O2 Kentish Town

Holding Absence – 24th, 25th 28th November 2023

Posted on by Music Fan

The year started with me seeing Holding Absence during their “Live & In Monochrome” tour at the O2 Academy Oxford, so it seems fitting to bookend my year with seeing them again. This time though it’s going to be three almost back-to-back nights for their “The Noble Art of Self Destruction” tour. I caught them at an album signing event in Brimingham back in August. In September I suffered a serious ankle injury that is still healing, minimum of 4 months the specialist said. So, bit concerned about being on my feet all night, but I’ve got walking boots and an ankle support so fingers, or should that be toes!, crossed.

Friday 24th November – O2 Forum Kentish Town

As for that first gig the weather has turned cold as I set off towards London. Last night they announced a pop-up merchandising sale at a pub a short walk from the venue. I was hoping my train would arrive in time for me to get there. It did and after checking in to the hotel I walked the 30 minutes to the pub, catching a bus for the last stretch, well it was getting cold 😊 The pub was already packed but I squeezed through to grab a drink and join the queue.

Once near the front Ben, bass guitar, greeted me warmly remembering I’d been at the Birmingham signing. He explained they’d not brought enough gear not expecting so many to turn up. Well as there’s a reduction in cost (no venue markup) most people who can, will try to take advantage. I asked for a tour t-shirt which he retrieved for me, and I waited to pay.

Afterwards I found a table to stand at with my drink watching the queue slowly grow and contract. Scott, lead guitarist, was also there greeting people coming and going. Once the queue was dying down, I went back and got a “Crooked Melody” t-shirt, a favourite song of mine. At the end I offered to help carry the stock back out to the van as did another person so that made light work for them.

Next up was eating so off I go towards the venue looking for somewhere suitable and warm. The Portuguese chicken emporium was handy, so I popped in to eat before venturing off to join the by now small queue. At the bag check a security guard brandished his magic wand at me so I held up my “free pass” card at him. This confused him enormously but after a brief exchange I explained he can’t use the magic wand as it will interfere with my pacemaker but happy for him to frisk me!

As I enter the stage is being prepared so I head to the coat check and managed to get both outer layers onto one hanger. Well at that price I’m glad I did. The bar queue had dissipated by the time I arrived so not too long to wait.

Thornhill

I hadn’t realised I’d missed the first band as I squinted through the haze to see it was Thornhill on stage. Impressed by the opener “Viper Room” I decided to get closer. Their lead singer exudes a beguiling charm that draws you into the song all the while backed by skilful drumming and guitar work. There’s not much conversation between songs, which I like, they prefer to let their music do the talking which it certainly does. You feel drawn in as Jacobs, lead vocalist, voice almost croons at you one second before serenading you with blood curdling screams. The switch is seamless and the song writing strikes a balance between soft and full throttle. The pit has formed as we’re treated to “Reptile” specially chosen for tonight apparently. Before their last song they pay tribute to Dark Divine who I missed and of course “the reason we’re all here” Holding Absence to huge applause. Thornhill were good and set the tone very well, I’ll look them up further.

There’s time before Holding Absence to refresh and get refreshment. Although sold out it doesn’t seem too busy yet but there’s lots of movement in the crowd. I decide I’ll get a fairly middle spot and see what happens when it kicks off. The lights dim and there’s a palpable expectation in the air as guitar chords swell as the band enter.

Holding Absence

Immediately they are straight into “Head Prison Blues” with Lucas’ vocals sounding so full of emotion at once full of hope yet there is despair laced into it as he sings “I’m losing the will to go on”. Looking at the crowd I wonder how many that resonates with, I know I’m one. For me this is the reason I am fanatical about HA without knowing it they have written the soundtrack of my life. Their next song is “Crooked Melody” and until I heard the acoustic version always thought Lucas sang “Suicide’s a crooked melody” rather than “I sing myself a crooked melody”. Not an easy mistake some may think but give it a listen. At this point I get a little damp as it’s kicking off in the pit and a few not quite empty cups are hurled into the air.

By the end of the song I’ve moved forward and as “Gravity” kicks in with the encouragement to jump I’m moving again. The band are full of energy with Lucas’ high kicks, Scott joining him, Ben whirling around the stage head banging and of course Ash on drums beating the life out of them, it’s hard not to be captivated by it and join them.

“False Dawn” ushers in one of those big sing alongs with the crowd providing the backing vocals to Lucas’ delight. It feels as if their energy feeds us as ours feeds them in return. This seamlessly transitions into “Scissors” one of the heavier songs on the new album and the crowd is on fire a swirling mass of people. At this point I’m hit on the head by a crowd surfer and I lose my glasses. Cue panic but the good people around me all stop as I grope around on the floor and come up triumphant. Being further forward and central a few other people come over one poor person was dropped at the last minute but bounced right back up and over the barriers.

An acoustic version of “Like a Shadow” brings a calm, an eye of the storm, as Lucas shows what a fantastic voice he has as it echoes around us all. He encourages us to sing the last chorus with him and as it dies down there’s a huge roar of appreciation and applause. “Honey Moon” suitably follows this before we get to the set closer of “Wilt”.

If you have not seen their Heavy Metal Awards 2020 rendition on YouTube, I encourage you to. “Wilt” is filled with emotion lyrically and Lucas puts this across superbly with full backing from Scott, Ben, and Ash. You can feel that raw emotion in the music, the reverb in the guitars and the almost pleading of the drums. Its impact is devastating almost shocking the audience into tears such is its power, especially with the lyrics “Hold me now, for a little bit. The Love that we watched wilt”. Phew! It’s good we can have a breather after to recharge before they re-emerge for the encore.

However, it’s straight back to that emotional roller coaster as “Celebration Song” hits with Lucas proclaiming, “I’m Alive!” right as the cannons fire gold confetti over us. This proclamation re-invigorates the crowd and we’re bouncing, gyrating, singing along with the band. I’m now second row almost underneath the band looking straight up as the transition into “Afterlife” hits with us joining in “And when I close my eyes I dream I’ll see you in the afterlife”.

There’s more to come as the final song “Angel in the Marble” brings another wave along, hands aloft we sway in time with the band. This is a piece of exemplary song writing positively written about overcoming your flaws, mistakes, and adversity to be a better person. This maybe on their list for some time to come as it is a massive anthemic song with great sing along moments.

Lucas said how it was a dream come true to headline this venue, how far the band had come and thanks for all our support. He and the band wished they could play longer as most of us would like but there will be more opportunities for us and definitely more for them at bigger venues.

As we drifted away I joined the cue for the coats with two ladies and we got chatting about Download. They’re going next year and Holding Absence will be there. I explained that I’m not as son and I decided to try Bloodstock for a change. We chatted about bands and things in general but then they were outraged I’d managed to get two coats on one hanger. I pointed out that one was little more than a bin bag and that if Download was anything like 2019, I highly recommend an actual bin bag as a raincoat, cheap, waterproof and doesn’t matter if it gets ruined in the pit!

Half hour walk back to the hotel and once back my ankle had held up well which is good because I’m repeating all of this tomorrow.

Saturday 25th November – Stylus, Leeds University

I had a lie in after last night’s efforts and a good breakfast before packing up and setting off for the train station. This time I decided to go by bus rather than have to walk up/downstairs for the underground. Handily the bus stop was near by and would drop me off close to Euston Station. At the station I grabbed my lunch and hung around waiting as I had nearly an hour. As the departures scrolled up the board and 1pm departures appeared I suddenly realised I was at the wrong station! Doh! I needed to be at Kings Cross and I had 30 minutes to get there. Having worked in London and arrived at St. Pancras and King Cross during my time I knew it was only a short walk to Kings Cross from Euston so off I set.

Arriving at Kings Cross we were kept waiting till 10 minutes before departure for the platform and it’s never warm at stations. Once on board though I had a seat and could settle down to eat my lunch. Journey was uneventful and on-time into Leeds. I don’t know Leeds and exiting the station I had to walk around the building works back on myself where I wanted to go. Once on the correct road I noticed another entrance/exit to the station! Oh Well the walk had warmed me up. Tonight’s hotel was out of the centre next to a motorway and as I approached someone was on the roof looking down.

Settled in the next thing is to figure out where Stylus was in relation to the hotel and find somewhere to eat. Stylus was 25 minutes’ walk so not bad but nothing between here and there to eat at. So, hotel food it’ll have to be. Oh dear they only had their 24h menu on which was sandwiches or pizza. I choose a pizza as it’ll be warm got a drink and waited. The pizza was OK but it came with stuffed crust, I don’t like, despite saying it didn’t.

What google maps doesn’t tell you is elevation! Getting to Stylus was up hill all the way! By the time I arrived I was hot and in need of a drink. For those that don’t know, like me, it turned out that Sylus is within the Student Union and that meant lots of young people. My own youngest daughter is at university, so this was going to be a strange one. Their cloakroom was cheap by comparison to London and no objection to the number of coats per hanger.

Inside I headed for the nearest bar and was pleasantly surprised to be served reasonably priced drinks in a can! Yes, no plastic cups here, well at this bar anyway. This was in a balcony of sorts surrounding a floor area more like a gladiatorial pit. All painted black so when the lights dimmed it was dark. I’d missed Dark Divine again sorry guys.

Thornhill

As last night Thornhill were superb and the only change to their set was “The Hellfire Club” replaced “Reptile”. I got a good spot at the side next to the stage in the balcony bit and here I noticed stairs to the floor are which would be good for later. Thronhill got the floor moving with a pit developing early on as lead vocalist implored the crowd to bring the energy and the crowd duly obliged. Looking around I don’t think I raised the average age by very much at all.

After another blistering set by Thornhill I went off to the bathroom which is where things got a bit odd. As I entered and began preparations 😉, a chap stopped me to compliment me on my t-shirt and proceeded to have a conversation as I’m trying to edge closer to take care of business. He finally realised apologised and left. Back outside I spot him in an embrace with his partner and I quickly moved off to find those stairs into the pit. Descending into the throng of people I push my through to a great spot. A few minutes later I look round to see the two chaps approaching with the first one I met waving at me. We’re next to a lady who turns to see us all standing there and he explains what had happened and we all had a great laugh about it. The lady then says “do you mind if I ask how old you are?”, “no its OK I’m nearly 62”, “That’s great I’ll text my dad he’ll be so pleased he’s not the oldest here!!”. All I could do was laugh but then her dad comes over to say hello and shake my hand, turns out he’s 47. They all did say that they hoped they were still rocking when they reached 60, so fair enough compliments were paid and I can take a joke 😊

Holding Absence

As the lights dim there’s rustle of expectation as the band take the stage and immediately burst into “Head Prison Blues”. The set list is the same as last night which is no surprise to me and does not detract at all from the experience. I thoroughly enjoy the music and lyrics together with the heartfelt and passionate way they’re delivered by the whole band. You can sense and feel the love they have for each other, their music and their fans. “Crooked Melody” begins and I’m joining in, I notice my new friends are enjoying it also.

Mid set we’re lighting the room up for a good old sway along before the energy is ramped up again with Lucas directing a split in the pit before he literally kicks hell out of the lyrics. This is a band full of energy, they look hot but there’s no let up to the high kicks, head banging or dancing round the stage for them all. I wonder if Ash would love to join in or is he content with beating his drums into submission? Maybe a bit of both. Anyway, I’ve joined the mayhem and look around but can’t see my friends anymore, maybe it was too hard for them 😊

As it’s the same set list it’s the same roller coaster of emotions and ends with “Wilt” as devastating today as it was yesterday. Time for a breather and a little shuffling of the crowd brings me closer just as the band return and Lucas screams out “I’m Alive”. “The Angel in the Marble” brings the set to a close and I decide to mill about for a while to enjoy the moment.

Security moves us slowly towards the exit and I peruse the merchandise stand saying hi to the chap on the stall as I recognise him from London. My coat is brought over for me, now there’s service for you, as they want to close. I strip my t-shirt off to put a vest on and turn to see a security guard smiling, “We’ve seen worse” he says and I bet they have at a student union, I remember my student days were hedonistic and ribald and whilst I believe it’s calmed down I suspect there are wild nights still. On leaving my suspicions were confirmed as the upstairs area seemed to have a toga party in full swing so I decide it’s best to leave quickly.

At least the walk back was down hill and I had a quiet pint in the bar trying to make sense of the football on the TV.

Tuesday 28th November – O2 Institute Birmingham

After Leeds I had visited my mum and done a day’s work. Meanwhile it had got colder back to the temperature of that night in January when I saw Holding Absence in Oxford. Today it is Birmingham and I need to leave work early to get there in time to eat. The journey is uneventful and after a short walk I’m seated in a pizza chain restaurant to fill up. Next off towards the venue, the O2 Institute which is new to me. It is cold and a bit of a queue so I decided to try the pub next door for a pint first.

As I walk through the door the first thing I noticed was the many patrons dressed in black. That’s OK there is a gig next door and most people wear black but these were in formal wear. Turns out I’d walked, along with others, into the middle of a Wake. I asked at the bar and they gave me an order of service, he was a well-liked chap who had a sense of humour judging by the music choice and that they’re holding his wake in not one but two pubs! I raise a silent toast.

Whilst standing in contemplation I notice a lady sitting with a Holding Absence t-shirt I’ve not seen before. As it looks like one I’d like I ask her about it, turns out she bought at a previous show sometime. Everything in order I decide it’s time to negotiate security and with exemption card in hand I’m disappointed to not even get a pat down! Clearly they’re so bemused by this 60’s grey haired chap coming to a gig here they decided I’m safe, Well just wait till later in the pit 😊

This is a confusing venue as there’s 2 areas for gigs and Holding Absence was upstairs. Oh well up we go into yet another black room after I’ve deposited my coat. Almost immediately I realise I’ve left my ear defenders in my coat so I’m back down to pick them up. I was so quick they’d not even finished hanging it up.

Back in the darkened room I head for the bar to grab a drink and have a chat with the lady serving. I suggested she should wear ear protection and that after all “I never leave home without protection” which made her laugh! Once again I’d missed Dark Divine sorry guys. As I was messaging my son about the wake Thornhill came on.

Thornhill

Thornhill bounce onto the stage clearly revelling in last night tour vibes although the crowd are a bit slow to respond. Perhaps the cold hasn’t yet left the bodies but fear not the performance Thornhill put on is enough to melt away the stupor and get the crowd rocking. That’s not the right word but there’s definitely movement.

Towards the end they’re joined on stage by Holding Absence to play along with “Casanova” which got the crowd going even more. There’s a pit albeit a bit small in the tightly packed venue. Handshakes all round and Thornhill round of their set with a blistering performance of “Where We Go When We Die” which got me think about the wake again.

During the interlude I headed for another refreshment before starting to move forward to get a good spot for Holding Absence.

Holding Absence

The stage is set and as before the band take the stage and launch, without preamble, straight into “Head Prison Blues”. The crowd is more fired up now and as movement is taking place, a slight adjustment to space and volume, I managed to edge to about second row between Lucas and Scott (relatively speaking). “Crooked Melody” follows straight after and is moving and relatable to me and it seems with quite a few people.

Watching the band, Lucas makes you tired just looking at him, a whirling dervish punching the air whilst simultaneously high kicking through the songs. On occasion Scott joins him all the while playing sublime guitar riffs joining on vocals to provide the growls. Ben on bass is moving too nodding his head so vigorously as if to try and detach it. At the back is Ash on drums providing that rhythm that drives the melodies to the frenzied heights it achieves. The way he is beating his drums it’s a surprise the kit survives the night.

“Gravity” is next up and we are literally up implored by Lucas to jump as he shows us how. There’s little interruption the band prefer to let their music do the talking and boy does it. Having met them I know they are down to earth guys and humble with it this, together with the emotion they pour into every note and every lyric is why their music works so well. It is powerful and connects with everyone in the room in such a way that it brings a togetherness, a belonging and connection to what it means to travel the path of life. We are not alone at all and you only need to look around during a pause to see that.

There’s an extra song thrown in, “Her Wings” was requested by a lady on their social media feed hoping but not expecting them to play it, but they do. Then as if to gather breath Lucas and Scott perform an acoustic version of “Like a Shadow” that we can’t help but join in with. Lucas grabs a guitar, which isn’t a familiar sight, and helps with delivering “Honey Moon” before we get to the set closer of “Wilt”.

“Wilt” is an exceptional piece of music as I’ve mentioned before and hearing it for the third time in a week does not diminish it’s punch one bit. The crushing intonation of the vocals that Lucas delivers backed with the haunting guitars and sublime rhythms from Ash is heart rending and that’s before we get to the chorus. Despite the feeling of heartbreak it is an awe-inspiring piece that leaves you exhausted from it all.

After a brief interlude they’re back for the encore but wait, what is this? Thornhill have come out dressed as Holding Absence instead! There’s a bit of messing about as Holding Absence join them dressed as Thornhill and I thought we’d be getting a band duet. Alas not, after thanking each other Thornhill left leaving Holding Absence to thank them before Lucas declares “I’m Alive” and “Celebration Song” gets the whole crowd joining in. “Afterlife” and “The Angel in the Marble” close out their last night of the tour. They been on the road a long time and probably at least half the year touring.

As we drift away and I wander off to catch my train home, I think back over the year to when it started and my first gig with Holding Absence in Oxford. They’ve released a new superb album; I met them at an album signing and now seen them three more times. What a way to book end the year.

My Review Scores :

  • Thornhill – 8
  • Holding Absence – 10
Lacuna Coil

Lacuna Coil – Saturday 16th November 2019

Posted on by Music Fan

For our second gig in a week we’re off to London but travel by car as getting home again from the venue by train would be tricky. I used to like London with its easy public transport but lately it’s become something of a nightmare and today was no exception. The tube we were on terminated at Baker Street as all lines East were suspended! The alternative was a little tortuous but we finally arrived at Camden. After a short walk up Kentish Town Road we stopped at the Portuguese chicken emporium for our meal. This soon filled up and led to very long queues and disgruntled customers which we were fortunate to have arrived before. However, ordering desert was an issue with the one person on the till opting to serve phone customers before the long queue in front of her and then wondered why people were getting annoyed. I saw several people get up and leave during this time before they managed to open a second till.

Suitably refreshed we walked towards the venue and noticed a pub next door offering 10% off with a valid ticket and as prices in the O2 are extortionate we had a drink here first. The pub was full of people going to the sold-out show but service was quick.

There was a long queue for the venue but as we had balcony tickets we bypassed this. By this time we’d missed the first act Infected Rain. I purchased a 2-pint drink as it was cheaper than 2 singles and would pass the time nicely. The balcony had seats and although most were occupied we did find a gap to the left and in the third row giving a great view of the stage. From this vantage point you could see the old frescos and detail that was part of the theatre when built. It all had a Roman feel to it with columns and Legionnaire style standards. The stage was being prepared for the next act and we didn’t have to wait long.

Eluvietie

When they took to the stage I counted 8 musicians carrying a dizzying array of instruments but when the first chord hit out came the singer complete with dreadlocks and woolly hat, looking a bit like a Bard. The band also was a good mix of men and women and during the set I saw the following instruments: violin, guitar, bass guitar, drums, harp, flute, penny whistle, mandolin, bagpipes, mandola, bodhran and something which the lady playing kept winding (I later discovered this was a hurdy gurdy). Now with all those disparate instruments you might expect something discordant or cacophonic, but it all worked together and of course not all the above were played at the same time. Occasionally there were solo spots for some of the players including the hurdy gurdy. So, what were we hearing, it seemed to be a crossover mix of folk and metal almost like gypsy punk a-la Gorgol Bordello.

Unfortunately, the lady that sang acapella lacked the vocal aesthetics to make it shine for me being a little off key. Another gripe was the sound mix was off and there was way too much bass with the drum line overpowering most of the wonderful array of instruments, I even had to use my ear plugs. However, for the most part this was fun and enjoyable foot tapping stuff and the final song with the bagpipes was a good way to end.

My Review Score: 7

During the interval I went off to the facilities and to get another drink. At one bar I was constantly ignored by the server who also could not work the till. Every time she served someone she’d bang the till with her fist and then call over a supervisor to open it, all very odd. In doing so she lost track of who she was serving. After 5 minutes I’d had enough and left to find another bar. When I did I was served straight away. On my left was a chap dressed in a green tweed suit complete with hat and waist coat, he certainly stood out amongst the black t-shirted metal crowd. Regaining my seat we didn’t have long to wait before the lights dimmed and the crowd began to roar.

Lacuna Coil

Their drummer appeared first and stood behind his kit urging the crowd to roar their approval even louder. When it seemed the crowd couldn’t get any louder the rest of the band bounced onto the stage and immediately launched into “Blood, Tears, Sweat” with it’s crushing drums and grunge laden guitars. Andrea growls menacingly into the microphone and is joined harmoniously in the chorus with Christina providing the softer higher range. It’s a brutal opening and shows an intent for the night.

Our last Coil gig was nearly 2 years ago at their circus extravaganza “119 show” but here they’re stripped back to the bare minimum of just the 5 of them and a couple of backdrops. Their clothing is black and Christina has her hood up for the first part but unfortunately from up here the white splashes on their jackets reminded me of pigeon droppings! The guitarists faces are painted and one of them has his short hair painted red making them look menacing as they prowl the stage. Andrea and Christina meanwhile are constantly moving around jumping onto blocks at the front, beckoning to each other and the crowd. “Are you having a good time?” asks Christina during one break which receives a loud roar from the crowd.

I think it was before “My Demons” that Christina addressed the crowd to talk about mental health awareness and looking out for each other. This is a good thing and seems to be a standard part of every bands set that I see however I worry that the repetitious nature of the message may lead to it not being heard.

The mosh pit was in full circle mode even though it looked cramped down there. In fact, I noticed a security guard get worried and rush over for a better view at one point. From what I could see it was all the usual good-natured pushing and shoving, stopping to pick up someone and always roaring their approval of the band.

The set list itself comprised songs off a few of their albums most coming from their latest 2 “Black Anima” and “Delirium” where they’re going in a darker direction. I must admit I was disappointed they did not cover more of “Black Anima” not even the title song and wonder why this was. Perhaps when you have so much material you don’t need to push a particular album anymore. However they do give a good show even if it seemed a little soon for Christina to say it was the last song and getting us to sing along to a cover of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence” which was ironic as it was anything but silent.

The wait for the encore was so long I began to wonder if they were coming back but eventually they did and maybe they’d misplaced the Santa hats Christina and Andrea were now wearing for “Naughty Christmas”. Any references to Christmas before December 1st really piss me off but I decided to let it slide on this occasion, no sense in ruining the whole evening! They followed this with one of my favourites “Heavens a Lie” before giving us a live debut of “Save Me” from “Black Anima”.

They finished their set with what is becoming their anthem “Nothing Stands in Our Way” and what a blistering end to a night it was. The crowd was enraptured by it and when Andrea and Christina stopped singing the crowd sung the lyrics in perfect time. All in all a very different show to the last time we saw them but satisfying none the less.

My Review Score: 9

Getting back to the car was slightly easier because we knew what to expect and the journey was uneventful.

Lacuna Coil

Lacuna Coil – Friday 19th January 2018

Posted on by Music Fan

Almost as soon as Lacuna Coil announced their special one-off show celebrating 20 years I purchased the tickets. A band I first encountered by chance as a “recommendation” in HMV on a business trip 15 years ago I’d wanted to see them live and had done so twice already. For personal reasons I won’t divulge my partner and I were prepared to miss this as there are some things in life that take precedence over everything else. However we were able to make it despite the change of venue making it more difficult to get to.

Arriving at Kentish Town the usual pre-gig meal was consumed before we headed to the venue. Clearly people had queued a long time judging by the detritus left behind and one had posted on social media about going to wait 6 hours to be sure of a spot at the front. No magic wands for me to fend off because instead everyone got a pat down by security. Once inside we saw the merchandise stand was doing very good business and we made our way to the bar. There we bumped into 2 people who, after introductions, also frequented The Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes! Oh what a small world. In fact there were quite a few in the audience who had travelled this small world to be there being from Australia, Norway, various parts of Europe and America. One question that I never really found the answer to was why an Italian Goth Metal band would celebrate 20 years with a gig in the UK rather than Italy? Nor was the question to why they moved venues which I believe differ in capacity of only about 300.

There was no support act tonight so that Lacuna Coil could deliver a set of epic proportions, it’s what the fans expected and it’s what they got and more. To the opening strains of “A Current Obsession” the curtain dropped to reveal a spartan gothic inspired circus tent with stilt performers dressed as demons, clowns with red eyes and a carnival sign announcing in blinking lights this “119 Show”. As show openers go this was almost show stopping as the band, dressed entirely in black, and performers mingled enticing us to enter the big top of dreams. It set the stage brilliantly for what was to come. We had managed to get a good central position on the second tier from the floor just behind all the video cameras but at the last second along came a large woman dressed solely in latex and stood in front of us!! With a slight adjustment we were able to see and as soon as the band came on a few hundred hands were thrust into the air with mobile phone’s set to record, even though the whole show was being videoed for later release.

Our previous experience of Lacuna Coil was heavy to say the least but here they were more relaxed, the melodies softer, the vocals purer and not as loud. That changed when they reached their fourth number “Blood, Tears, Dust” and the crowd on the floor erupted although with the confined space no pit ensued. Fire came from the stage performers hands some of which was handed to Christina who sang with flames erupting from her palms. Although the intensity had kicked up several notches the sound quality was still much clearer than last time and because of this the show much more enjoyable.

I ventured to a side bar for a refill and here the sound wasn’t quite as good and, surprisingly, the floor reverberated to the bass. Returning to my partner the large lady was still there having hardly moved a muscle. However as the show progressed she became more animated and struck up conversation with the chap next to her. Looking round there was a large mix of people, old and young, goth and not so and an equal mix of sexes.

They said they would play songs from their entire catalogue and even some never performed live before and the set lived up to that including songs from their very first EP which a few in the audience claimed to own. From their latest album, Delirium, they delivered a belting version of “The House of Shame” accompanied on stage by ornate picture frames, that I took to represent mirrors, through which burst macabre figures that attempted to snare the singers to drag them into their nightmare. This circus inspired theatre continued as the band played song after song with various circus performers joining them including an angle grinder wielding woman throwing sparks over each band member in turn. At one point the juxtaposition of good and evil was portrayed by an angel and a devil climbing and swinging from colour coordinated (white and red) suspended ropes, the devils rope having a pointed tail!

“Heaven’s a Lie”, being a fan favourite, was sung with fervour by the enthusiastic crowd and I hope that comes across on the DVD. I noticed cameramen either side of the stage alternately videoing the band and the crowd. To my surprise one of their “never performed live” songs was “Comalies” one of the songs of the album of that name that drew me towards Lacuna Coil all those years ago in an Edinburgh B&B.

Towards the end of the set the stage is transformed again and a piano wheeled out for 2 stripped down songs “Falling” and “Wide Awake”. As the first notes played Christina was hoisted up towards the circus arena’s apex and as she was her outfit billowed outwards transforming her into beautiful angelic creature. A stunning end to the set rightly appreciated by the whole enraptured crowd and the applause that followed was thunderous.

That thunderous applause only relaxed once the encore began as the band kicked it off with “I Forgive (but I won’t forget your name)” and some serious head banging ensued. Towards the end of this I was rudely pushed aside, as was the chap standing next to me, when a bloke pushed his partner through to a small gap in front and followed her. Chap and I exchanged annoyed looks as this bloke then began gyrating his hips against his partner. Now I don’t mind making way if there is actually enough space but in this instance there clearly wasn’t and so every time the bloke gyrated his hips his arse came into contact with me. I put my hand in my pocket which gave him the impression I was feeling him up! He tried slapping at my hand only to find jeans and eventually he decided gyrating against my hand wasn’t amorous enough for him and they both left. Over in a minute or so whilst the band played a Depeche Mode cover and before they embarked on their signature “Nothing Stands in our Way” which was apt really given I’d just got rid of an annoying arsehole 😊

Truly a spectacle of a show and one that those present will not forget. Chap next to me and I clasped hands at the end revelling in a sense of privilege for the show we’d seen and recognition for being part of something special. Lacuna Coil had promised much, hyped it through various media and they delivered something we could never have imagined.

My Review Score: 10

Lissie, The Travelling Band – Monday 15th February 2016

Posted on by Music Fan

A change of pace after my previous gigs and I’m off to the O2 Kentish Town to see Lissie a singer/songwriter from Iowa USA. My partner had been wanting to see her and managed to get late tickets to this show after it was switched from Shepherds Bush.

The train journey into London was eventful with us being held at Leighton Buzzard for a while because of a track side fire north of Leighton Buzzard. Hmm we’re travelling south and have arrived at LB so how come we’re stuck by a fire that’s north of us?? All was explained when we tried to get home, trains delayed and cancelled because of a track side fire at Berkhamstead, 2nd time in 3 days someone must hate Berkhamstead.

Once in London everything went smoothly and we enjoyed a meal before heading to the venue. Security was tight as is now the norm although this time the body pat down got quite personal 🙂

Inside the venue is not too dissimilar to Shepherds Bush and all other ex-cinema/theatre that are now concert venues. Multi-tiered and dark with bars selling overpriced beers. The couple at the next table in the restaurant were there as well looking none the worse for their run in with potentially under cooked chicken. There’s a comedy sketch in that: the chef coming out and screaming about how perfectly cooked the chicken is and if they want it flame grilled then how about this (he takes out a flame thrower and burns the chicken to a cinder)

Already on stage were The Travelling Band, yes that is their name, a 5 piece band from Manchester and all with beards to varying levels of growth. We made our way to a decent position not too far from the front and the first thing I noticed was how strong the bass was very similar to that pounded out by Suicidal Tendencies last week if not stronger. For me, and I like a good bass beat, it was too strong and overpowered their music extensively. At times I lost the vocals as well as the melody in that relentless BOOM BOOM of the bass line. The lads didn’t seem to notice and carried on trying to throw out their tunes. When they became quieter and sung a more folky type of tune the harmonies came through with good guitar work picking out bright melodies that interwove the lyrics beautifully. But then on the next track the forceful bass drum pounded all that into submission. During one pause between songs the lead singer said he’d not drunk enough water and as Lissie was environmentally aware they weren’t allowed plastic bottles. Up popped a glass of water from down the front which some wag pointed out was plastic!

My Review score: 6

Next up was Lissie herself after a brief interlude. There was very little set change to be made as the backdrop throughout The Travelling Band set was emblazoned with 6 foot high letters spelling her name out. For Lissie they provided a large jug of water and paper cup together with bottle of red wine and a wine glass.

When Lissie came on she was greeted with enthusiasm and a few whistles from the male members of the crowd, not to mention a few shouts of “we love you” from both sexes. Back too are The Travelling Band to be her backing group and if she was correct with the 2 week rehearsal time then I think I’ll have to have a rethink on the musical skills of that group. Lissie launched into her first song energetically and thankfully they’d turned the bass down and what a contrast. We’d moved forward a few rows and had a clear view together with clear sound of her voice. What a voice it turned out to be with a wide range it casts forwards the lyrics with such speed at times they almost become a blur much like the singer has become a blur of motion on stage. There’s no faking here, Lissie throws herself into each and every song with all her being and gets quite emotional at times too. Nothing is overstated or overdone, it all seems pitched correctly until the much heavy rock sound when the backing band threatens to overwhelm her but no she hits a high note and pushes them out of the way.

My partner thought she sounded like a young Stevie Nicks and I have to agree. Lissie has similar vocal qualities to Stevie and a reaches for that emotional connection with each of us individually that I felt Stevie tried for when I saw her on a solo tour back in the 90’s. Lissie voice casts the lyrics clearly, never struggling or overreaching, she’s equally able to sing with guitar alone or full band and every song means something personal to her that she wants us to get.

As the set progresses Lissie becomes more talkative, wine intake perhaps 🙂 she tells us the stories behind a few songs including a personal tribute to her Aunt that passed away which took her 5 years to write. As mentioned before she’s an environmentalist and is buying farm land in Iowa “for the bees” and urged us to buy merchandise to help her. At this point I have to wonder how flying round the world sits with this view but then I guess there’s a trade off somewhere. Lissie also mentions that she’s passionate about equality, equality for everyone on the planet but especially that between men and women. Yes I agree we’re not there yet especially when you get dribbling idiots at her gigs shouting things at her, which she dealt with quite well but only serves to underline what she’s saying that we’ve not achieved equality yet.

Lissie was great and I thought she had more fun with the rock based tracks, I know I certainly did. She thanked almost everyone for doing something including someone with a dog?!?! And of course thanked the band for their sterling efforts of playing all night. In fact she got quite lost at this point as she trying to tune her guitar and the bass player had to step in to help her.

So for me that’s 2 bands from Iowa I’ve seen within a week and what a contrast.

My review score: 8