The marvellous Vardis power back with a ripsnorting live double album: 100mph at 100 Club. 100mph being the title of their debut album back in the New Wave of British Heavy metal days when they surged on to the scene with a debut lived album with that famous “guaranteed no overdubs” stamp.
Now we have 100mph at 100 Club (also guaranteed no overdubs) which was recorded at the band’s gig at the 100 Club in London on 13 March 2020.
Main man Steve Zodiac together with Joe Clancy (Drums) and Roly Bailey (Bass) blast through a two hour twenty song set at blistering pace and a performance of peak intensity.
That glorious, unmistakable Vardis sound mixing on monster riffs, scorching solos, heavy, punky, boogie and there and back again has lost none of its power over the years. Zodiac has a massive presence as front man, venomous vocals and blistering guitar work. Bailey and Clancy solid as rocks behind him. A proper “power trio”.
Vardis has always been a heck of a live act – and here on 100mph at 100 Club we have it captured brilliantly.
The two hours and twenty songs spanning their career is a pure listening joy. Raw, irresistibly powerful, energetically and enthusiastically performed. This is what a live album should be.
Straight out of the traps with Out of the Way it’s up to ramming speed instantly and does not relent. The next song – Steaming Along – shows Vardis doing just that. It’s like a statement of intent that this is going to be a set which steams along – and indeed it does.
The newer stuff (off their last Studio album Red Eye) is excellent too, in particular the title track.
And all the classics are here too. Dirty Money is heavier than a very heavy thing. Learn How to Shoot Straight rumbles along nicely too. Here’s the studio version from the Vigilante album:
And it keeps coming in waves as the pace doesn’t let up. Don’t Mess with the Best and Move Along show what a fine guitarist Zodiac is. Destiny a brooding blusey number and the Lion’s Share a monster of a song.
It all builds up to a stunning closer of If I were King – Zodiac blazing away – then a stupendous encore of Living out of Touch.
A proper live album from a proper live band in their element.
After being introduced to Vardis on the support slot for Hawkwind on the Levitation tour all those years ago they’ve remained a favourite ever since.
Yes – they are different to the usual NWOBHM style of the day. However you’ll do well to find many bands who can match the raw power and intensity which Vardis bring to their performances. 100mph at 100 Club is a shining example of that. And it’s guaranteed no overdubs all the way!