Alia Tempora

Czech band Alia Tempora brought their own brand of uplifting euro-metal to Bannermans on Wednesday.
Black-clad guitarist Stepan Reznicek opens the show with trademark growling before Markie steps up to her LCD mike stand in a riot of colourful hair and sparkling clothing to take over the vocals. Markie is a likeable and charismatic character. She’s a shining light of positivity throughout the show and definitely has the potential to be a superstar in the Femme-Metal genre.

The first four songs played are from debut album ‘Digital Cube’ before the band sensibly switch to their brand new album ‘Dragonfly Effect’. Obviously these songs are as yet unfamiliar to everyone but the progression in quality is obvious. They play all the songs on the album in order, starting with the distinctive intro to the title track and following on with the excellent ‘Bark on Me’.

The band are used to playing on bigger stages at home but the smaller venue allows Markie to connect warmly with everyone in the room and she has the crowd enthusiastically on her side throughout.

The young guys, Patrik Machacek (Drums) and Roman Skrabal (Bass), bring energy to the band, especially on faster tracks like ‘Ready, Hun?’ and ‘Get Well Soon’. All the music on the album was written and produced by Filip Hrazdira with lyrics by Markie and Filip. ‘Black ‘n’ White’ and ‘Asking’ are highlights and they save two of their best until last with anti-hater song ‘Loser Like Me’ and fan-anthem ‘Crossroads’ closing the show with an extended hands-in-the-air response.

After the show, Markie has smiles, chat and hugs for everyone and the band undoubtedly make new friends. It was a feel-good evening and it’s nights like this that show why folks should take a chance and go out to see new bands and support their efforts, if they can.