Wednesday 22nd April 2009 @ Thekla, Bristol

Most bands get pretty pissed off about audience members taking photos mid-gig, not so …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead at tonight’s Thekla show: Frontman Conrad Keely obliged fans with his version of the macho rock pose and there was enough crotch ‘n’ fret action for anyone who could get to their phone quick enough. My 15 year old self would have been fainting at this point.

Named after a Mayan chant, …Trail Of Dead bust out of Austin in the late 90s with their self titled album but it was their breakthrough Madonna that introduced the world to their angsty, guitar-heavy tracks. It’s well known that after the poor reception of the band’s previous two albums …Trail Of Dead were on the verge of a split but they have resurfaced touring a new album – The Century Of Self.

Thank the lord they didn’t split as tonight’s sell out gig proves what a great band they are and how overlooked they have become compared to contemporaries such as fellow Texans The Mars Volta. Right from the start, the thrashy guitars got the crowd going with co-frontman and drummer Jason Reece launching himself into the crowd not once but twice! The seven piece band romped through old favourites such as Relative Ways, a rocked up Clair De Lune and a brilliant extended version of Totally Natural. Moshing and joy (of sorts) ensued.

In their prime, …Trail Of Dead were playing to audiences twice this size but they were never going to be the size of Red Hot Chilli Peppers; however, Keely et al can take comfort that the Thelka suits the band’s intensity. The gig experience being heightened when you’re so close the band are sweating on you. Based on this show, it’s clear the group and fans alike are enjoying the …Trail Of Dead renaissance.

www.trailofdead.org

Hazel Goodfellow