MALLORY KNOX | LIVE REVIEW
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Sun 15 Sept
There’s an extra buzz in the crowd this evening, if it were ever needed. British alt-rock darlings Mallory Knox have long been at the forefront of the UK scene, but prior to this tour, they announced that this would be their last run of shows before they break up. So tonight’s show at Clwb Ifor Bach has an extra poignancy about it and anybody who may have been on the fence about attending this gig, have made the effort, knowing it would be their last time to see the boys.
Up first though are south Walian indie quintet Wynt, who warm up the crowd nicely and command the stage well for a band who only been active for just over a year. Highlights of their set include Patricia and the upbeat pop-rock of Bad Vibes; file these under ‘ones to watch’. There’s a definite Killers vibe about fellow locals Just Drive as they take to the stage, tonight showing just the sort of emerging talent we have around these parts. The four-piece tear through a lively crowd-pleasing set, proving to be the perfect support for the main attraction.
From the moment Mallory Knox hit the stage, the crowd and band are intent on seeing the band off in style, singing along with every word. Leaving no stone unturned, the band bust through a greatest hits set spanning their entire career, with a few lesser-played numbers chucked in for good measure. Oceans and Heartbreak Lover are greeted like old friends, while tracks like Signals, Getaway and of course Ghost In The Mirror get the rousing reception they deserve.
Singer and bassist Sam Douglas introduces the final song of the night, telling us how much he’s going to miss playing these songs as he strums the intro to Lighthouse. After the split with singer Mikey Chapman the band gave it their best shot, with Douglas doing a stellar job on bass and vocal duty, but as they sign off to rapturous applause they seem sincerely emotional about the split, as are a lot of tonight’s crowd. The UK rock scene now has a little hole where Mallory Knox used to be.
words CHRIS ANDREWS