Boston based Give Up The Ghost (signed to Burning Heart in these parts) came to Gothenburg with a handful of other local acts to show the Swedes what the fuss has been all about. In the earlier days of Give Up The Ghost whilst slugging out every gig they could muster up there was commotion over things like the bands’ name, members not hanging in and fans turning to critics. In hindsight, all this has done nothing but build the ambitions of the founding members Wes Eisold (singer) and Tim Cossar (guitarist) to produce spineshivering live shows, release a record just like “We’re Down Till We’re Underground” and tour the globe on its back. The band recorded the new album with a full team, comleted it, then headed on the road. Landing in Europe without a bassist.
The stage for the evening has been provided by Meeths Salonger, the two local acts and the Norwegian boys’ sets were done before stereoscent had arrived. Although, the merchandise and make-shift record store was still standing strong, always good for the vinyl collection. GUTG came on strict to their time slot and ripped straight into the awaiting vibe stuffing the room that’s been dedicated to a night of hardcore. Playing a member short they certainly didn’t look like they were missing him, the amount of intensity on the stage wouldn’t have left room for an extra body to be truthful. From the timid looking character wandering around the venue earlier, Wes had definitely changed into his rockin’ shoes by this time.
|
Chugging through songs without a breather to let the audience recover from their own antics off stage the band kept up a constant flowing set that would suit a “hardcore” fan down to the ground. The audience showing their appreciation by throwing themselves on the stage and Wes and each other, screaming the lyrics where applicable and raising their fists showing off the cross scribed on the back side with fat, black texter. GUTG’s twist on hardcore is pleasing and rewarding live. They have brought attention to themselves through their style and if the gigs remain of this calibre the boys won’t have much trouble keeping the fans streaming into the venues wherever it is they are playing. After Europe that would have been Australia and then Japan.
A touch of metal’d hardcore along with some incoherent screams over some bone shattering riffs never goes astray when its a wednesday evening. Give Up The Ghost came, played and provided the anticipating punters with everything they no GUTG to be. Whether if its in 2 weeks, 6 months, or a year it would be worth another trip into town to see what the band can pull of the next time they’re in town. They have definitely cleared up the curiosity boat for the stereoscent crew.
/Kaine
|
|
