Saint Agnes released ‘Bloodsuckers’ last summer to rave reviews so, fittingly, the tour of the same name has been eagerly awaited since. The incredible turnout at London’s The Garage last Thursday was no surprise and the place felt electric from the get-go.
BEX
Opening with ‘Filfy’ BEX exploded onto stage in true powerhouse style and by the time ‘SPYD4 K1NG’ played everyone realised they were watching an artist who not only offered a unique perspective but knew how to put on a show. Full of deep eye rolls and incredible swagger BEX kept the energy high as the numbers started to build. Finishing out with a bubble blower in hand while singing the lyrics ‘Rain rain go away come again another day’. It’s safe to say the rest of the country is in for a treat with BEX supporting all remaining UK dates on this tour.
Crashface
Other London locals, Crashface were up next. Frontman Charlie took to the stage wearing a ‘Help! I wanna be sedated’ top yet his performance suggested he was anything but as he prowled around with a manic sort of confidence. The new track ‘Chainsaw’ was an instant hit and saw the first pit of the night open up. Charlie got in on the action during ‘Molotov Smile’, climbing down to the barrier, and encouraging the crowd to sing the lyrics ‘I would die for you’. They did exactly that, shouting back in enthusiastic response.
Saint Agnes
Gothic darkness fell over the venue as eerie intro music for Saint Agnes began. The band took to stage in all black outfits playing the title track of ‘Bloodsuckers’ under a dark lighting setup. Hair flicking, head banging and stomping her way through the first songs was Kitty A. Austen. She asked the crowd if there were any vampires in the room and launched into ‘Vampire’. The guitar and synth-heavy track is not about the blood-sucking creatures, its name derives from, instead, it focuses on the negative impact social media has on human behaviour. Things then became tender as Kitty talked about the loss of her beloved mother prior to the last tour that brought her, Jon (guitar) and Andy (drums) to The Garage. A spotlight lit her up as she came into the crowd to sing ‘This is Not the End’. The connection to those huddled around her was tangible. All seemed to realise they were experiencing a rare vulnerable moment and chose to be present instead of raising their phones to capture it.
Back on stage and in energetic form again Kitty encouraged the crowd to raise their middle fingers in the air for ‘Middle Finger’. Very few missed this opportunity to let go of pent-up frustration. To finish the night off Charlie from Crashface leaped onto stage to sing ‘Repent’ with the band. If this wasn’t entertainment enough, Kitty, having faced off with Charlie and Jon, jumped into her adoring masses as they passed her from arm to arm.
The live performance Saint Agnes gave only adds to the already high rating of “Blooduckers’. Delivering a night jam-packed with seriously impressive musical talent from not only themselves but the chosen support acts too it's clear that they are here to make a mark on the scene.
Catch the rest of Saint Agnes’ The Bloodsuckers Tour.
Jan 31: Milton Keynes - The Craufurd Arms, UK*
Feb 01: Southampton - 1865, UK*
Feb 02: Guildford - Boileroom, UK*
Feb 03: Brighton - Patterns, UK*
Feb 06: Paris - Les Etoiles, FR
Feb 07: Harrlem - Patronatt 3, NL
Feb 08: Arnhem - Luxor Live, NL
Feb 11: Hamburg - Hafenklang, DE
Feb 12: Berlin - Cassiopeai, DE
Feb 15: Cologne - Blue Shell, DE
Feb 17: Zurich - Week 21, CH
Feb 18: Vienna - Chelsea, AU
Feb 19: Munich - Orangehaus, DE
* with support from BEX