With the house lights dimmed, Tim Hancock steps on stage and begins looping guitar parts over an already present drone. “Come closer, let’s get cosy. That’s it” he appeals to the crowd. Joined by the rest of Brontide, William Bowerman on drums and Nathan Fairweather on bass, they tear through new material from their forthcoming album, barely pausing for breath between tracks. After Limehouse Ink and Matador from album Sans Souci come to an end, completely mesmerised, I realise thirty minutes have passed before they actually make a brief stop. Even during his thank you and quick chat there are ringing synths pretty much drowning Hancock out. This is the first time the audience gets to show their appreciation too.
The instrumental soundscape the three-piece creates is ridiculous. Booming drums, heavy bass and fast paced guitar riffs come together beautifully. The band also has an abundance of synthesised sounds at their disposal either triggered by hand (Bowerman) or by foot (Hancock). At times the music is controlled and gentle and others utterly deafening, the sound engineer had it completely under control and deserves a mention.
Arioso starts and its back to full pace again as they rattle through the last few songs of the set. A fairly short set and no encore, but absolutely brilliant all the same.
The new album is set for release later this year.
