This. Is. What. You. Get. When. You. Mess. With. Love.
Following on from the announcement of new track 'T.I.W.Y.G.' from their highly anticipated second album, 'Adore Life', Savages are tonight bringing their must see brutal and passionate live show to the intimate Tufnell Park Dome before they take on Camden’s gigantic Roundhouse next year. Tonight’s gig is the first London show for two years and their last show of the year. Missing this gig was just not an option for us.
The atmosphere feels almost harrowing as the crowd is at a breath-holding standstill as they wait for all female London quartet to take to the stage.
When they do emerge they are motionless in total darkness until singer, barely a silhouette, Jehnny Beth speaks the words ‘I need something new, I need something new… in my ears’ the first of new songs showcased tonight from ‘Adore Life’ that comes out kicking and screaming and shows a slight turn in direction from the tight riffs that hark back to the post-punk 80’s style of debut album ‘Silence Yourself’. The band are taking a brutal approach to delivering their music and new single ‘The Answer’ showcases this as bassist Ayşe delivers a bass line that hurts but alongside the tender lyrics ‘if you don’t love me don’t love anybody’
Beth moves around the stage in a beautiful yet seething manner and you cant help being totally captivated by her. Here is a woman full of hope and hopelessness who understands, she’s holding your hand, she’s looking into your eyes and saying I know, I fucking know.
They muscle through songs from ‘Silence Yourself’ as if declaring war and ‘Husbands’ is a highlight as Beth walks on the crowd. Then title track ‘Adore’ from the new album gives us a chance to catch our breath.
After an hour of loud sweat soaked music Beth announces the final track “Don’t Let The Fucker’s Get You Down’
Abrasive and bone rattling from start to finish Savages have a live chemistry that is incomparable. Each band member is a cornerstone to the music and the presence.
In a London full of man buns and glittery beards, Savages have returned just when we need them.
