Live
< Nine Black Alps at Fuzz, Sheffield
words by Chris Ebbs
After releasing their second album to mediocre reviews, Nine Black Alps begin their tour at Sheffield's Fuzz club with an ear splitting trounce through their Nirvana drenched songs.The band kick off with debut album, ‘Everything Is’, opener ‘Get Your Guns’ and set out their stool for the night with pounding drums and guitars dripping with feedback.
They tear through ‘So in Love’ and ‘Not Everyone without’ a respite and by the time they launch into ‘Cosmopolitan’ the crowd surfing has slowly started to turn into a tsunami.
As always there is still little talking between songs but what has changed is just how much the band has progressed since releasing their debut album back in 2005. The music is tight and singer Sam Forrest’s voice is flawless throughout.
The American polish that is apparent on both albums has now been transferred to their live show and run through newest singles ‘Bitter End’ and ‘Burn Faster’ without pausing for breathe.
As things warm up, Sam graces us with a ‘thank you’ before launching into ‘Everytime I Turn’. And there’s no sign that the band aim to slow down as they rip through first album highlights ‘Satisfied’ and ‘Headlights’, as well as ‘Painless’ from their most recent offering.
On this viewing at least, Nine Black Alps do not receive the credit that they deserve as one of the best live bands in Britain and possibly the loudest.
Originally appeared in volume 1, issue 29 of Loud & Quiet magazine
