Live Review : The Karma Effect + Silveroller + Collectors @ The Ferret, Preston on April 2nd 2025

It's a midweek gig at Preston's Ferret, as this time round it throws open its doors to three very different bands. And for those who have ventured out on a school night, the weekend comes early, showing that a Wednesday night of rock n’ roll in Preston is the perfect way to usher in the end of the week...

Collectors bring a somewhat different approach to the Ferret stage then ROCKFLESH may be accustomed to, theirs being a more introspective, mellower indie-orientated sound, characterised by ethereal vocals, harmonic melodies and a warm bass tone. Bobby on vocals steers the band through a brace of tunes, each of which is impressively big on atmosphere, with understated guitar licks cutting through the dynamic bass runs that form the backdrop of Collectors sound. But that’s not to say the band can’t bite, as they prove on a couple of later songs where they open up with a more powerful and punchy attack. There’s a lot of imagination and variety in what the band deliver within their soundscapes, sometime echoey and spacey, but always thoughtful and intelligent, at times almost reminiscent of some of their 90’s indie forefathers. Latest single ‘Spectre’ showcases all these elements together with a haunting vocal performance, delicate guitar lines and a melancholic feel, tempered with more upbeat moments – it’s a study in light and shadow that’s really quite affecting. 

And if Collectors may have their roots in the Nineties, then Silveroller unapologetically have both stack heeled boots planted firmly in the 1970s. There are flares and scarves and a real vintage aesthetic going on here, but dressing up is easy and a great look is nothing without the songs and performance to back it up.  However, just one song is all it takes to prove that Silveroller sound just as fabulous as they look. ‘Black Crow’ swaggers and struts, with a confidence and majesty that any band would kill for, with its luscious retro sensibilities. And if it takes just one song to prove their point, by the end of the set the crowd are completely won over. 

Jonnie Hodson is a captivatingly energetic frontman with the voice and charisma that is absolutely needed to do justice to this style of music; he’s utterly convincing in his performance, equally at home belting out the rockier material or taking things down in the quieter, emotional moments, like the shimmering beauty of ‘Other Side’ chorus. ‘Come On, Come In’ meanwhile starts off on the keys, slowing things down for the verse before a hefty dose of guitar lifts the chorus, new guitarist and Boston native Kenny Tashjy showing what a brilliant player and fine addition to the band he is. His fluid and tasteful mastery of the guitar is one of the key components to the band’s magic, as are the wonderful washes of sound that underpin everything from the fabulous Brazilian keyboard maestro. Had it been 1973 it would have been a Hammond organ, but this is the next best thing, and sounds as all-encompassing, fantastically esoteric and groovy as it did all those decades ago. 

‘Hold’ ups the ante with a cooler than cool riff over a driving beat, Jonnie throwing shapes around the stage before the music drops out into the funkiest of keyboard breaks. But not to be outdone, a fret burning solo follows matching it in terms of excitement and sheer visceral musical joy. 

Quite simply this is old school rock n’ roll at its finest. Silveroller have reimagined that Seventies sound half a century later, yet somehow made it sound fresh, new and invigorating whilst remaining faithful to its origins.  It’s hugely accomplished, infectious and ignites that part of you that can’t help but move to the beat of their drum. Silveroller depart the stage to a sea of grinning faces, the very definition of leaving them wanting more. Much more. When the only criticism you can level at a band is that their set was waay too short, you know you’ve witnessed something very special indeed. 

A big, bombastic guitar overture and The Karma Effect are off, taking to the stage and barrelling straight into ‘Livin’ It Up’. As openers go, it’s hard to beat heralding a dynamic performance that showcases just why The Karma Effect are held in such high regards by so many. It’s an energetic start and that energy never flags for the duration of their fourteen-song set. ‘All Night Long’ continues the hi-octane attack, unleashing the first – but by no means last – clapalong of the night.  Singer/guitarist Henry Gottelier is the eye of The Karma Effect storm, the lodestone around which band and music gravitate, wielding an amazing rock voice and blessed with a lush soulful tone. A vibrant and physical performer, he bounces around the Ferret’s small (but perfectly formed) stage with a complete lack of restraint or inhibition. So, the kick mic gets booted out of its spot in the bass drum, a monitor very nearly ends up in photographer Darren’s lap, but hey, this is a rock show, by its very definition it shouldn’t be calm and safe. On the contrary it should be wild, loose and spontaneous and Henry is the very embodiment of this rock n’ roll ethic. 
 
This is the first night of their tour and Henry informs the crowd that the band may be a little rusty – well if this the band in rusty form, then by the end of the tour they’ll be nigh on unstoppable. For this is a performance of huge conviction, a band doing what they do best in their natural environment, the live arena. They deliver a procession of melodic gems, each member of the band bringing their own style and flavour to create something greater than the sum of its parts, the unique Karma Effect sound. From ‘See You Again’ to the final notes of perennial favourite ‘Steal Your Heart’, everything adds up to an all-encompassing show, big on passion and flair. It is, of course, the law that every band has a “River” song, and The Karma Effect’s is a swinging and hard-hitting number, showing off the many facets of the band in one song. It’s punchy, with a soulful melody, great vocals, bass runs and some inspired guitar combining to show just how tight the band are (despite those earlier protestations of rustiness!).   

‘Testify’ is another juggernaut of sublime rock n soul, with ever more impressive six-string prowess on fiery display, the solo alone worth the price of admission. They slow things down just a little with their take on Southern Rock, with ‘Be My Salvation’, replete with glittering keys and a sparse and atmospheric drum pattern, showing another side to their repertoire, but one that is just as compelling. 

The final triumphant triumvirate of the fabulous ‘Wild Honey’, ‘Promised Land’ and the previously mentioned ‘Steal Your Heart’ brings the set to a breathless and emphatic close. The Karma Effect really need to be experienced live to fully appreciate just how good they truly are, so with more dates still to come on the tour catch them if you can. And so ends another storming night at the Ferret, with The Karma Effect the latest addition to the ever-growing list of fantastic bands to have graced Preston’s stages courtesy of the brilliant Madhouse Promotions. 

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
The Karma Effect + Silveroller + Collectors