LIVE FROM THE PIT: Creeper, Calva Louise and Starbenders

Closing their first Download festival performance with a beheading, the gears were in motion for the “Off With Their Heads!” tour. The Southampton six piece glam rock band, CREEPER, are known for their theatrical and immersive shows. Opening with the dramatic flair of silhouette performance and filling the stage with gothic props, the CREEPER’s cult were excited with black leather, dramatic makeup and electrifying energy to fuel the darkness. With support from STARBENDERS and CALVA LOUISE, the atmosphere of curiosity and excitement grew strong. Ready for theatrical masterpieces from all three bands. 

STARBENDERS took to the stage; the lead singer commanded the stage with a mesmerising presence, effortlessly captivating the audience with every movement. Spinning and turning, their long batwing sleeves swept dramatically through the air. adding a theatrical flair to the performance. The sound of glisten guitars flooded the room enhancing the show’s dark, gothic aesthetic. There was an irresistible sense of movement and energy, from both STARBENDERS and the crowd, as the lead singer occupied every inch of the stage. Unified clapping throughout Chantilly Boy was a highlight as the catchy line “Put on your makeup” echoes through the venue. Blending gothic rock darkness with danceable rhythms, glistening guitars and commanding showmanship, the performance was as hypnotic as it was exhilarating. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.

An eerie organ melody that gradually evolved into pulsing techno beats opened CALVA LOUISE’s set, building anticipation before erupting into a magnetic metalcore masterpiece. Glowing red lights burned behind the drum kit, a sinister glare that perfectly complemented the band’s heavy sound. CALVA LOUISE make it evident that they’re a British band made up of three different cultures to make collaborative art: Venezuela, France and New Zealand. The lead singer’s vocals shifted effortlessly from sweet and cleans to ferocious, shredding screams. Equally impressive was her ability to switch seamlessly between guitar and keys, balancing melodic intricacy with raw aggression. The crowd matched the intensity at every turn by conducting initiated claps, waves of crowd surfers and pits being open. The use of traditional instruments and Spanish sung lyrics such as La Promesa and Oportunista, CALVA LOUISE are unafraid of showcasing their heritage and passion. The result was a set that fused electronic atmosphere with crushing heaviness, showcasing both the band’s musical versatility and their ability to turn the room into absolute chaos.

As a white backdrop straight after the final support set, the air held a thick cloud of anticipation. A bright spotlight shone through to show a silhouette performance, introducing the show with disclaimers whilst being hacked by the mistress of death. The grand opening commenced as the curtains dropped, introducing the band for Blood Magick (It’s a Ritual). Fuelled with excitement, the crowd were seen dancing, crowd surfing and opening pits: typical sights at a CREEPER show. The voices of fans echo through the venue during slower ballads, such as The Ballad of Spook & Mercy, spotlighting the special bond they share with their audience.

After covering five fan favourite tracks from both SANGIVOURE albums, the band has scheduled a well deserved break. A phone call from the vampire familiar, Darcia, disrupts the night to warn Will Ghould of the dangers that linger amongst the crowd: a leather wearing female with sharp objects- the description of a typical fan. 

The use of props was remarkable with a gothic tall chair taking centre stage. Two higher platforms beside to elevate the location of the drummer and the keys. A casket was pulled out with Hannah Greenwood rising from the dead to perform Razorwire. A mesmerising performance where Greenwood vocalised their elegant clean vocals whilst conducting magnetic stage presence. The same visual practice of CREEPER frontman being beheaded to close the set for an encore, as an eruption of cheers and chanting urge the band to return.

With a reattached head, an acoustic opening of Hiding with boys catapulting the audience into nostalgia. The fully active crowd proceeds to create a thick stream of crowd surfers fuelled by chaos and joy. The closing song lies as a memorable moment to most as Misery has 2000 people passionately reciting every verse. During a momentary pause from CREEPER, the crowd kept the music alive, echoing the lyrics back to the stage in a powerful wave of emotion. A declaration of their love for fans breaks the overwhelming joy. Closing with a standing ovation, it is understandable why CREEPER is loved by so many. 

The evolution and success of CREEPER is evident as they continue to fill a room filled with devoted fans for over 10 years. With the majority of the setlist consisting songs from both SANGIVOURE albums, it is evident that fans connected with the catchy glam rock tracks. The night allows fans to indulge in  STARBENDERS and CALVA LOUISE’s music who hold themselves with similar theatrical aesthetic and passion for live music. Fans leave the venue excited for the next time they could wear vampire makeup and fake blood.

Words: Theviya R Karunaharan Photos: Amy Lynch