Celebrating the release of their recent record Vulture Culture, Irish grunge outfit Fangclub rocked Camden Assembly.
2019 has been a huge year for Fangclub – not only did they release their sophomore record in July and spent their summer playing the festival circuit, Fangclub have also just recently supported Metallica at their Slane Castle show. So to continue a massive trip around the round, the band played a run of headline shows in the UK including one at London’s Camden Assembly.
The packed-out room is buzzing for the trio to take the stage, and when they do the madness ensues. Fangclub manage to create an atmosphere that is not just electric but almost delirious with ripping riffs, intense vocals and a sound that seeks its equals these days. We’d happily argue that Kurt Cobain would have thoroughly enjoyed Fangclub.
Playing tracks off their new record such as Hesitations and Kingdumb, as well as fan favourites off their self-titled debut record from 2017 like Dreamcatcher and Better to Forget, it’s easy to see why their fans adore them like they do. What Fangclub that not a lot of artists have anymore is authenticity. Nothing feels over-rehearsed, acted or put on. The stage presence comes natural, the headbanging hits the right moments and the banter is on point.
“Our new album has had over five million streams on Spotify. The cheque is in the post!” Vocalist Steven King jokes, hinting at the minimal profit artists make via streaming platforms compared to physical sales. “We may not get it because of Brexit though.” he continues much to the amusement amongst the crowd and a handful of good-natured boo’s.
It’s madness to think that two decades ago this band would have been likely chart-toppers when alternative music was more mainstream. But here’s the thing about that, with alternative music having taken more of a backseat in regards to mainstream popularity, it has produced some rather insanely good bands over the last ten years. And as much as stadium shows are fun, nothing ever beats a grassroots venue with some good old fashioned punk and grunge.
High Fives & Stage Dives 