Having previously caught Sound of Guns playing a Warehouse at the small (but perfectly formed) Cult Festival in Newcastle, I couldn't wait to see the Liverpool lads grace a 'proper' festival stage. There was already a good crowd forming in the tent a good 20 minutes before the band were due onstage. The ground seemed excessively muddy - a bit odd (and a bit suspect) as it was inside and hadn't rained. Let's hope it was just beer spillage eh? Usually I would take my place at the front of the stage, but decided to stand at the side on dryer ground. Opening with the first two tracks from new album, 'Angels and Enemies' the now-swollen, and appreciative, crowd chanted the band's name on repeat as the energetic frontman jumped down from the high stage and climbed the barrier, where he was held up by those gathered down the front. He offered out the mic and the crowd sang along with gusto. Once back onstage he picked up his acoustic guitar, launching into 'Backs of Butterflies', my favourite song from the first album.
This was the best crowd I'd ever witnessed at a SoG gig. Surveying the scene, it was obvious that people were really enjoying themselves and well into the performance. After more songs from the new album, older favourite 'Architect' had the faithful in a frenzy, punching the air with fists to the driving, primal beat. For the finale, singer Andy Metcalf (a true showman) scaled the speaker tower, much to the delight of the crowd. Sound of Guns are very possibly my favourite act. To catch them live is an exciting and exhilarating experience, and the heart and soul of the band is evident in the quality of every performance.
