Bambara, Gorilla. 21st April 2022

I’ve been itching to see Bambara again for what seems like an eternity. International touring took a bigger hit during lockdown and I’ve still not seen that many US bands return to these shores, so it’s great to have this lot back. It’s my second night on the bounce in Gorilla and although there is a little bit more room (not a lot) it’s a whole lot darker. Bambara deal in deep vocals, desert drenched guitars and the sort of drumming that threatens foundations. Judging by the amount of people here willing to sacrifice their eardrums, it seems that word on this lot is out. Which is brilliant, bands like this should get the recognition, these songs are beautifully brutal and need to be heard live. ‘Miracle’ is one helluva way to kick things off too. Reid looking the perfect amalgamation of a Lynch hero and villain. The song building until he and the rest of the band can detonate in utter fury. It’s incredible. As the organ licks the intro of ‘Heat Lighting’ the expanse of this sound opens up, just before drummer Blaze does what he does best, batter the ever living hell out of his kit with a shit eating grin spread across his face. They’re undoubtably more polished, but they’ve managed to do it without losing the rawness. They still sound dangerous. There are a lot of bands around with a similar sort of sound. There’s no one sounding like Bambara right now though. Basslines that groove effortlessly, guitars shedding over the top and those vocals. Reid has a fantastic voice full of vitriolic power and his brother Blaze, well he’s undoubtably one of the best live drummers around. He’s an absolute monster, a wry grin and puff of the cheeks before unleashing the sort of frenzied beats that would terrify a coked up Duracell bunny. They’re brilliant to watch and before long everyone’s covered in sweat. Reid stalks the stage like a cross between Nick Cave and Brandon Lee, he’s magnetic. It all sounds amazing, ‘Feelin’ Like a Funeral’ and ‘An Ill Son’ especially, but when ‘Serafina’ kicks off, fucking hell I’m in heaven. A lot of the bands I review are great. I try not to indulge shit, but seriously Bambara are better than great. They’re genuinely one of the most exciting live bands out there. For the good of your soul get yourself in a room with these lads as soon as possible. It’s the sort of experience that will live with you. Ears ringing. Tremendous.