OK. I'm really late with this review. I've had some time away from my blog, but I couldn't say goodbye to 2021 without giving this amazing band and gig a mention.
Salem is the side project of Creeper main-man Will Gould. Musically, this band brings back the upbeat Punk that was missing from the latest Creeper album (which, despite the lack of fast Punk, is undeniably awesome- click for review). Salem is more upbeat and playful than 'the mothership', benefiting from not being part of a concept, and having stand-alone fun Goth Punk songs where Will's imagination can run riot.
Salem has released two EPs so far, Salem last year, and Salem II earlier this year. I was a bit late to the party with these and only got into the band when II came out. Both records are brilliant, so when this tour was announced, I snapped up tickets. Incidentally, The Deaf Institute is an awesome venue. I'd been there before to see Twin Temple and Saint Agnes, and with its Goth AF décor I knew it would be the ideal place to see a band like Salem.
Unsurprisingly, the show was a sell-out. The band played all of the songs from their two EPs and a fantastic rendition of The Damned's New Rose. That's one of the cool things about seeing a new band. You get to hear all of the songs. When you see a artist with ten studio albums, you expect some favourites to be omitted, but that was obviously not the case tonight. Loads of people were singing along, and clearly knew each EP back-to-front.
Will Gould is an incredible front-man. As well as being a top-tier singer, he's captivating to watch, bringing a level of drama and theatre to his performance. He's also brilliant at engaging the crowd and controlling the energy. Watching such a master of their craft in a small, packed venue was a genuine pleasure to watch.
Clearly, this was the first 'post-Covid/Lockdown' gig for a number of audience members which added to the air of excitement and the euphoric atmosphere of the show.
To summarise, this was a fantastic, intimate, and truly special gig. Hopefully, there will be plenty more to come from Salem both on record and live. With two Salem EPs and a new Creeper EP (Click for review) in the last 18 months, Will has been a busy guy. Let's hope he continues to keep busy.
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