12

Come out fighting

Having been impressed by their debut album (This is Where the Fight Begins) it was always going to be interesting to see if Brighton's Ghost of a Thousand could match it with their live performance. I needn't have worried.

From the opening chords of 'Black Art Number 1' they are so full of energy that it's difficult to know who to watch! If anything the clarity of sound tonight makes many of the songs come across as well as (if not better than) the respective album versions. The dynamics really come through and the fact that they manage to do this at the same time as giving it 100% is an illustration of just how good a band they are.

Vocalist Tom is all over the place, interacting with the crowd as much as his fellow band members throughout. He delivers solid vocals and a compelling live performance that is matched by the rest of the band. Brothers Memby and Jag (on drums and guitar respectively) are outstanding, playing off each other to great effect but it's Memby that really impresses. This is one guy that really knows how to beat his kit up whilst managing to keep it extremely tight. There are no weak links however with bassist Gez and guitarist Andy playing like their lives depended on it. It's excellent to watch and there can't be anyone here that isn't impressed.

Most (if not all?) of the album gets an airing, which is not surprising given that it's only 27 minutes long! Decent hardcore bands are ten a penny, great hardcore bands are far and few between but on this showing Ghost of a Thousand are hardcore legends in the making. Gallows who?