Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
In a dimly lit corner of Nottingham’s music scene, the Rescue Rooms, Rock City’s baby sister, witnessed a sonic tempest like no other when EsOterica took the stage as the supporting act for the mighty ‘Lord of the Lost.’
The night was shrouded in mystery and suspense, with the promise of a dark and heavy brooding storm in the air.
From the very first chords of opening number “Breaking the Unknown,” from the 2020 album ‘In Dreams’, EsOterica unleashed a torrent of raw energy that reverberated throughout the venue, sending shockwaves through the hall as the bass tried to rip your skin from your bones.
Tobias Keast, the barefooted singer’s enigmatic presence seemed to channel the very essence of their music, was a striking sight as Matthew driver and Laura Conway led the charge into the unknown with scorching guitar riffs, and ear shattering licks.
“Don’t Rely on Anyone,” from the 2005 debut album ‘The Fool’ quickly followed, with its haunting melodies and lyrics that cut to the core of human vulnerability. The crowd, as if possessed by the music, sang back every word, turning the venue into an echoing cathedral of emotions.
As the set continued, “Humanity” brought an eerie calm before the storm, lulling the audience into a false sense of security before the relentless onslaught of Delirium’s “Silence,” one of two covers played tonight. The band’s chemistry was intense, each member locked into a rhythm that seemed to emerge from the depths of their very souls.
“In Dreams,” the title track to the latest long player, this was written when drummer, Luke, had a dream so had to put it down when he awoke in case, he forgot it. cast a hypnotic spell over the crowd, with its ethereal melodies and soul-stirring lyrics. The audience swayed in unison, caught in the grip of EsOterica’s musical sorcery.
And then, as the night reached its crescendo, EsOterica unleashed their set closer, “The Divide.” (This one could be classed as a cover as it was written by the band when they went by the name ‘ESO’ before going on a hiatus from 2013 to 2018, coming back as EsOterica).
It was a sonic explosion, a cataclysmic collision of sound and emotion that left the audience breathless. The barefoot singer, drenched in sweat and emotion, gave the crowd a special moment as he joined them on the floor during the final number.
EsOterica left the stage to thunderous applause and cheers, their dark and brooding music leaving an indelible mark on everyone in attendance. They may have opened for ‘Lord of the Lost,’ but on that night, EsOterica left having warmed the crowd and set the bar, and Nottingham certainly enjoyed the storm they conjured at the Rescue Rooms.
