![\"Wednesday](\"https:\/\/78.media.tumblr.com\/303dc28dd991591d5515b4d7a64694fb\/tumblr_nxklmlfRlK1r8no6so1_540.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
\nTrick or treat? With a trick in the form of the endlessly entertaining Evil Scarecrow<\/b> and a treat in the shape of the gothic icon Wednesday 13<\/b> performing their debut \u2018Transylvania 90210\u2019<\/i> in its entirety, Halloween at the sold-out Garage will never be the same again.<\/p>\n
Evil Scarecrow<\/b> never fail to deliver, that much is certain. Appropriately dressed for the occasion, their \u201cspooky set\u201d<\/i> is heralded by an immediate sense of community among the crowd. The band\u2019s indomitable connection with their fans is evident from the onset; it\u2019s not long before drummer Ringmaster Monty Blitzfist weaves his way through the crowd to scale the venue walls and drum away before declaring himself knackered. Those that have experienced their vivacious set before quietly educate their peers in the ways of \u2018Robototron\u2019<\/i>, \u2018Hell Dog\u2019<\/i> and the effortlessly contagious \u2018Crabulon\u2019<\/i> – a packed venue scuttling left and right in perfect synchronicity with their clawed hands in the air is a sight to behold, and it\u2019s testament to this band\u2019s criminally underrated reputation. Initiating a conga throughout the venue, bassist Kraven becomes an instant hit, before an energetic rendition of \u2018War and Seek\u2019<\/i> is graced by the hurling of party poppers into the crowd and a giant version held on stage, which appropriately fails to work on command. Witnessing Evil Scarecrow<\/b> live is a jaw-dropping musical education worth its weight in crustaceans. (5\/5)<\/p>\n
Wednesday 13<\/b> emerges through a thick fog to grace the stage to rapturous applause \u2013 this crowd has waited a decade to hear \u2018Transylvania 90210\u2019<\/i> front to back, and the tension in the Garage is certainly palpable. Opening with the shout-along title track, the atmosphere instantly bursts into flame, proving as gargantuan as on track. Belting set regular \u2018House by the Cemetery\u2019<\/i> with enthusiasm alongside never before performed \u2018Elect Death for President\u2019<\/i>, frontman and mastermind of the band\u2019s timeless debut Wednesday 13 commands the stage as masterfully as ever. Given \u2018Transylania 90210\u2019<\/i> was performed mostly by Wednesday himself, this showcase of the band\u2019s current lineup\u2019s talents in handling his works of art is a tentative experiment, but one that pays off phenomenally as a result. <\/p>\n
\u2018Buried By Christmas\u2019<\/i> chants fill the room as the crowd loudly appreciates hearing the not-so-festive tune for the first time, swiftly followed by the sassy \u2018Look What the Bats Dragged In\u2019<\/i> projected with the might of guitarist Roman Surman at the forefront. To think this album was worked mostly by the frontman himself is a feat in itself, but a huge credit goes to his present band for their ability to perform all his songs with the same efficiency and atmosphere as on record. Note perfect, \u2018American Werewolves in London\u2019<\/i> incites energetic chants to round off the album\u2019s play through, before they play out to a selection of highlights including fan favourite \u2018I Walked with a Zombie\u2019<\/i> and a phenomenal encore of \u2018Home Sweet Homicide\u2019<\/i>. A sold out venue pours out on the streets of Highbury, energised by the nostalgia and catharsis of finally hearing favourite tracks performed as defiantly as expected. (5\/5)<\/p>\n
Of all the days to witness such a gruesomely gothic and pleasantly petrifying pair, the present congregation will struggle to top this captivating lineup for celebrating All Hallow\u2019s Eve in dark style. (5\/5)<\/p>\n