My
attendance at the Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, seems to be a recurring theme
of late, this being my third gig here in the last few months. Indeed I am getting the feeling I am cursed
at this venue, (problems with gaining entry, again). Either that or my mug shot has been
issued, based upon my crimes against music during my formative years. Shit music taste Aaron, sorry mate you’re not
getting in!!
Anyway,
problems with entry aside, True Widow presented me with a different proposition, perhaps not strictly ‘metal’, yet True Widow
reached their creative zenith with their latest record 2013’s ‘Circumambulation’,
and I thought it was brilliant. With this tour, their second foray across the
pond within the last 12 months, I am certain this band could become huge over
the next few years, therefore for that reason I wasn’t gonna pass up the
opportunity to see this 3 piece in such a intimate setting.
Kicking
things off tonight were ‘Cattle’. Ingredients,
two drummers, one bassist, one vocalist.
Based on this line up, it was evident from the start that they would
present unorthodox music, however there was much to admire about them. Essentially the listener is drowned in sound;
distorted vocals seemingly played through effects to gives an ethereal quality,
with a rolling bass driving the whole thing, like some whirring machine
accompanied by primitive, yet blasting drums.
At times ‘Cattle’ had a drum n’ bass flavour, but at the crux of their
noise, is something inherently quirky, with the bass switching from clean to
distorted tones within the context of the songs mood and texture.
Indeed
when the distortion kicks in ‘Cattle’ evoke a flavour of early Big Business,
but what is most appealing is the fact that this band feels totally unique,
inimitable if you will. There is
influence from The Jesus Lizard, with vitriolic vocals, reminiscent of David
Yow and a bass style ala ‘Weight’ era Rollins Band. With the multi-layered tribalism of the
drums, bottom end that’s enough to cause fission, it may only have been a short
set, but ‘Cattle’ were an ultimately rewarding live act and a band to keep a close
eye on.
Yielding
former members of instrumental monsters Capricorns within their ranks, Broken DC
Onto
True Widow then. I fail to remember what
the antecedent was that would draw me to this band, but I had all but forgotten
about them, following the release of their second full length, their simply
monikered ‘As High As the Highest Heavens and From the Center to the
Circumference of the Earth’. Not very dedicated might you say?
Anyway, in 2013, True Widow emerged on a new label and a stunning new
record, ‘Circumambulation’ which only served to reinforce, why I so loved this
band in the first place.
What is striking from the
outset is the sumptuous tone of sound, True Widow produce beautiful music.
Ethereal, droning, slow brooding cascades of decadent tones, rich and
wondrous. Why are we covering this, you
might say? Because True Widow are loud
in the most epic way possible, which is all the more remarkable given the small
back lines of amps. To you, the reader,
it may sound contrived to say, but True Widow’s music is dreamy and otherworldly,
just music in its purest form. The bass
booms and the clean tone of the guitar are moody and almost morose. Perfect
music for a bleak Monday.
Despite the shoegaze vibe, this
is still some of the heaviest shit, you’re gonna hear. It is that bass, man!! Fat with a low end that is as thick as
tungsten and producing a behemoth tone Conan or even Slomatics would be proud
of. The erstwhile drummer holds
everything together immaculately, slow but impacting and full of swagger. Nicole
Estill’s vocals are angelic, wistful and a tone that showers you with
euphoria. As a unit, True Widow’s music
takes you off to some distant psychedelic utopia and is perhaps one of the most brilliant aural
experiences I have heard. Nothing moves
faster than a heard of grazing cattle, yet that does not matter one bit,
because this is music made to slow you down, to engage in and is complete escapism. There are riffs that punch you in the stomach
and this is perfectly juxtaposed against Nicole’s serene voice, acting like the
perfect anaesthetic. When it gets heavy,
this is earth shaking stuff and yet at times it feels like the soundtrack to a
David Lynch movie. Think Twin Peaks or Lost Highway. Transcendent, totally dark and at the same
time truly captivating.
True Widow, produced a
measured and graceful performance.
Tonight was all about leaving your woes and troubles at the door and
being totally blown away by one of the most sublime and brilliant bands out
there. True Widow delivered on every
level tonight and left me feeling rejuvenated and kinda euphoric. A truly amazing performance.
Words by : Aaron Pickford
