Savages return to Glasgow in support of their hotly tipped sophomore record Adore Life and a long sold out audience at The Art School, a rather fitting venue for the London-based post-punks.
Since their explosive debut Silence Yourself, Savages have quickly become a force to be reckoned with, especially in the live circuit, and it is not at all difficult to see why from tonight.
Vocalist Jehnny Beth struts about the stage with concentration and consideration of a prizefighter, all dukes and squats coupled with a ferocious glare, while ripping through new tracks ‘Evil’ and ‘Sad Person’.
There is still a great deal of passion between both band and fans for earlier material, given the notable reception and energy emitting off tracks like ‘Shut Up’, ‘She Will’ and ‘Husbands’, however the audience equally digest the more subtle sound scales off the new record too.
Album opener ‘The Answer’ is every bit as heavy as it needs, ‘Surrender’ every bit as ferocious and lead single ‘Adore’ every bit as fragile and epic.
As a band Savages are difficult to take one’s eyes off.
At once compelling, they are equal parts tough and sexy and most of all a complete unit.
This unity is made most apparent when the quartet joins in a bow at the end of the performance, closing with fan favourite ‘Fuckers’.
When Beth does allow herself to crack a smile, it is clear that it is a genuine warmth to being able to perform to these equally passionate crowds, which is refreshing given so much of indie rock is based on self-aware coolness.
Words: Adam Turner-Heffer
Photos: Ann-Christin Heinrich
