Gallows - 01.23.07- Little Civic - Wolverhampton, UK
Posted by Matt Clifford on 01.25.2007
Surely after so much build-up surrounding the band's live show, the only possibility is leaving disappointed by nothing but unfounded rumors, right?
“We’re Gallows and we’re here to ruin your night”, announces the tattoo-laden vocalist Frank Carter, maneuvering his mic stand to the middle of the dance floor where it proceeds to remain for the rest of the show. You see, Gallows are all about the live show and they are currently building a reputation as one of the most ferocious live bands to tour the UK club circuit in a long time; so much so, that they have just been offered a slot on this years Warped Tour to unleash their unstoppable touring monster upon unsuspecting US audiences.
There is a lot of hype surrounding the band at the moment and it is becoming more and more difficult to open music magazines and not see the 5-piece smeared all over it. In the coming months, gigs at venues such as the 120-capacity Little Civic will become a rare occurrence and even though tonight the venue is only half full, there is an undeniable feeling amongst the fans that this may be the last time they will play here.
After two bands so derivative and bland that I can hardly bring myself to mention them (The Southern Cradle, All or Nothing) Gallows, almost literally, explode onto the stage. Blasting straight into the ripping hardcore punk sounds of ‘Just because you sleep next to me doesn’t mean you’re safe’, the venue kicks into totally anarchy. Gallows play with a vigor and downright fuck you attitude echoing the Washington DC scene of the early 80’s and their raw, fast paced aggression transforms the floor into a seething pit of flying bodies and flailing limbs. However, it is not all in good fun and a few songs in, the first sign of trouble starts to rear its ugly head. A couple, who obviously take great offence to being treated like rag dolls (your own fault for starting next to the pit, dumbasses) start throwing fists and lashing out at anyone within their reach. After being promptly dealt with by security, the band, pretty unfazed plow on and I got the distinct impression the spectacle of people being literally hurled out of their shows was not a new sight for them.
Minus the inclusion of one new song, the set is compromised entirely of tracks from their 2006 debut ’Orchestra of Wolves’ and the crowd sing along to all the songs with such conviction, you could be forgiven for thinking the album was 10 years old. The whole band put 110% into their performance, lashing their instruments around the stage and superbly managing to remain sounding tight and edgy whilst never once looking like they aren’t totally enjoying the moment. Frank Carter bounds and struts around the floor with endless energy, heavily involving himself in the mayhem that ensues each song and occasionally standing back and watching the crowd with a cocky sense of satisfaction plastered on his face.
As Frank offers the microphone into the audience to help draw the albums title track to its conclusion, I was content in the knowledge that I had managed to experience one of the up-and-coming stars of British hardcore punk in their prime. Gallows totally owned the place tonight and if there is any justice, they will be destroying much larger venues very soon.
The 411: One of the best shows I could have hoped to see with the only negative moment being a couple of wankers trying their best to ruin the night and fortunately having no success. Gallows lived up to every one of my expectations and put on a killer performance with the entire band firing on all cylinders. Frank Carter is an imposing and charismatic frontman, having the audience eating out of his hand for the duration and doing well to whip the relatively small crowd into frenzy on a moments notice. Don’t miss the chance to see this band.
For UK fans, Gallows are touring throughout March and US peeps make sure to check them out on the Warped Tour, you can thank me later.
