Photo: Press
The Wytches arrive at Brixon's Jamm tonight towards the end of a day that has seen Britain ravaged by a storm called Doris (for some reason). And although South London got of pretty lightly, one corner finds itself facing a sonic assault more fierce as anything the weather can muster when the Brighton-based four piece take to the stage.
The Wytches are almost the definition of a cultist's band. From goth-tinged debut album Annabel Dream Rider to last year's broader follow-up All Your Happy Life, the band have forged a path that is entirely their own while not being afraid to signpost their many influences - a tricky act to pull off. From The Birthday Party to The Fall and even The Doors, it's a shifting sound that enthrals as well as entertains.
Within seconds of taking the stage tonight it's obvious how much people have taken the band and their music to their hearts. 'Ghost House' is one for the large contingent of metallers in room and sets the tone for a raucous and riotous set.
Early single 'Gravedweller' is a glorious cacophony that threatens to finish what Doris started and take the venue's roof clean off. Its gonzo-garage riffs are reminiscent of largely forgotten heroes 80s Matchbox B-Line Disaster but with a more focused energy. And this is the things about The Wytches, among all the noise and chaos they are extremely focused on the task in hand and perform it beautifully.
While so many bands from similar genres have either imploded due to a number of internal and external influences or simply been superseded by superior peers, The Wytches are undoubtedly here to stay. And they're not here to play the game, they're here to win and win well. As tight as any live rock band you'll see today and twice as dangerous, it's heartening to see young bands (and by god do they look young to this wizened reviewer) earning their place at the table and doing so in style.
'Robe For Juda' provides a late-set change of pace, but no loss of energy, before a strict curfew brings the night to an end you suspect neither the band nor the crowd are ready for. But as short at the set might be, it showcases a band frighteningly on top of their game as they set off for another two-month stint on the road. Look out UK, The Wytches are brewing up a storm.
