Tonight, Manchester gets a severe case of The Doom. Stygian Bough Volume II is an excellent record that should have had pride of place on last year’s end of year list, (but frustratingly, there always seems to be one that slips through the cracks), so the opportunity to see it played live tonight was too good to miss. Added bonus – 40 Watt Sun. An unlooked for treat that’s very welcome indeed.
40 Watt Sun
Expectations are high, but the crowd are made to wait, as it ends up starting a good 15 minutes later than advertised. All good things, etc. etc.
When the artist behind 40 Watt Sun – Patrick Walker – arrives on stage, he’s alone, with just an acoustic guitar and a drink, and bathed in blue light. The entire venue is silent as he performs Colours with his beautiful, plaintive singing voice. I’m pretty sure Rebellion has never been this still or quiet. Even a minor technical issue at the start of final cut Marazion can’t derail what is an exquisite set.
Considering it’s just one guy on stage, his presence and charisma is remarkable. The set is beautiful, heartfelt, and delicate. Performed with self-confidence and a aching intimacy, it’s emotional and affecting.
Between songs he’s softly spoken, and possesses a rare humour. Stories and jokes abound, whether it’s about the worst toilet he’s ever experienced, self-depreciating tales of his own work, or a new Warning album and a vasectomy, it’s priceless. The man is a natural comedian. Honestly, this is worth seeing 40 Watt Sun for alone, never mind the great music. Taken together, it’s a set that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Stygian Bough (Bell Witch & Aerial Ruin)
It’s time for the main event – Stygian Bough Volume II played in full.
The blue light is back, at least initially, but this time there’s three people on stage. They launch into Waves Become the Sky with no introduction, and it’s instantly captivating. The slow, doomy heaviness and the richly sorrowful melodies are undeniably impactful. The 7-string bass is almost tangibly crushing , and the drums hit like avalanches.
The crowd are understandably more animated than during 40 Watt Sun, despite the largely glacial nature of the music. Everyone seems as thoroughly committed to proceedings as the band are; they’re utterly absorbed in what they’re doing, much to the benefit of their overall performance. There’s a thick funereal atmosphere in the venue, cut with a celebratory feel. It’s somehow life-affirming, akin to worship of a sort, only without the ritualistic trappings.
All of the band members put 100% into their music, but the drummer in particular – wearing a Portal shirt, no less – is a highlight to watch, so magnetic is his playing and passion.
After thanking 40 Watt Sun and thanking the venue for having them, it’s time for the final colossal song – The Told and the Leadened – which ends their set powerfully.
With an immersive sound, a sterling performance, and an engrossed audience, Bell Witch & Aerial Ruin are doom metal brilliance tonight. A genuinely great show.
Wonderbox Metal 