South of Salem / She Burns Red Garage Attic, Glasgow Monday 30th October 2023

She Burns Red have had a pretty damn fine year as far as new bands go. A Kickstarter ‘fan contributed’ new album called Out of Darkness, with some pretty tasty packages on offer (and which absolutely smashed its target!), a hugely successful album launch party and a current tour with rapidly rising South Coast band South of Salem, which brings them to Glasgow tonight.

I’ve seen them live a few times and have never for a second been disappointed. The band, consisting of James McCulloch on bass & vocals, Andy Moore on guitar & vocals, Naz Scanferato on guitars and Scott Hanlon on drums, know how to kick proverbial arses live. They are touring in support of previously mentioned new album Out of Darkness and they took to the stage in the sold-out Attic with dozens of She Burns Red t-shirts and hoodies on display, including my own! The room wasn’t huge but it was packed to the gunnels.

They kicked off the night with album opener ‘Touch’ and annihilated their way through the album in pretty much running order; ‘Rise & Fall’, ‘Killing Time’, Crosshairs’, ‘Heavy is the Head’. ‘Run’, ‘Crack the Sky’ and ‘Out of Darkness’. What I love about this band is the quality of the tracks and musicianship, with each member a master of their instrument and two fantastic vocalists who interplay on the songs harmoniously that is a credit to the song writers. My only criticism tonight is it’s too short. But keep your eyes open, especially with a red band across them, as She Burns Red are going to be huge!

She Burns Red are:

James McCulloch - Bass & Vocals

Andy Moore - Guitar & Vocals

Naz Scanferato - Guitars

Scott Hanlon - Drums

Formed in Bournemouth in 2018, South of Salem released their first album The Sinner Takes It All in 2020. They are described as an 80's influenced rock band, which is certainly an apt description of their music and styling. From the moment I heard their first release Cold day in Hell, I loved the song. The video was pretty cool as well!

I had been desperate to see them live for a while, however different circumstances had postponed that until now. As previously mentioned before, The Attic in Glasgow is very small and maybe downstairs in G2 could have been an option as I had seen fans looking for tickets for the show on several forums. However, I can completely understand in this day and age that bands just cannot afford to take any risks and any sold out show in my book is ideal.

First song up as the band took to the stage was ‘Let Us Pray’ from their first album and they pretty much battered and assaulted us with their ferocity. This was followed by ‘The Hate In Me’ with no let up. Joey Draper on vocals, twin guitarists Kodi Kasper & Denis Sheriff, bassist Dee Aldwell and drummer James Clarke never stand still for even a nanosecond. Their energy is boundless!

I’ll let you into a secret of 56 years! Seeing Joey Draper reminds me that he is who I wanted to be and look like when I was 17; good looking, great hair, great clothes, great singer all the things that I longed for. Unfortunately, my chosen profession didn't allow that, although recently it has started to change! But I digress…!

Next up was the title track of their soon to be released second album (on 19th January, I believe) Death of the Party. ‘Made to be Mine’ soon followed and then the softer, thought provoking ‘Demons are Forever’, which Draper explained was written about everyone, including the band’s demons that lurk everywhere in one guise or another.

The next three tracks were all from the forthcoming album; ‘Left for Dead’, ‘Static’ (which is an absolute stormer!) and ‘Bad Habits (Die Hard)’. The pace was lifted again on ‘Pretty Little Nightmare’. There has at no time been any lull in the proceedings, with Kasper, Sheriff and Aldwell all taking turns stage front on top of the monitors, positively beaming and obviously thoroughly enjoying themselves and relishing every moment.

Last song of the set was the mega catchy ‘No Plague Like Home’ which was sung by the Glaswegian crowd at the top of their voices. The set ended and the band left the stage but we all knew we still had ‘Cold Day in Hell’ to come and sure enough, back they came to round off the night. In all honesty, it was one of those nights you just wanted the band to keep playing, no matter what time it was!

It was a fantastic night of music by two bands that have massive futures in this business. I can't wait to see both of them again soon.

South of Salem are:

Joey Draper - Vocals

Kodi Kasper - Guitars

Denis Sheriff - Guitars

Dee Aldwell - Bass

James Clarke - Drums