Bullets and Octane (second review) - Electric Ballroom, London (UK) - 09 December 2018
Aware that they do not have much time tonight, Bullets And Octane burst out onto the stage with 'Bad Mother Fucker' showing justified confidence in the opening track of their new album and living it to the full with attitude at eleven. In fact, two thirds of the songs tonight are from said excellent new album 'Waking Up Dead' and it's testament to the quality of that album that the energy is high and the band maintain till the end.
Since they are on early the London crowd typically react sleepily at first. Gene Louis is not having that and by the second track he is out on the floor in their midst whipping them up to a frenzy. They have no choice and they are his captive. He engages them eye to eye and although there is something of the caged lion about his pacing around inside their circle of cell phones, it's clear who is in charge and king of the jungle.
It does leave the rhythm section a little headless on the stage, but it is definitely worth it as the crowd cannot resist the force of nature and personality that Louis provides and deep down a London audience always wants to enjoy itself... they just sometimes need to be dragged kicking and screaming. This is by no means a sold-out gig as the Ballroom is huge, but with the crowd maelstrom that Louis creates by his antics make it seem full both physically and in terms of excitement.
By the last song 'Pirates', the bassist Zach Kimbee is in the mosh pit with guitarist Felipe Rodrigo leaving the drummer on his own onstage. It's the crowd favourite and is an extended and justified finale with a guitar solo in the pit to boot. I heard from the band earlier that Louis had broken ribs from hitting the barrier at a show and so even each single breath is painful. He doesn't even mention this as he throws himself around at this show. Even more kudos for a masterful show from start to finish from one of the best front-men around.
Review and photos by Dawn Osborne
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