Having never been to Glasgow's Audio before I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleased to find a modest sized dungeon teaming with leather and denim clad punters. And this was early on, second band of the night Sunsmasher were setting the tone. The tone being mostly fucking loud and riff heavy. The Glasgow natives were more impressive live than the few tracks I had heard previously online. Definitely a band to see again and keep track off.
I was impressed and pleased by the decent turn out for this gig. Especially on a rainy Monday night close to the end of the month. And a healthy welcome was given to main support Bossk. I've been a big fan of them since their first couple of EPs. In fact I recently interviewed Tom Begley on all things past, present and future for Ech(((o)))es and Dust. Despite that, this was my first time seeing them live. A ripple of excitement permeated through the crowd as they took to the stage. Clearly others were in the same position as me, long time fans, as 'Define' struck up there was a big roar of acknowledgment. With minimal lighting Bossk set about business in effective style. Gathering together on stage at times in almost a huddle they locked in together and were super tight. Seeing the likes of 'Define' and 'Truth' live was special. Tracks I've played countless times and are classics in my book. Bossk live were worth the wait, going through new tracks as well like 'Pick Up Artist' proving there's much more to come. Performing as if in their own zone with impressive tightness they at times exploded forth, as the music shifted in dynamics. Bossk provided a certain amount of refinement to the evening of otherwise dense riffery. Although what followed was the total opposite.
Dragged Into Sunlight aren't like other bands. Two antelope skulls are dimley lit red at either side of the stage. A candelabra is placed at the forefront, three thick candles burning. Then when they emerge they are cloaked in shadows and smoke. Facing away from the crowd also, they launched into a set drawn mainly from debut album Hatred For Mankind. There is a brutality and edge about how they perform that was captivating. And then the strobe lights kick in just in case you were starting to feel comfortable. From where I was standing I could see side on through the shadows frontman " T" rather than his back. I have to say he looked totally immersed in his own zone. Barefoot, he looked like someone with "issues" rather than someone turning their back as some kind of gimmick. The constant strobe flashes and shadows provided a fitting setting for the hate filed cacophony being produced. The crowd at times seemed either confused as tracks merged into one another or simply stunned by what we were witnessing. When "T" turned to the crowd as the final song began it was like a vampire seething at the sun. He looked genuinely uncomfortable summed up as he dramatically blew out the candelabra, and (I think) unintentionally sending it crashing over. There was a few jeers of course, but was a brief light moment in an otherwise intense performance. Dragged Into Sunlight are a band even if you haven't listened to before you should see live. I say "see" but really you'll be lucky if you catch a glimpse through the fog and seizure inducing lights. Well worth it though for a totally different live experience.
Thanks to Bruce Cowie for the photo.
