Photo: Veronika Moore
Despite the fact that the sun is still setting, darkness permeates Camden’s Underworld. The turnout for tonight’s gig with Alec Empire are an interesting lot. Looking to promote his new EP “Shivers” with ice-queen on the machines Nic Endo in tow, tonight promises to be a mix of the new and old to keep the hardcore sated. Impatient roars sound before Endo handles the technology and the bass lines begin, pounding full slaps to the consciousness. The man himself surfaces and the crowd flows like the tide undulating forward to touch their idol. Empire beckons the throng closer and snarls: “Make some motherfucking noise!”
Noise is definitely made tonight. Kicking into ‘The Ride’, Empire commands the stage, strutting about and strapping on a guitar to strum into disarray. ‘New Man’ – apt title for a song that could've been a hit by electronica-fiend Gary Numan – sees fans scaling the pillars only to dive into the mass that spits them back out. With such vicious noises tearing through the tiny venue, you’d be mistaken for thinking that Empire’s message is similar, but he takes destruction and creates construction. His tracks have the room throbbing with intense BPM with not much time for respite – Empire presents boundless energy reflected straight back from the crowd.
Atari synths pierce like the neon barbs of Empire's logo, his lyrics growled over staccato beats with exacting precision. “My heart feels like she set it on fire,” drawls Empire in his Lou Reed style – succeeding in setting all hearts alight tonight. The next song is dedicated to the government – fitting for a May Day performance. ‘Night of Violence’ demonstrates erratic guitar coupled with a beat spiking straight off the ECG – surprisingly the atmosphere feels anything but violent. The crowd are united – a coalition.
New single ‘Control Drug’ is promising and smacks of former digital hardcorists The Shizit. Empire continues, strutting and posing through big hit of the night ‘Addicted to You’. He holds the guitar to the fans who reach for the fret with such blind adoration like moths vying for a flame.
Recent collaborator Patrick Wolf emerges in leather, proclaiming “This man saved our lives!” and segueing straight into latest single, ‘Vulture’. General response is mixed but the applause when the final sample fades is undoubtedly positive. Empire is quick to praise: “From here to Berlin, it’s whining indie shit, but with Patrick Wolf, the UK has a future.”
An anecdote about the May Day fiasco ten years ago with ATR is relayed, followed by an electrified ‘Destroy 2000 Years of Culture’ that has the balconies trembling. Curt thanks are given and the trio exit but the audience are still ravenous and clap and stomp until all return, with a dedication to the late Carl Crack. Wolf is clad in a torn ATR shirt – testament to his allegiance.
Empire crowd-surfs with arms spread out like a messiah, while protégé Wolf howls back at him in tribute and respect. “We will never give up the fight!” The final words echo throughout the venue as the stage empties for good, and a fan is overheard as the lights flicker on, voicing everyone’s thoughts: “I think that’s the best one I’ve been to.”
The gig in photos:
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