It was only recently that Riffs received an excellent review of Witchkraft courtesy of Chris Lloyd from Washington.  It was only cos we were so jam-packed (again!!) last month that it didn't go in.  It mentioned a "giant of a drummer who towers over his kit, combining good old-fashioned showmanship, and can that guy twirl his sticks!", also complementing the "dynamic girl singer with a great, powerful voice and stage presence to match".  The bass guitarist also got a favourable mention, too.  But what struck me as a bit over-the-top was a Blackmore-style guitarist who has a reputation for going "all-the-way" during Purple's Black Night.  With Chris also noting that the band played Free, AC/DC, Stones and The Who it suddenly rocketed Witchkraft to the top of Riffs' 'must-see' file! And so it was off to The Badger's Set at nearby Ferryhill to check out this band.   Brenda on vocals is an excellent front man (er, I mean woman) throwing herself into it with gusto, being ably supported by very tight and steady drumming, courtesy of Chris.  A stand in bassist just for the night certainly left no one wanting.  As soon as the band took the stage we knew it would not be a wasted night.  I know a band is made up of many facets but, Brenda, you're right when you say about your guitarist Mal "He's the man".  He is a meld of Blackmore, Kossoff and dare I say, Hendrix.  He moves right, his facial contortions are mesmeric, his playing is hypnotic.  He made his guitar scream, wail, shout, whine ... you name it.  Behind his shoulders, ramming it into the Marshall speakers, throwing it into the air.  When I go to see a band, that's what I want to do - SEE a band.  The last word (as always!!) will go to Val, who said, during Black Night: "I want to have his babies - as long as they can all play the guitar like him!!"
Mal explained: "It all started with the Boys Own Book of Hobbies.  It had a plan of a guitar neck and how to tune it up.  So I got some pitch pipes and did it by ear - I can't even read music.  I just listened to records; you couldn't get videos in them days.  I don't look up; I'm in my own little world.  The sound?  Single coil pick ups, old Marshall amplifiers and a pinch of modern technology to help it on its way."
Homepage