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Red Crust is Scotland’s premier metal festival, taking place in Cowgate in the heart of Edinburgh. Spread over three days and 3 venues, this year’s line-up included the likes of Raging Speedhorn, Hammer, Iron Altar, and Conan. I arrived fashionably late in time to catch the last 2 bands, Ascension, and Church Of The Cosmic Skull.
Nottingham’s Church of the Cosmic Skull seems an unlikely end to a festival of down-tuned, heavy mayhem. A seven-piece psychedelic rock band with strong pop hooks and multi-layered vocals.
The line-up for La Belle is running late and with the bands having to set up and strip the equipment themselves it has a knock-on effect. Unfortunately, technical issues with mics during the line check delay things even more, meaning Church of The Cosmic Skull are an hour late starting. The band all dressed in their trademark white outfits finally take to the stage in a now half-full venue (only the die-hard Cosmic Skull fans remain). Entering to a synth drone and a deep booming voice relaying the first of the seven objects (a sort of principle to live your life by, you see, Church of The Cosmic Skull are more than just a band). Teasing us with the intro to ‘Mountain Heart’ they then dive straight into ‘Science Fiction’. Already I spot people dancing and bopping along to the unison guitar and organ riffs and upbeat chorus. The band is nice and tight but I feel the vocals seem somewhat muted compared to the rest of the band. Given the elaborate vocal arrangements this band are known for, it was a bit of a let-down, however, it was no fault of the band and it is later rectified.
Song transitions are smooth and they waste no time heading into ‘Black Slug’, one of their heavier numbers with its doomy Sabbath-esque riffing. Singers Sister Joanne and Sister Caroline dance along with Caroline’s white cape billowing behind her thanks to the large fans on the stage floor. They put on a mesmerising performance. The ominous deep voice returns for object number two and we can expect it back for the remaining five objects between every couple of songs. Keyboardist Brother Michael is out of his seat at every opportunity to rally the crowd with fists punching the air. We are treated to seven of the nine songs from the recently released fourth album ‘There Is No Time’. ‘Pleading with the Cosmic Mother’ features some great lead playing from frontman Brother Bill. His guitar leads (rarely solos) plucked from his rainbow Flying V are melodic, well-crafted, and never self-indulgent. ‘Now’s the Time’ is driven by a full-on deep dancefloor funk groove which unsurprisingly has the crowd cutting some shapes. Finishing off with three of my favourites; ‘Everybody’s Going to Die’ with its stunning gospel organ and vocals which results in a wonderful sing-along with arms waving aplenty. Brother Bill is a man of few words between songs ‘Thank you so much, we love you’ is short and to the point. ‘Evil in Your Eye’ is another psychedelic voyage with its varied sections, lulling violin, and huge organ solo. And finally with shouts from the crowd for ‘Cold Sweat’ they give the people what they want. It’s an absolute banger, but wait, they still aren’t done, finally bringing the show to a close with a reprise of ‘Evil in Your Eye’. The crowd is rapturous and more than makes up for the fact the venue is only half-full.
They certainly crammed a lot into a small set. Church of The Cosmic Skull are a wholly unique band. Retro sounding but utterly fresh, with strong hooks and ear-catching vocal arrangements. I implore you to go see this band when you next get a chance!
Connect with Church Of The Cosmic Skull, here.
Review – Colin Plumb