A fantastic night's music at a great venue

PRAYING MANTIS
London: The Cavern – 09 October 2021

This was billed as the fourtiethth Anniversary of 'Time Tells No Lies', though sadly due to bringing in a last-minute replacement drummer they were not able to play the whole of the album in its entirety. The band opened with the classic 'Panic In The Streets' which had everyone jumping around before firing off 'Praying Mantis' next. Two new songs where aired, 'Cry For The Nations' and 'Closer To Heaven' which were well received by the audience.

Brothers Tino and Chris Troy both looked like they were enjoying themselves and it must be gratifying to know that their music is still appreciated all these years later. Sadly 'Cheated' and 'Running From Tomorrow' were not on the set list, instead we got a rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Simple Man' for some reason? 'Highway' and 'Times Slipping Away' both went down well and it was clear everyone was enjoying themselves throughout the show. A personal favourite of mine 'Turn The Tables' from the Bernie Shaw era of the band still sounds as fresh as when I first heard it in 1982. 'Captured City' and the finale of 'Children Of The Earth' had everyone reaching for their air guitars before the short set was brought to an end.

In all a fantastic night's music at a great venue, though I still think the band owe us a few shows where they play the album in its entirety.

Ray Paul