Furyon have a lot going for them. Their debut album Gravitas received overwhelmingly positive
reviews, and there is a real buzz building around the band's live performances. We caught them headlining
the unsigned stage at Bloodstock a few weeks ago and even with the iffy sound that plagued that stage
their ability shone through. Not only are Furyon, without exception, top musicians but they also have
the ability to write songs that let them show off those talents.
After their recent gig in Sheffield was cancelled owing to issues with the promoter we decided to
head down to Birmingham to catch their show at the famous Scruffy Murphy's rock pub. We were very
impressed by the venue, a small-ish room with a stage and a bar. I mean what else do you need.
A special mention has to go to the main support act tonight, The Mercy House. We hadn't heard of
them before but on the basis of tonights performance we hope to be featuring them on CackBlabbath in
the near future. With a support act this good Furyon were going to have to be on top form... Were they
up to the task?
Furyon took to the stage in front of a packed venue and proceeded to show everyone here exactly why
they are being touted for great things. If there was ever a song that is guaranteed to get a crowd bouncing
and win over any undecided punters, then Disappear Again is that song. As the band launched into it it
was clear that they were having a great time up there (or were still pissed from the night before, or both)
and this infectious good mood soon spread through the crowd.
Disappear Again was followed by another big hitter in the form of Don't Follow, this is a track that is
good on the CD but really comes into its own when played live with Guitarists Pat and Chris trading riffs
and solos, and making it look sickeningly easy...
Next up was Souvenirs, one of our favorite tracks on Gravitas.We were delighted to see it included in the
set here tonight and you know what, it didn't disappoint. Check out the following video for an impression
of just how good the performance of this song was.
One track that we did not expect to hear live (it has been in and out of the set in the past) was Fear Alone,
but it was back in the set for tonight and provided one of the highlights. Unlike the more complex workings
of the band's other songs Fear Alone is a much simpler beast, built on a slower, heavier riff which, for us, works
very well live.
As well as the gig tonight was also guitarist Chris' stag night, so the choice of Scruffy Murphys as
a venue made more sense when you realised the band could order drinks and have them passed across to the
stage...
One of the most amazing things about a Furyon gig is watching the rapport between the band's two
guitarists Pat and Chris. Both can deliver incredible solos and top notch riffage, with them taking it
in turns to show what they are capable of.
However there is one part of the set where the gloves come off (so to speak) and the two master axemen
pull out the stops to try and outdo each other. This guitar duel is an amazing thing to see as the two
of them show off exactly what they are capable of. We captured tonights duel on video so you can get an
idea of the incredible technical ability that these guys have. In our book Pat just shades it. Nothing to
do with their respective abilities, it's just that he plays a Flying-V :-)
As the band finished their set with Wasted On You it was clear to most of us in the room that this is
a band on the verge of big things. A record deal must surely be imminent and the days of seeing Furyon in
a little pub must surely be drawing to a close. If you get the chance to go and see them you really should.
