“This is fundamental”, England’s South Coast pop rock band The Gospel Youth play debut London headline show at Camden Assembly.

It is a Tuesday night when I’m heading to beloved Camden to catch The Gospel Youth play. They are about to deliver their first headline performance in London city, and since their debut album Always Lose was released in July, the reasons to celebrate are plenty.

Tonight surely feels special as the excitement feels the air. Well, I can tell that a few dedicated individuals have been waiting for this moment a long time. Camden Assembly is respectively a small intimate venue, yet they relentlessly cling to the edge of the stage making sure the first row spots are truly theirs. After all, this co-headline UK tour with Milestones is a chance to finally see The Gospel Youth in a live setting since they got back from the US Warped Tour.

“It’s a pleasure to play in the UK after not dying on Warped Tour”, vocalist Sam Little expresses his relief.

Encapsulating a pure essence of pop punk music within 10 refined tracks, Always Lose is a vivid portrayal of human condition. It is filled with relatable and inspiring lyrics, channelling our emotions easily, and gladly, it doesn’t lose its significance and sharpness when translating into live format.

The Gospel Youth open tonight’s set on a subtle note with the song I Will Deliver You To The Fireflies, just as it gracefully opens their album. But it doesn’t take long until they dive into heavier spectre of their catalogue. Gin & Black Coffee exposes its blistering soundscape of melodic guitars and intensifying drums, and despite Wildfire takes it down a notch, it ignites a spark that keeps burning up throughout, clearly already a fan favourite.

“If you’ve heard Always Lose, this one will wake you up”, singer says as the band bursts into Tired Eyes & Heavy Hearts. Built upon arena-worthy chorus and a masterful tempo play, it’s one of their standout tracks. The same goes for Kids as it successfully evokes a nostalgic tone. “It’s a funny story. It’s a first song we’ve written.”

Let’s clarify, it is not a sold out show nor is it a massive venue, yet the response from the crowd is quite impressive. Of course, many people have come down here to check out what The Gospel Youth are all about, but many have come to finally see their new favourite band live (including myself).

The crowd doesn’t stray away from loud singalongs or brave stage invasions, they also join their voices to wish Happy Birthday to the band’s guitarist. “Julian gets to play his favourite song now”, Sam laughs as the band presents some of their older material. We get to hear Lighting Fires and Stay Positive as well as The Hospital Blues You Gave To Me alongside a commentary: “It sucks when we lose people we love.”

“Thanks a lot, this is fundamental”, frontman states and no one dares to argue. The Gospel Youth surely have found a common and susceptible ground with their audience. Using music to reflect on their fears and hopes works wonders as we all seek some kind of comfort when being lost or broken, or both. “Always Lose is our story of the ups and downs that life throws at you and how despite everything, there’s always light after the darkness”, they said awhile back and after experiencing their own live show, I can admit that they surely have something special and authentic going on with their fans.

As The Gospel Youth round off with Moods Like English Weather, a pure jam of crushing riffs and fast-paced rhythm, the blend they thrive in, I just wish they played bigger stage.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka