We Are Harlot’s first UK headlining show brought dirty rock riffs and scarf-laden mic stands to the Islington O2 Academy, despite a dismal turnout and a crowd less interested in their work than the band members.September Mourning’s passionate opening heralds the arrival of a storm in the Academy, welcoming a dark atmospheric turn to the evening’s events. While they may appear to be the black sheep of the night’s lineup, the mysterious LA alternative rock quintet quickly prove somewhat popular with a fraction of the crowd, while the rest appear bemused. (2/5)
Toseland’s sassy brand of classic rock, however, returns the lineup to its intended topic. Forging a more biker bar ethos in the room, the Yorkshire five piece complement their headliners with attitude worthy of Sebastian Bach and the like, fronted by former superbike champion James Toseland. Firing up the crowd after a vexing opener, Islington echoes once again with the intoxicating electricity of rock’s golden age revival. (3/5)
As their 50th live show, We Are Harlot promised big things for London. While their setlist didn’t necessarily deliver anything new, and was hardly anything earth-shattering at 45 minutes in length, for a band whose debut hit shelves a mere three months ago, this headline show is something to behold. With as much fervour and dedication as evident on record, Jeff George’s riffs showcase Danny Worsnop’s gravelly tones beautifully in a live environment, proving a bright future ahead of the classic rockers.
Pulling out their now traditional cover of Queen’s ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ alongside fan favourite ’Denial’ and sassy number ’Dancing On Nails’, tonight’s setlist proved to be a carbon copy of their Download set days before down to the last note. However helpful to those that didn’t make it to the festival, this may have exposed a significant stumbling block in their act, namely their lack of material. All things considered, however, We Are Harlot’s success since their formation 4 years ago is remarkable, and there’s plenty more ground to cover, be it in the crowd-pleasing sleaze of ‘The One’ or the heart-wrenching ballads of ‘Someday’. (4/5)
3.5/5
We Are Harlot links: Official Website|Facebook|Twitter
Words by Ali Cooper (@AliZombie_)
