One of the delights of living in close proximity to the fertile West Midlands rock scene is the sheer plethora of talented embryonic bands one encounters at any of the venues therein. A case in point are Tender Vendetta, a Wolverhampton-based quartet who play a raw, sleaze, grunge, r’n’r and punk fusion. They were joined at The Giffard Arms by Pretty Shivers in support of the awesome Sam Millar.
Tender Vendetta
The Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton – 12 April 2025
Words: Sophie James
Photography: Ruskin Roader Photography
Following the release of the acerbic social commentary that was the Redux EP last autumn, the core trio of vocalist Matty Nicholls, guitarist Aid Hall and sibling bassist Jord were forced into a hiatus due to the departure of their impact instrumentalist Ant. Now with another Matt stepping into the breach, Tender Vendetta return for their first live appearance since December.
Racing off the grid as one has come to expect, but perhaps not Young Mr Soundman, as Matty’s vocals were briefly muted. With a most rapid stretch, a push of a button and bingo, all systems are go.
Kamikaze Love is tailor-made for live performance, capturing the venomous assailing strut of early G’N’R together with vivid intonations of AC/DC. Aid’s fluid solo counterbalances the melee as the overall projection is greater than the sum of its parts.
Track Two and the temperature is rising. While the reviewer has discarded her cow coat, Matty has dispensed with his tee and is giving off distinct W Axl Kiedis vibes astride the mic stand.
The EP’s titular track is a brisk commentary on the inexorable descent of an addict. The arrangement strides the boundary between the intricacy of Metal and the abrasion of punk.
Yet another fabulous riff is aired in Leech. Appearing tauter than what’s preceded, but with Matthew spitting venom, Jord’s pulsating bass and Aid in studious focus, there is no respite from the aural assault.
After acknowledging the presence of a strong partisan following, the lacerating Here’s The Thing settles into a groove that both the band and audience occupy comfortably. Drown meanwhile adds a Stanglers-like bass sound to their Roses/punk fusion as well as introducing a delightful three way harmony vocal. 
“Anyone got a kick pedal?”
Another one of those inescapable technical difficulties is resolved at F1 pit lane speed by the loan of said implement from one of the other bands.
Then Again is classed as a love song belying its punky/RnR vibe. Matty was seemingly lost in the mood as he emoted the lyrics.
“Just a bag of bones with an itchy nose.”
Quite simply, I’ll Do Me has (adopts Keith Richards’ tone) one of the best riffs I’ve heard this decade, man. Such a deliciously dark groove, it’s like Alice in Chains you can dance to as Aid’s guitar screams for blood.
Closer Life’s A Bitch sees a recurrence of those hauntingly beautiful three-part vocals. Aid’s fluid solo with luscious wah-wah is extended as it ventures home via a Pearl Jam-like coda.
This was a striking and rewarding performance from Tender Vendetta, a highly promising outfit that combines attitude, attention to detail and steely professionalism. There are so many lush subtleties to discover amongst what, on the surface, appears to be a sustained assault on the senses.
Even with 45 years gig experience, I rarely offer advice to artists but post gig I did suggest the Tender Vendetta guys consider closing each and every set with I’ll Do Me to leave the audience suitably WOWED!!! The song really is that good.
“You do you, and baby, I’ll do me.”
Pretty Shivers
In a case of bad drills on my part, I missed approximately 50% of Darwen (Blackburn) based quintet Pretty Shivers opening set.
On this balmy spring evening, the strains of Jumpin’ Jack Flash were emanating from the first-floor windows of the gothic façade as I was rockin’ down Electric Avenue towards Da Giff.
Comprising siblings Miranda and Rory Myles on vocals and guitar, respectively, Mark Bateson on lead, Annika Harwood on bass and Toby Brown on drums, Pretty Shivers describe themselves as combining power pop, rock ‘n’ roll, country and soul. One can testify to the accuracy of that statement.
The numbers I missed prior to Jack were Say You’re Down and Give It Up while Jack itself, from the suboptimal listening platform of the street, sounded vibrant with Miranda’s vocals giving it a sparkle that goes part way to raising it beyond the renowned and much-loved rendition. 
There was certainly a quiet, focused attentiveness amongst the early arrivals as the band flowed through the rest of their atmospheric and enchanting set. The trio of Running Away, Love Finds A Way and Hope I would succinctly describe as engaging Americana. The kind of immersive, serene resonance that stealthily weaves its way towards, then latches onto your orbitofrontal pleasure cortex.
With confidence, presence and a heightened level of musical ability, Pretty Shivers certainly did enough to arouse my interest to such an extent that I wish to see more and soon.
