The Restless Venture are a rock band from Manchester/Liverpool. The band took a hiatus for a little while but are now back with their strongest lineup to date which consists of Tom Mann (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Andy Pilkington (Lead Guitar/Vocal Harmonies), Davy Taff (Bass) and Lee Gee (Drums). They have previously played shows all across the North West mainly in Liverpool and Manchester, even supporting Gordon Gano and The Ryans (lead singer of The Violent Femmes) in Manchester’s Ruby Lounge. Their witty cheeky characters add a charming smugness to the band as they claim their lead guitarist Andy Pilkington’s “masculine charm leaves women wanting him and men wanting to be him”, while drummer Lee Gee is “the bands prominent sex God and legend”.
All humour aside these guys do deliver soaring, anthem- like songs with richly textured melodies that stick in your head. They swivel from massive foot stomping anthems with irresistible energy to tender uplifting and emotional tracks with ease taking you on a fantastic journey packed with a roller coaster of emotions that leaves you rejuvenated and renewed.
The track that introduced me to The Restless Venture was ‘Bring On The Furnace‘. A gritty rock track full of fiery attitude. This track is punchy and rebellious while still maintaining the bands sensual swagger. Mann’s vocals are gravelly and raspy yet velvety and smooth for the verses. Like all their tracks The Restless Venture present us with a warm american desert-like atmosphere which brightens up the tracks and makes them instantly likeable. This track gives an old school rock feel with a slight country jingle on guitar.
‘Both Barrels’ is my favourite of their tracks so far as its a bluesy dark whiskey soaked track full of shadowy burning emotions. It has bitter tones contrasting with a longing heated atmosphere. With again dynamic vocals that become almost theatrical adding an eerie mysterious atmosphere to the track. The stirring guitar is intense and passionate while the bass and drums add that flexible sensual tempting and enticing quality.
The Restless Venture are definitely a band to watch and with live shows that promise “there won’t be a dry armpit in the room by the end of the set” what other assurance do you need.
Stream ‘Bring On The Furnace’ and ‘Both Barrels’ below