LIVE REVIEW: KING 810 @ Thekla, Bristol
Returning to the first venue they ever played when they took their initial steps outside the states, KING 810 bring along a varied supporting cast and a bloody mind to try their damnedest to sink the Thekla. The near sold out crowd boasts almost nothing but KING 810 merchandise and the feeling of being at a genuine event was tangible. Given their home, it’s a good thing the band are still around and their reputation for having issues when travelling abroad is hardly a clean one, so it’s fair to suggest that whenever the chance to see a band like KING 810 arises, you should probably take the opportunity with both hands.
Their beautiful and haunting sound holds COURTESANS in high esteem, but unfortunately this crowd is cautious for what they offer. Their set is slow to start, but their presence on stage is commanding, something that bares them great favour as their show progresses. Being on stage before a band like KING 810, it isn’t surprising that it’s when some real angst and gusto is delivered from front woman Sinead Bales that the crowd begin to react and fully get on the lass’s side. It’s easy to see how any other audience and this would’ve been a different story, but there is a real sense of waiting for them to finish, and the band really don’t plunge their melodic hooks in immediately. Their unique ambient sound pulses with rhythm and attitude though, and this does remain constant throughout their set, making it the best thing about their performance.
Rating: 6/10
It’s all hands on deck for when the boys from Flint come out to play though. The opening voice over that bleeds into the petrifying Heavy Lies The Crown opener makes for one of the most intimidating beginnings for a gig you’ll ever see. The crushing bass takes no prisoners and David Gunn owns the stage, demanding your attention. Moving swiftly onto Alpha & Omega, it’s clear just how much primal energy surges through the three members on stage like a leaking faucet. The crowd responds in kinds, with the front rows refusing to remain still whilst KING 810 don’t let off the gas, crashing through War Outside and Murder, Murder, Murder with little regard for anyone’s safety.
The KING 810 Bristol are treated with are in ruthless form, and the pace doesn’t relent until the haunting Write About Us gives a short respite, which only lasts for a brief moment as the crushing grooves of Give My People Back returns the room to it’s chaotic state. The dominating stage presence combined with the real life influences that fills each of the violent tracks culminates in a live show that is fuelled by tangible anger and pain. David Gunn manages to spew forth the same emotions he captures so brilliantly on record. Almost as quickly as they start, the band are gone again, which is the most disappointing part about the night. KING 810 are definitely not suited for a larger stage, but when face to face with a baying crowd like this, they’re akin to a nail bomb.
Rating: 9/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Bristol from Normandy Photography here:
