Barfly, Camden
I always love a trip up to London and this one was no exception – I had been looking forward to it for some time, as my first ever album review for Rock Regeneration was Feral Sun’s “Evacuate”. I love the album and couldn’t wait to see them live, especially as this gig was the album launch party. It was also a three band extravaganza, with The Summer War and Metasoma supporting and I hadn’t seen either of those bands before, so it was going to be a night of firsts!
Despite transport problems, I arrived in sunny Camden in good time and had a chat with the guys in Feral Sun before the music got going. By the time Sheffield-based three piece The Summer War took the stage, there weren’t many people about and whilst TSW did their best with a good length set, the reaction from the sparse crowd was a little lukewarm. Their new single “You Will Find Us In The Dark” is currently out and it’s a pleasing Pop-Punk track, it’s just a shame that they went on stage before the venue really filled up.
After a short lull, during which the bar filled up considerably, London’s heavy rockers Metasoma were up. This band are the purveyors of some bruising riffs and screaming vocals and whilst I don’t like pigeonholing bands, they reminded me of Disturbed in the early years. Their set started with “I Hide”, from the “Dead Happy” EP, which was swiftly followed up by more punishing tracks including “Rasta Peace” and “Sane Psychopath Addict”. Final track was the blistering “Dead Happy” and the crowd were lapping it up – the band looked well pleased with the reaction as they left the stage.
Metasoma
Finally, the four-piece, London-based Feral Sun took to the stage to a good reception from the crowd. Their set began with a recorded voice giving us the definition of the word feral”, before they launched straight into the brutal “Find A Way”; the first track from “Evacuate”. To start with, the crowd reaction was a little bit muted, although appreciative. However, the band gave it everything they had; smashing their way through most of the album including the most excellent “People Are Dying” and “Take This Away”, only leaving out one or two tracks.
Just over halfway through the set they also got a friend up on stage to give her a shout out for her birthday, which added to the general party atmosphere of the night. There were a few people getting really into it at the front and plenty of heads nodding around the room. It was apparent that the band had been looking forward to this gig and they looked relaxed, happy and at home on the stage. By the end of their set, the whole room was chanting for more and it became clear that I wasn’t the only one that could have watched them all night. Mick’s vocals were spot on and I was impressed with how cohesive all four are as a band.
I would see all three bands again, but Feral Sun’s performance was awesome and it was the perfect way to launch the album. There are further dates forthcoming which can be found on the Facebook page or on their website – I can’t recommend this band highly enough, catch them if you can!
Set list
Feral Sun
Find A Way
Alone
Evacuate
One More Day
People Are Dying
Into Pieces
Long Road
Breathe
Take This Away
Break Out
Links
http://www.feralsun.com
https://www.facebook.com/Metasoma.Metal
https://www.facebook.com/thesummerwar
Feral Sun live pictures ©Heath Bateman 2014.
Words By Vikkie Richmond.
