Often described as “the scene that wouldn’t die”, it’s heartening to see that gothic rock continues to attract fresh blood with plenty of young faces amongst the more veteran supporters amongst the crowd tonight, and with young shavers like opening band NAUT peddling a powerful brand of goth, the future looks assured. They make their presence felt from the get go with boisterous basslines bouncing between the venue’s walls, guitars that cut the air like razor wire, glacial synths adding a texture along with a vocalist who moves with feline grace, and it all makes for an unforgettable experience. Opening a three band bill is always a difficult slot, especially with the stragglers filtering in, yet Naut do a grand job and mark themselves as ones to watch.

With the stage bathed in ice blue light, Cold In Berlin are another band who make a dramatic entrance with opening shot ‘Dream One’ being particularly pugnacious, and things get hectic from there. With a vocalist who seems to channel the soul of a departed spirit, singing with unearthly tones and moving spasmodically like a possessed soul at a séance, an arresting spectacle is soon created and a slightly sinister atmosphere settles over the stage. The band’s sound is equally haunting, aided by rhythm section giving the band plenty of oomph and a guitarist dealing in Sabbathy riffs, the band have a sound that has a definite crossover appeal and will attract hardier souls from the metal community. Future mayhem beckons.

We’ve been treated to two strong opening bands tonight with each bringing something new to the table, yet tonight’s headliners The March Violets take things to a whole new level. Opening shot ‘Crow Baby’ evidences a band bristling with confidence and that’s understandable; with new album Crocodile Promises out in the world (reviewed here) and garnering favourable attention the band play with a certain chutzpah which only comes from a band who know they’re onto a good thing. There’s also a sense of fun emanating from the stage (but not too much; this is a goth show, remember) which suggests a group of musicians who’re happy in their own company. And the band have found an easy equilibrium; guitarist Tom Ashton paints concentric circles, ripples in water that radiate throughout the venue whilst vocalist Rosie Garland throws dramatic shapes to accentuate the lyrics. New bass player Mat Thorpe has made this presence felt, bringing neat harmonies to the fore which contrast Rosie’s, and the result is a trio who sound far bigger than their constituent parts.

The warm and luxurious production that characterised Crocodile Promises has been brought to the live environment and that means older cuts (such as ‘Radiant Boys’) sit next to the new (‘Hammer The Last Nail’) quite effortlessly. It means that the set flows exceptionally well, a river of silk wending its way to its conclusion makes sure we reach closer ‘This Way Out’ sooner than we’d like, yet the band return for two well deserved encores, firstly ‘Fodder’ that finds Rosie indulging in a strange kind of gothic scat and then ‘Snake Dance’ to ensure that no one leaves disappointed. A masterclass in the dark (and not so) arts.

The March Violets Set List:

1. Crow Baby
2. Radiant Boys
3. Made Glorious
4. Hammer The Last Nail
5. Walk Into The Sun
6. Grooving In Green
7. 1 2 I Love You
8. Crocodile Teeth
9. Strangehead
10. Heading For The Fire
11. This Way Out

Encores:

12. Fodder
13. Snake Dance