Review by Phil Noonan for MPM
The congregation gathered in Belfast’s Limelight 2 were in for a treat on the eve of Thursday 16th May 2024 as openers Lowen took the stage.
Cue powerful psychadelic doom, fuzz so thick you’d need a chainsaw to cut through it, dynamic drums and an ethereal, hypnotic vocal performance. The London based quartet had the crowd enthralled and delivered an absolutely stellar performance.
One thing to note in Lowen’s sound is the very progressive Middle Eastern element which is extremely catchy and very refreshing among the more traditional doom stylings played. There’s something hauntingly Beautiful in Lowen’s melodies and hooks, that at times feel not entirely of this earth.
Lowen remind me somewhat of bands like Windhand and Belfast’s own Gravity Well, with that juxtaposition of crushingly heavy grooves and soaring vocals that work beautifully hand in hand with each other. If you happen to be in the market for such a listen be sure to check out Lowen’s latest single “Najang Bah Divhayeh Mazandaran” which was released on the 3rd May 2024.
As the final note was played and a cheer of appreciation echoed out from the crowd there was a palpable sense of anticipation growing among those in attendance, as the night’s headliners took the stage.
Well what can I say? From the very first note of opener “Hunters in the Sky” London’s psychedelic riff titans Green Lung had the crowd hooked and whipped into a fervour.
Big hefty riffs? Check. Tight groovy drumming? Check. Spooky occult synths? Check. A perfect vocal performance? Fucking-ing check!
In addition to the level of musicianship and crowd engagement being off the charts Green Lung play banger after banger, wall to wall bangers you might say. With their signature mix of groovy proto-doom, psychedelic rock and a songwriting sensibility so catchy it would make most pop artists weak at the knees Green Lung have the now completely packed Limelight 2 in the palm of their hand.
The atmosphere is absolutely electric and doesn’t let up for even a moment as fans in attendance were treated to songs from the band’s latest rager These Heathen Lands, as well as fan favorites from 2019’s Woodland Rites and 2021’s Black Harvest. Tracks like “Leaders of the Blind”, “The Ritual Tree” and “Reaper’s Scythe” get the crowd singing in unison along with frontman Tom Templar.
The Limelight 2 provided a very intimate setting between the band and the fans especially during quieter tracks like “Song of the Stones” and the bands encore which included the classics “Let the Devil In” and “Graveyard Sun” blew the roof off the place, signalling the end of an incredible night of truly remarkable music.
If you’re a fan of heavy, groovy and just downright catchy music I would emplore you to go see both Lowen and Green lung if you can. You won’t be disappointed, I’d bet my eternal soul on it.
Photography by Paul Verner for MPM
