When a joint Southern Lord/Deathwish tour rolls into town you would be mad to miss it. Both bands in question The Secret (Southern Lord) and Deafheaven (Deathwish Inc) are two of the most exciting bands on their respected labels. Unfortunately due to transport issues and early set times I very nearly did miss it.
I arrived just in time for a quick chat with George Clarke before Deafheaven's set. I told him I had missed The Secret and was supposed to be reviewing their set. Helpfully he said "well they were fucking awesome and didn't fuck anything up". So thanks to him for that. (George is always welcome to join the (((o))) writting team). I had caught The Secret last year supporting Converge, and their assault of blackened hardcore floored a (mostly) expectant Converge crowd. So it was a real kick in the teeth to miss them. Although a kick in the teeth is also fitting to the audio violence they unleash.
I had to put my disappointment and embarrassment aside and got in a good postion for Deafheaven. When I last saw the Sargent House managed band supporting Russian Circles they had impressed greatly. This however was on another level, whether due to the confidence of headlining, or the introduction of new members they tore through the assembled crowd with vicious intent. One of said new members, Dan on drums, was especially impressive, attacking his kit with the speed and power I've not seen outside Converge's Ben Koller. I noticed one of Dan's cymbals literally had huge bits missing. Given the shift he put in I wasn't surprised, and at times wondered if the rest of his kit would hold up.
Deafheaven on record and live, balance awe-inspiring introspective melody and end of world apocalyptic rage perfectly. They opened with new track 'Dream House', which was well received as it's also the first song they put up streaming from Sunbather. What is impressive is despite the volume and power unleashed, the intricate and more subtle parts aren't lost in the wall of sound. 'Violet' followed and I honestly felt like this was something I would savour for many years. Performed live the song is even more mesmerising and stunning. Singer George Clarke performs as if channelling an army of lost souls. Starring out over the crowd with a thousand yard menace, its gripping, unnerving and brilliant. Deafheaven don't go through the motions, they dripped sweat from the unsually hot Glasgow night and every note played like their life depended on it. 'Unrequited' descended into oblivion, feeling like the world may end such was the power and unravelling ending. The title track of Sunbather demonstrated why the album is highly anticipated. Displaying levels of maturity and even live hinting the album sonically may be huge. I've still parts embedded in my head and that's the only time I've heard it.
After a brief pause, Clarke returns to dedicate 'Cody' to Glasgow and Mogwai. It's met with a roar of approval. Kerry McCoy lost in the moment eyes closed playing his guitar while Clarke perched on the barrier pouring his all into the vocals. It's a nice touch performing their cover in Glasgow although some seemed to miss the sentiment. Deafheaven departed to a rapturous response from the dedicated but modest sized crowd. Next time they hit the UK I feel they will play to a much bigger audience and you better be sure you're one of them!
