Blog Post

White Raven Down + Gallows Circus, Ramsgate Music Hall - February 18th 2023

Laura DQ • 22 February 2023

Live Review

Nestled on a residential street in Ramsgate, the unassuming Music Hall is one of the tiniest music venues I’ve ever seen. With its low ceiling and dim lighting, it’s the definition of intimate. There’s not even room for a bar on the same floor, you have to go upstairs for that! The perfect place then, to see two promising rock bands up close for a double headline show.


If you’ve not heard of Gallows Circus yet, you’re missing out. Gathering a loyal following in the Kent area, they have released two near faultless EPs which provide the bulk of tonight’s set. A wonderful melange of classic rock influences, there’s an irresistible groove to their riffs (now handled effortlessly by new guitarist Oscar Rees) and more hooks than should reasonably be allowed. 


In Ian Day, the band has a perfect frontman; from his powerful vocals to his outlaw good looks, he seems made to be a rock star. Breaking out the harmonica for Above Snakes proves a popular choice and adds some extra swagger to a tune that already has plenty. Bones to Pick is another highlight; just when you think you’ve got it sussed, it descends into a bludgeoning breakdown that certainly gets heads banging. 

White Raven Down are next and thrill with their arsenal of heavy riffs. There is a metal edge to their chunky hard rock, difficult to categorise but revealing their influences through an eclectic choice of covers. Blur’s Song 2 has never sounded quite so metal, Metallica’s For Whom the Bell Tolls and Enter Sandman seem a more natural fit. 


The shadow of Motörhead looms large over the band’s Not Alone; a devastatingly powerful and fast paced track that Lemmy would surely be proud of. Salvation is better still, the thunderous rhythm section driving a song that blends a melodic chorus with aggressive guitar crunch. 


By his own admission, frontman Stu doesn’t have the strongest voice, joking that both his guitar and vocals have been going out of tune during the set. He is endearingly self-deprecating and should give himself more credit. The audience love him, frequently breaking into impromptu chants of ‘Stu Stu Stu’. And, as the set runs on late after the assumed finish, he gets some assistance; first from Ozzy tribute singer Taffy for a spirited take on Paranoid, and an audience member for an interesting Ace of Spades (interesting in that he forgets most of the words!). It’s a lot of fun and serves as a reminder that sometimes the best nights aren’t at the biggest venues or watching the biggest artists. Get out and support your local bands and venues, you might be pleasantly surprised. 
Share by: