Live report THE ANSWER & BLACK MIRRORS, Logo, Hamburg – March 29th, 2023

Two bands that have recently released electric records are together on tour these days. The Answer return after a longer hiatus with their new longplayer ‘Sundowner’ and the guys invited with Black Mirrors and ambitious and young band to embark with them on a tour though Europe this spring. One stop on this road trip is in Hamburg, where the small and iconic Logo venue host these two groups that are dedicated to the power of pure rock music.

The first time I became aware of Black Mirrors was back in 2018, when the Belgian powerhouse opened for The Night Flight Orchestra at a show in Zoetermeer, Holland. Energy, groove, and a psychedelic touch was, what fascinate the crowd back then and as if time would have stood still, Black Mirrors still delivers their 45 minutes set with the same approach and enthusiasm.

The band starts with ‘Snake Oil’ into their set and what isn’t that smooth is the sound. It takes one song to get things right and after some adjustments the following ‘Lost in Desert’ benefits from an improved setting. Both songs are taken from the newest release ‘Tomorrow Will Be Without Us’ which stands in focus tonight.

Next to the great music there is also constant action on stage. Now, space is limited a Logo and still, singer Marcella Di Trioa is in constant motion which matches the power of the music in good fashion. Even the pillar in the middle of the stage isn’t a hinder for a full rock blast. A few rock enthusiasts tonight have probably heard of the band earlier, e.g. the two headbanging guys in the front row. Still, Black Mirrors can also gain some new friends tonight which is obvious when Di Trioa mentions the last song for tonight. Time is flying when you have fun, and the ones present probably would have enjoyed a few more tunes. Anyhow, after 45 minutes and a massive version of ‘Burning Warriors’ the band leaves the stage under well-deserved applause.

After a rather short break the stage is ready for The Answer. Cormac Neeson and bandmates are new rookies. The band released excellent longplayer and opened for bands like AC/DC and Whitesnake. in the past. Still there is a moment of curiosity about how the band went through the hiatus and if they can unfold the same vibe again as they did in the 2010’s. After the intro ‘Blowing in the Wind’ announced the beginning of the show, The Answer starts into an oldschool-fashion into the coming 90 minutes of rock power. ‘Keep Believin’’ from the debut album kicks it off tonight and the euphoric response of fans indicates that many of them know The Answer from the early days.

The Northern Ireland rock ambassadors sneak in some more of the classic tunes, like ‘Tonight’ and ‘Nowhere Freeway’. At the same time they bypass the ‘Solas’ album. The spotlight however is on ‘Sundowners’, the newest release of The Answer that adds a total of eight songs to the setlist.

Next, or due, to the stellar songs, the vibe at Logo is more a rock’n’roll party than solely a concert. Everybody has fun tonight and due to smaller venue, things reminds more of a show at pub which includes the proximity between band and fans. This spirit is underlined by an Irish drinking song, Neeson sings before starting the encore with ‘Livin’ on the Line’. And that fans are important to Neeson shows the moment he steps off the stage and sings ‘Preachin’’ together with the crowd in the middle of the venue.

The Answer are back. Album and tour blow away all potential doubts and it feels like the band used the time to re-group and re-energize. This show, in combination with the cool set of Black Mirrors, also states that the power of rock is a timeless source of energy and has the potential to turn every day into a good.