On Saturday 20th October punk band Gallows took to the Underworld in Camden to round off an impressive UK tour, led by new frontman Wade MacNeil (Alexisonfire).
The Watford originated group released their new self-titled album this September, after former frontman Frank Carter left the band in July 2011 to form the new Pure Love. Avoiding the shadows and despair of a lost member, Gallows set out to prove they are still standing and have more to offer. Reigning in the hard-core prowess of Wade MacNeil, Gallows kept fans begging for more.
Having listened to the new album I was intrigued as to how the live performance would compare to my previous Gallows experience at Sonisphere last year. Complete with Frank Carter and losing my shoe in a circle pit, the competition was held high. The Gallows’ Sonisphere performance wasn’t one I’ll be forgetting anytime soon.
Gallows the album is powerful and hits hard, leaving Frank Carter far behind as the new arrangement breaks through. While most listeners focus on the new vocalist, the sound of the Gallows is still strong, reminiscent of their prior hits.
On the night the support acts also threatened to give the Gallows a run for their money. Second on the bill was the Marmozets, who offer something a little different with front-woman Becca Macintyre. An exciting band with solid stage presence and screams to shame even the biggest and scariest frontmen. They gave an outstanding performance, with guitarists in the pits and flawless vocals, leaving me wondering if the support had stolen the show…
…Enter Gallows. I was blown away by a performance packed full of energy and spitting fury. There was more stage diving, mic stealing and crowd surfing then seemed possible to cram into such a small venue, but the Gallows’ fans managed it. Wade rose to the occasion with crowds screaming his name, and not a mention of Frank to be heard.
Gallows worked their way through an impressive set-list with some of their new songs standing strong, and old favourites to keep the die-hard fans happy. In The Belly Of A Shark shone through, fast and furious as ever but with Carter’s distinctive vocals replaced by the new sounds of Wade.
As impressed as I was with the new Gallows performance, I couldn’t help but feel that this wasn’t the Gallows; just some familiar songs and nostalgic sounds from a new band. Wade has some big shoes to fill and it’s unclear whether he’s yet to make it his own.
Is there a future for Gallows 2.0 or is there something different on the horizon?