Live Review: Gengahr - EartH, London 21/02/2020
Gengahr are the kind band who are a consistent humble workhorse on the indie circuit; never revealing too much of themselves, and instead allowing their music to be the showpiece which sees them hitting the top of the hype lists time and time again. After the release of a stunning third album, Sanctuary, the quartet took to EartH Hackney, for a show that was a homecoming of sorts.
Illuminated in psychedelic hues of sunburnt orange and intoxicating cerise, the Stoke Newington natives powered through a live set that was almost as crystalline as their studio production. As a band who put meticulous thought into each aspect of their performances, there’s a charm in the simplicity of the vast stage that contains only a handful of plinths that douse the band in the ominous light show.
After the closing moments of ‘Atlas Please’ there’s a change in atmosphere. Frontman Felix Bushe wastes no time in making it clear that there is a distinct significance to the evening. “We’re not supposed to say this ‘cause shows are like children – you’re not supposed to have favourites – but this feels more special being back home.” And even before it’s said, it makes itself known – the ease in which they dominate the stage, and the fluidity and sheer bliss that radiates from the crowd. There’s a sense of community here.
Towards the end of their unexpected cover of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘LOVE’ Felix, bassist Hugh Schulte, and guitarist John Victor join in an intimate circle, vibing off of each other in a way that you feel is similar to how they might rehearse. There’s a comfortability here, and they’re all distinct aware of each other’s movements, so as not to clash. This continues on into ‘Icarus’ which highlights just how many differences they all have, despite being so in-sync.
Hugh two-steps and bops his head as though he’s skanking through the bass lines, whilst John is hunched and noodle-like – playing in a similar style to Krist Novoselic. Felix serves as an in-between, keeping it all in the shoulders with his fluid movements. Despite being mostly shadowed at the back of the stage, drummer Danny Ward is the glue that binds everything together and never missing a beat despite there being some kind of a false start during ‘Embers’.
Whilst the set favours Gengahr’s latest album Sanctuary, they strike the perfect balance between old favourites from 2018’s Where Wildness Grows by adding in songs like ‘Carrion’, ‘Mallory’ and not forgetting ‘She’s a Witch’ and ‘Bathed in Light’ from their debut. Despite the years of experience that they have gained between the releases, there is a singular thread that runs through them all, owing to the continued story of the band which is colourful, honest, feel-good indie through and through.
Photography by James Baker. Words by Tyler Damara Kelly.