LostAlone: The Cockpit gig review

LostAlone have been one of my favourite bands for a while now and, for me, they’re one of those bands that can do no wrong. I find it’s usually the giants of the music scene that have a sound that’s completely their own, but LostAlone are one of those rare bands that, even on a small scale, have mastered an incredibly unique signature sound that’s fully theirs. I struggle to think of one song, demo, anything that I dislike even a little bit. After seeing them twice as an opening band, once supporting InMe and another supporting Tonight Alive, I finally got to go along to a headline show at The Cockpit in Leeds, on 20-02-13.

The venue is absolutely tiny, with only a barricade the size of a doorstep and a couple of guitar pedals separating the bands from the crowd. First on were Evarose, an all-girl band from Oxfordshire. I knew I was going to like them as soon as they walked on stage. It’s not very often you see even one girl in a band and making a living out of it nowadays, so to see four girls doing it is great, especially in what I believe to be a male-dominant industry. Their music only emphasised this; I will definitely be checking them out at some point in the near future. The same goes for the second support band, The Dead Famous. I’d actually listened to their music prior to the gig and loved it, but it’s definitely even better live. I think opening bands really set the mood of a show, so having these two completely brilliant bands as the support acts really made the show what it was. That and playing Queen’s ‘Somebody To Love’ before LostAlone came on stage, which united almost the entire audience in a harmonious sing-a-long.

The crowd were ready from the jump when LostAlone finally came on, engaged as soon as the opening for the truly atmospheric ‘Vesuvius’ began. The song is the perfect opener too, just the right amount of heavy “riffology” to get the crowd going before opting for another great song from the first album, ‘Unleash The Sands Of All Time.’ The setlist spanned both albums and the band even played a new song called ‘Hostages’ from their upcoming album, which I’m already super excited for after hearing this song, despite that fact that it hasn’t even been anywhere near finished yet. LostAlone are a band focused on the fans that support them (and also love them to bits), always coming out after shows to say hi and thank people for coming. It was obvious they were completely stoked to be playing in such an intimate venue to a relatively small crowd.


One of the best parts show was, without a doubt, singer Steven Battelle playing ‘Orchestra Of Breathing’ acoustic in the middle of the crowd. I’ve always thought this song was beautiful anyway, but I’m definitely seeing it in a new light after this. Despite the song being fairly quiet and soft, it’s strong and managed to make the audience an entirety. To hear each and everyone’s distinct vocals merge into one and singing the striking lyrics, led by Steven, is something I hope I’ll never forget.

My absolute favourite part of the show was the final part though. I’ve been desperate to the point of longing to hear ‘The Downside Of Heaven Is The Upside Of Hell’ live and this time I finally got to. It’s my favourite LostAlone song, and I think that it always will be, no matter what genius they unleash in the future. From the first time I heard it, the song just completely struck me. I can never pin-point exactly what it is I love so much about ‘The Downside Of Heaven,’ even though I listen to it on a very regular basis. It’s mesmerising and intense. To hear it live is another experience I hope I never forget. You’d have to listen to the song to know what I mean, but to be in a room full of LostAlone fans singing to this song for about 6 minutes or longer was perfect and I doubt anything at any gig will ever compare. Straight after this, the band launched into what is probably their most well-known song, ‘Love Will Eat You Alive,’ another song which sounds great live. It was a great note to end on, since it’s so bright and upbeat and happy. I personally didn’t stop smiling for several hours after LostAlone left the stage and I myself had left the venue.

 

I don’t think I’m ever going to tire of going along to LostAlone’s shows and hearing their songs live, even the ones they play at the majority of their shows. Every time I see them, they are somehow more amazing than the time beforehand. And that’s a super hard feat to overcome too, because they truly are wonderful. I’m always amazed at how such a colossal sound can come from only three guys. I’m also really thankful that I’m getting to see them at small and intimate venues too, because when they eventually get the full recognition they genuinely deserve, I believe they will be selling out arenas one day. In the meantime, I’m left with a case of post-gig depression after the show and living in the knowledge that sometime later in the year I’ll get to see them again, whether they’re the opening band or the headliners. And even though LostAlone don’t currently have any more shows or tours announced, I can’t wait for it already.