“This tour is about reconnecting with people”, Young Guns embark on a string of UK live dates.

Young Guns have kept a somewhat low profile the last couple of months. Their latest album, Echoes, was released in 2016, they’ve toured a little bit and that was it. Now however, they hit the road again to remind everyone that they indeed are back. And they seem at their best.

Despite the fact that only a handful of people heard some of their new material, those lucky ones who managed to catch the band play an acoustic set before the main performance, the entire show was a testament to Young Guns‘ vibrant catalogue. When I headed to London’s ULU last Friday night the length of the queue surely exceeded my expectations, not to mention a few flags and some fan artwork being spotted in the first rows.

Young Guns emerged on stage to the sound of thrilling cheers hailing from the audience, and dived straight into their debut single In The Night and a fiery concoction of hard-hitting riffs and inspiring lyrics, Rising Up. Intertwining newer material with some good old favourites, the set choices resonated with the crowd perfectly.

“We’re gonna go old school now”, Gustav Wood announced as the band hit the notes of the purely intensifying Weight Of The World, a nod to their 2010’s debut album All Our Kings Are Dead. With charisma and confidence of a true frontman, he made sure to interact with the crowd, not exposing the strong bond they’ve built over the years. Dearly Departed and I Was Born, I Have Lived, I Will Surely Die amplified the jumping moments but it looked like only the individuals gathered in the front were having most fun.

“Remind me again what day of the week it is? By my calculations, most of the people here don’t have to work tomorrow. First, fuck you ’cause we have to. Second, you don’t have any excuse not to lose it on the dance floor”, Wood encouraged, followed by a statement: “We don’t usually do covers but, anyone know Foo Fighters?” as we all joined voices for a masterful version of My Hero. Such a brilliant addition to their set.

Almost ten years into their career and Young Guns are one of those bands who have established their own melodic sound of alternative rock spectre. Their live shows shine with passion, precision and highly contagious energy. Having seen them live a few times over the years, I can truly say that it always feels like meeting up with an old friend.

Whilst Living In A Dream Is So Easy went down as another loud singalong and Gustav had to admit: “You sing better than me. Fuck that”, the next song was quite a surprise and a thrilling moment for the most dedicated fans. “We haven’t played this song in 7 years. If you know it, sing it” he said as the band launched into At The Gates.

“We played this venue in 2009. We were staying outside and selling our EP Mirrors. This tour is about reconnecting with people. We were in the studio for so long. You know what it’s like when you stare at four dudes all the time? The reason I can stand here and feed my ego is because of you, because you allow me to do it. But this has been too polite, I want to see this room jumping!”

Bulletproof and Echoes were a sign of things coming to an end, although the crowd had finally woken up. Having returned with all energy that was left, Young Guns rounded things off with seemingly the most emotional moment of the entire performance, the track Daylight, leaving the blistering I Want Out for the grand finale.

By the time they hit the last note, everyone could “feel it in their bones they were not alone”, even if only for this particular night. And that’s what you expect from a solid live experience.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka