Pure Love have faced quite a bit of stick since they formed last year, with lead singer Frank Carter leaving Gallows behind him to create the band. To go from hardcore to pop rock is quite a feat but they seem to be pulling it off very very well. Clwb Ifor Bach, one of Cardiff’s most prestigious new music venues is the perfect place for the duo to perform an intimate gig, on what is only their first tour.
Support comes from local 6 piece band Chain Of Flowers, with a short set. The band sounded great with 4 guitars creating a rich sound but the lead singer showed little personality and unfortunately, even less talent. Whilst the instrumentation was tight and together, the vocals did not match and they failed to catch the attention of the growing crowd.
In comparison to this, Pure Love frontman Frank Carter couldn’t have shown more personality. Chatting to the crowd between songs, performing much of the set on the dancefloor and bouncing about like a teenager who has drunk too much WKD meant everyone warmed to him quickly. After an electric opening Frank Carter confessed to the crowd “This band saved my life” and “I’ve changed”, before guitarist Jim Carroll threw water over the audience as they began ‘Bury My Bones’ and lead on to ‘Handsome Devils Club’.
The duo went on to play a number of other tracks which will appear on their debut album Anthems when it is released in the autumn, showcasing their own brand of infectious pop rock and clear hit-writing ability. Following a cover of Nirvana’s ‘Drain You’, final track ‘Riot Song’ had every one of the pierced, skinny jean wearing teenage crowd members singing along with the whole band being moved down to the dancefloor because “why the fuck not?!”.
Despite having only released 2 singles, there was a good turn out for the gig and the crowd were roused by all of their tracks. It seems inevitable that when their album is unveiled later this year, these guys will be catapulted into rock stardom. Go and see them now whilst they’re still playing small venues, soon they’ll be doing arenas!
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I was sceptical about the move from hardcore to pop rock but I think Frank’s done alright! Pleasantly surprised by their stuff actually.