Sweat clings to the walls like white pan-stick on fresh skin; the smell of cheap patchouli and black rose rises like smoke. A gothic renaissance is summoned before our kohl-lined eyes; we bear witness to a wink of real history.
Guitarist Ben Christo is a reincarnation of Andrew Eldritch; he’s all dark shades and white arms in a spin of formidable cool. Backing guitar Kai whips their hair back and forth as if trying to literally turn the venue’s energetic tide, wind-first, and Chris Catalyst plays nurse to the Sisters’ drum machine, Doktor Avalanche, but they all play second fiddle to the inimitable frontman Eldritch. He snakes around the stage with a message he seems instinctively, evangelically inclined to spread.
With a set dripping in amber runes, shrouded by a black shawl that drops like angel wings resting on laurels, the Sisters turn the venue into a brooding, haunted crypt that refuses to let its audience’s attention go.
The crowd themselves are just as laired-up as the Godfather of Goth himself. It’s all Victorian petticoats, iron crucifixes, and black lips that look as though they’ve never been taught to smile.
For those in their twenties who bemoan that all the best music was released before their time, the survival of such an iconic subculture is a welcome release. While playing the essentially unreleased ‘When I’m On Fire’ alongside one of their biggest hits, ‘Dominion / Mother Russia’, old and new fuse together. Goths past and present fuse in sacred prayer to a period time refused to forget. Hands twist in devotion, twirling and twinning in a dance of genuine community. The Sisters host their own legacy but give with it a little youth to anyone who wants it.
For the encore, the band perform the iconic ‘Lucretia My Reflection’ and ‘Temple of Love’, and it is now that the crowd really drop their chains. It is now that they truly dance, howling at the artificial moon of white spotlight that hangs, orb-like, above them.
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.