not going to allow that to happen.

“Sex With No Substance” adds an air of sleaze, perfect for playing live with shades of ZZ Top and AC/DC; witty lyrics and an anthemic chorus.

Later in the set there was a tribute to Matt’s ex-girlfriend ‘The Masquerade’ which wasn’t to be outdone by ‘Coming Back to Life’ for Sam’s ex-wife, although I can see why she didn’t like the song with its “I’m alright without you!” message.

Title track ‘Black Dogs And Sad Men‘ is another heavy rocker and an exploration into some dark places, the hard driving rhythm and riff develop into a series of rapid-fire staccato drumbeats that builds a sense of great urgency before Matt launches into a powerful, emotion-fuelled solo.

‘Runaway Rage’ with its Beatles intro and newer tracks ‘I’ll Be There’ and the fiery, defiant ‘Lie Your Living’ about fake people are riff-heavy, energetic, and angry. The urgent guitar and pounding drums evolves into a classic 70s style rocker.

They close with their first single ‘Coming Back To Life’ that delves personally into a difficult break-up, and final track “I’ll Be There” slows the pace and adds some blues.

Southern dirt, pensive twists and bright 70s flair – this band do not just harmonize; they trade blows and choruses like prize-fighters, lending the music a dynamic, almost competitive energy that keeps the whole operation feeling urgent and alive.