Over the last couple of months, rumours have spread through the grapevine that UK punks, Gallows, would be splitting up at the end of the year. However, putting those rumours to rest and playing their last shows of the year, Gallows are on top form.
Earlier in the day, fans braved whatever weather they had to for a matinee show at Dingwalls where Gallows performed their debut album, Orchestra of Wolves, in full. Those who weren’t there to catch it were disappointed to hear how amazing it was and those who were there were still raring to go by the time the evening was due to come around where Gallows would play down the road at Camden’s Electric Ballroom, performing their second album Grey Britain in full.
Opening up for Gallows at the Ballroom is November Coming Fire. With their aggresive hardcore smashing up the stage, it’s a shame they can’t do much more. The crowd aren’t hugely entertained. Maybe it’s the fact the Ballroom isn’t full yet or that it’s cold. November Coming Fire aren’t bad by any means, but after a couple of songs it feels at times that they’re playing one long song. However, they’re saved at the end when pits break out and connect with the crowd more than they had done their whole set. It could be viewed as too little, too late but they have warmed the crowd up.
As the time draws near, Rage Against The Machine’s infamous Killing In The Name plays over the speakers and the crowd sing every word and even a mosh pit breaks out. It’s clear this crowd is ready to destroy…
Complete with a string section from an orchestra (includes cellos, violins and a keyboard) the room goes dark and the strings perform the dark intro to the opening of The Riverbank. The band take stage and as frontman Frank Carter and everyone in the room screams that “Great Britain is burning down”, the crowd are burning up. Cheers fill the room, it’s clear tonight is going to be special.
As they dive in to London Is The Reason, it’d be hard to find a crowd louder. The crowd and Gallows are at their best. There’s not a moment tonight when any of the songs fall flat. Frank brands the people who didn’t make the show “pussies”, telling the crowd that his own mum made it to the show even though she slipped and broke her elbow in the same day – showing off where Frank gets his determination from.
Some of the songs have never been played properly in full before and yet, there’s no problem in performing them. “I’ve been dreading this for 2 years!” Frank calls out before playing The Vulture. He appears nervous as he sings the mellow, dark first act of the song. As the crowd carry the song for him, he looks stunned at the reaction. The song has an eerie feel to it which is quickly demolished by the heavier second act of the song.
Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro unfortunately couldn’t be at the show due to touring commitments and so, yet again, the crowd save the day by singing his part on Graves. As the night draws to a close and crowd surfers come over non stop, the band show no signs of stopping even by the latest point. Frank waves a huge grey Union Jack on stage which is met with cheers. As the band tear in to a particularly awesome Crucifucks, chills run down spines as the end few lines (performed acapella) are spat out of everyone’s mouth. The mic stand is slammed to the ground and the string section are left to perform the eerie 4 minute outro. Cheers fill the room.
The band return to the stage to pose for pictures and then grab their instruments. Although this show was primarily supposed to be Grey Britain only, Frank smiles and asks the crowd What? You didn’t think we’d fuck off without playing Orchestra of Wolves, did you?” The crowd, in turn go wild as the show wraps up.
It’s hard to sum up the gig in a just a word but a few come to everyone’s mind. Stunning. Amazing. Spectacular. Special. Those are just a few and Gallows themselves would agree. It really is hard to find a better band (live and on record) in the UK at the moment.
Both the Dingwalls and Electric Ballroom’s shows were recorded and will be put out on DVD sometime in 2011.
FULL SETLIST FOR THIS SHOW:
The Riverbank
London Is The Reason
Leeches
Black Eyes
I Dread The Night
Death Voices
The Vulture (Acts I & II)
The Riverbed
The Great Forgiver
Graves
Queensberry Rules
Misery
Crucifucks
ENCORE:
Orchestra Of Wolves
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