KING A WRITINGS

Week nights out always have a buzz to them when there’s a gig lined up, but that buzz was even more electrified on Thursday, 25/09 at the Lower Third, Soho, where the wrath of South Wales’ loudest was brought to life, as James and The Cold Gun charged up the stage. Comprised of members James Joseph, James Biss, Gaby Elise and Ben Mead, this ensemble’s robust presence delivered. Before their takeover, Whitelocust warmed up the venue with their flawless delivery of a psychedelic set immersed in a continuous flow-state of insanely strong merging instrumentals. They created an aura for what was an intimate but energy-fuelled evening ahead, and were a treat to watch before the main event.

JATCG’s set list championed tracks from their latest album, Face In The Mirror, packed with hard-hitting lyrics, raunchy guitar rifts – both bass-filled and electric – alongside pumped-up drum beats. Head bumping to these in the flesh, couldn’t have felt any better, especially to the more fast-paced gems like Riding The Tiger. Fragile was musically dynamic to experience live, and it’s one I’ve had on repeat since. Everything from those echoing drums that open the track, driven meticulously by drummer Ben Mead, to the emotion powering the chorus that is carried through by the guitars, establishes the song as the masterpiece that it is.

The union of Joseph and Elise’s voices in key parts of Twist the Knife and Guessing Games was refreshing, as was the takeover from Biss stepping in as the main vocalist on Above The Lake and DNA, which delivered film-score like feelings with admirable poetic compositions that tap into all the alternative vibes. The set’s penultimate track Cut The Brakes paved the way for a finale which took the crowd back to the self-titled project – James and The Cold Gun – with Chewing Glass hitting the sweet spot to close this night.

The best parts of this show were candid moments where the group spoke out to their crowd, my personal favourites being James Joseph touching base with how Meet My Maker came into fruition, but also expressing gratitude for being able to deliver a free show among a crowd who appreciates the rock genre the way it’s supposed to be in 2025. It was also sweet to hear him shout out the newest member, Gaby Elise, who joined around (or just over) a year ago, and has elevated the gang as per his praises. Being a first-time attendee of one of their shows, this only made me appreciate their synergy even more. Also, the first thing that captured my attention (as with any show) was the merch stand, and I couldn’t not grab a shirt to change into, and pledge my allegiance to JATCG, as a new fan.

Prior to seeing the band live, I only knew of their debut EP False Start and had myself convinced that Seven was my favourite among their discography. This has of course, changed, and I can only credit the boyf (Bogomil) for putting me onto their music as he previously saw them for the first time in Sheffield, and there’s no doubt that we’ll attend a show of theirs again. Not only to be reminded of the insane, yet humble stage presence held by this group, but to experience the wrath of South Wales’ loudest once again.