At first, the big hall of the ABC is quiet but joyful filled with people wearing T-shirt emblematic of the colourful night they are set to have thanks to a couple of luminous bands.
The lights turn off to give some sign of life from Telegram, who appear long, dark hair, stretch trousers and the appearance of a new Lou Reed.
The resurrection of the a new past music wave, they’re usually described them as being glam and punk, a statement that is even more emphasised with their performance.
This is a pretty big support slot and they shoot off to a compelling beginning, their dynamism is transcending and their drummer is top notch.
Moving from psychedelic musical movements to krautrock, their sequence is intelligent and well done as they gesticulate all over the stage, using the space as if it is their own and private one.
Admittedly, their presence is high-powered, but tonight the ambiance is indie-punk and the eyeliner is back as well as the head banging and unfortunately, the ABC is still waiting for the people to turn up.
At points Matt Saunders voice is surpassed by the heavy sound of both the guitar and bass making the gig less enjoyable and to some extent, receptive, however ‘Follow’ sees them let lose, jumping, foot tapping, hair swinging, sweating and panting before they disappear under the red lights to pave the way for The Horrors.
After a good long wait, Faris Badwan appears under the blue lights, punching the air, they start with the opener from their fourth opus, Luminous, ‘Chasing Shadows’, which acts as a really good appetiser.
From a delicate start to a dazzling end, their entrance is gripping, there is also a real work on lights and movements, which make the gig even more interesting in every sense.
After a big flash light, they string together with ‘In and Out’ he pyramid synths send us into a sea of colourful waves, The Horrors’ use of electronic textures making the audience effervescent as their volume of musical effects creates a fog sound.
Their enriching performance sees tracks from throughout their back catalogue, on ‘Sea Within The Sea’ the crowd begin to throw themselves around, while on ‘Sleepwalk’ a multicolour laser gives a complete psychedelic ambiance as Badwan and co to enjoy the daydream.
The Horrors are not showmen but the atmosphere they create is more intense than that, and as they end their set with the rousing ‘Moving Further Away’ their confidence on stage is clear and they convey this feeling to the loving audience.
Words: Juliette Carnejac
Photos: Aroad Horvath
