We Brits have always liked our hard rock/metal, and this touring U.S. band should go down a storm. Looking at the list of venues, they look like places that true rock fans frequent. This is honest no-frills music and demands to be heard live – and loud. American hard rock bands, if they deliver the goods, enjoy appreciative audiences in the land that gave the world Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden.
AUG hails from New Jersey, which is no stranger to producing rock music. They are about to embark on their first UK tour, dubbed the ‘UK Domination Tour’, which encompasses venues in the north of England, the south of England (including one London date) and the midlands, plus a couple of Welsh gigs. This is to promote their album, “Be Careful What You Wish For” (released 1st June, 2014), the follow-up to the critically acclaimed, debut full-length release, “20 Years in Hell” from 2011. With extensive touring in America and now bouncing around Britain, AUG is making an even bigger name for themselves. They’ve already played with such luminaries as Joe Lynn Turner and Blue Oyster Cult.
AUG is composed of Anthony “Aug” Agostine (lead vocals/guitar), Tommy Shauger (lead guitar/backing vocals), Russ LaMater (drums) and Rich Tanis (bass).
Nine tracks of metal-tinged rock make up this latest album, which displays varied musical styles and their prowess as a tight band. Great guitar work and percussion gives a framework for Agostine’s strong vocal performance. Lyrics are clearly heard, a rarity in this genre. A strong melodic sense is mixed with the metal, and they’re not afraid to experiment. Tommy Shauger’s guitar solos are top-notch. Highlights for me are “Little Green Fairy”, with its great bass and percussion break, and “Light Of Day”, with its terrific guitar and sweet harmonies. Also, I will give a cheer for their fun version of that 1980’s pop classic, “Africa” by Toto. You can still sing along to the catchy chorus. But head-banging is obligatory if you catch any of the following gigs:
TOUR DATES
THU 4th SEPTEMBER – THE JUNCTION – PLYMOUTH
FRI 5th SEPTEMBER – JOINERS ( SUPPORTING SAINTS OF SIN ) – SOUTHAMPTON
SAT 6th SEPTEMBER – CHILL BAR – ILFRACOMBE
TUE 9th SEPTEMBER – DOVE AND RAINBOW – SHEFFIELD
WED 10th SEPTEMBER – SNOOTY FOX – WAKEFIELD
THU 11th SEPTEMBER – IRON ROAD ROCK BAR – EVESHAM
FRI 12th SEPTEMBER – THE PATRIOT – CRUMLIN ( WALES )
SAT 13th SEPTEMBER – THE DUKE – NEATH ( WALES )
SUN 14th SEPTEMBER – DOGHOUSE – NOTTINGHAM
TUE 16th SEPTEMBER – SCRUFFY MURPHYS – BIRMINGHAM
WED 17th SEPTEMBER -12 BAR- LONDON (SOHO)
