The Ghost of a Thousand with Feed the Rhino, Shotgun Riot & Turbowolf; 14^th February 2010, Purple Turtle Camden

I haven’t been to Camden’s Purple Turtle for years, and never for a live show. There seems no better time that to revisit this old haunt on a drizzly Valentine’s Day to see Brighton’s own The Ghost of a Thousand headline. Produced by Pelle Gunnerfeldt, the genius behind The Hives sound, TGOAT’s 2009 album “New Hopes, New Demonstrations” is one of my favourite albums of last year with tracks which make you dance, cry or smack your best friend in the face.

But more on TGOAT later. Tonight starts late with Feed the Rhino, who look the part, sound the part and vocalist Lee and guitarist James play the part by spending most of the set in the audience trying to rile those around them up. I don’t dislike this band, and on a Friday night I would probably be all over their sound, but the aggressive show before me tonight just isn’t doing the trick. Needless to say I will look them up when I get home, because despite my low mood, I can’t deny they have talent.

Next up is Shotgun Riot. Think heavy classic rock that you can dance to, mixed with breakdowns and a competent screamer. The perfect mix some may say, but it doesn’t translate from page to stage with these guys. Occasionally their tracks come across as staggered and jilted because of the mix of melodies, and they often come off as clichéd in their guitar solos. Their set ends with the all too familiar singing over screaming, which honestly would’ve been better left alone.

Turbowolf is a 4 piece from Bristol and this band is my new favourite of 2010 so far. Their blend of short, sharp, under 2 minute punk songs is just what I love. The vocals are great and the vibe in the Purple Turtle lifts as these guys get into their set. This is a band everyone who likes punk should listen to and one I will certainly be looking out for.

When The Ghost of a Thousand take to the stage their ferocity of their performance in brings new meaning to “appearances can be deceiving”. Drummer Memby Jago is mesmirising to watch (the dude dances and drums) and within the first three songs vocalist Tom Lacey has entered the frenzied fray in front of him and is lifted aloft in celebration and appreciation of the band’s return to London town. Unfortunately I have to leave the show early, but from the heat, volume and excitement pulsating from the depths of the venue onto the street, I can tell this was a show to remember for those still inside.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 12:30 pm and is filed under Band Reviews, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.