Live Review: Pupil Slicer & Coilguns at The Grace, Highbury & Islington, London (21/04/24)

Pupil Slicer… they’re a bit alright now, aren’t they? Having seen them several times before, and each time, being more and more impressed with their live showing, the thought of seeing their album ‘Blossom’ played in full was a very exciting one. This band is one of the brightest and best metal bands in the UK scene right now, and it’s extremely heartening to see them beginning to get their dues. This London show being the final date of their extensive UK headline tour, the first time Pupil Slicer have gone on the road as headliners.

Playing packed venue after packed venue, and now it was London’s turn to be sliced. Although when the show has got the likes of God Alone and Coilguns on the bill too, the correct term to describe it might be more like ‘pummelled’.

Unfortunately, circumstances meant I couldn’t catch God Alone (an interview with Pupil Slicer and a hurried pizza – I was starving) but I am all too aware of this band’s brilliance. I didn’t see them, so I can’t talk about them in this review, but I will insist that you check them out if you can, they go very f**king hard.

I did manage to get back to the venue though for Coilguns though, the experimental noise-rock/post-hardcore band from Switzerland. Who, deliver a near show-stealing performance. A captivatingly intense experience that genre-bends to the highest degree, but always stays rooted in uncompromising heaviness.

I’m not sure words can accurately describe the Coilguns experience. It’s inspired mania that can be super-emotional and super-cathartic in equal measure. It can be utter chaos and brilliantly thought-out at the same time. The mantra for any support band should be ‘play like you’re headlining’. Coilguns take that mantra, and then some. Vocalist Louis Jucker alone is the embodiment of this attitude. Throwing himself around like he is having a fit, crawling on the floor through the crowd, dropping to his knees and offering up thanks to individuals, and sharing many hugs with the enthralled masses.

Coilguns were amazing, it’s as simple as that, and if you have the chance to see them play in the future, make sure you do.

How about f**king Pupil Slicer though?

I thought Blossom was a very special album. Describing it as:

An evolution, an eclectic and varied mix of ideas that showcased such creativity. A special album that gets better and better the more time spent in its the company.

You can read the full review of that album here. I’ve also seen this band live a few times before. Three times in 2022 (supporting Ithaca, supporting Rolo Tomassi and at Bloodstock), once in 2023 (that amazing ArcTanGent show), and this show in 2024 might be my favourite of theirs so far.

It’s all about Blossom, and it deserves this showcase. Pupil Slicer showing that the immersion felt on the record, is just as present when played live. Every single moment of this show has feeling. Be it roaring technical showcases of savagery like Momentary Actually, the chaotic sharpness and stompy meatiness of Departure in Solitude, or the mind-bending Creating the Devil in Our Image. The latter gets the biggest pit going of the entire night, and even when it becomes more ethereal and melodic, everyone is just poised to go ape-s**t again.

On the album, The Song at Creation’s End was one of my personal highlights. Showcasing an ‘epic’ side to Pupil Slicer, and live, it’s even better. Hearing this band dive into some shoegaze-style soundscapes on this track is simply stunning. Here is a good time to mention how strong of a vocalist Kate Davies is, as her trademark scathing style is balanced by her incredible clean singing on this track. She also exudes so much emotion here, and it’s painted across her face.

For me, this was the highlight of the night. However, that’s not to suggest it’s downhill from this point on as the rest of Blossom is mightily strong too. Pupil Slicer cause even more carnage inside The Grace with blistering live versions of No Temple and Terminal. The former is insanely catchy live, and a firm fan favourite based off the chaos occurring near the front of the stage.

Everyone needs a rest following those tracks, including the band, with vocalist/guitarist Kate taking a seat on the edge of the stage and allowing the dramatic atmosphere of Language of the Stars wash over us all. Flowing perfectly into the immeasurable beauty of Dim Morning Light. There are a few tears being shed in the crowd for this one.

Of course, we all know what is coming next, but that still doesn’t prepare the ears, eyes, and mind for the title track. The encapsulation of who Pupil Slicer are now, how much they have grown as a group, and how bright their future looks. If the night had ended there, no-one would be going away unhappy, but as Kate herself acknowledges, it’s a bit early so why not throw out one more? I believe it was Wounds Upon My Skin from Mirrors, but alas, I had a train to catch (working nights, which is an 11pm start for me) so I had to dash off.

No matter though, I got what I wanted (including Conjurer’s Brady on guest vocals), which was the experience of hearing Blossom in full, and it did not disappoint. Mind you, Pupil Slicer never disappoint, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the level they have reached. Even making the kind of noise they do, there seems to be no limit on what this band can achieve. The future isn’t just bright for Pupil Slicer, it’s downright blinding, and we’re here for it.

Massive shout-out to the band as well for the music playing across the PA before they took to the stage. I didn’t pick up on all the tunes, but my wife and I definitely bopped along to the Metal Gear Solid 2 theme, and I’m pretty sure there was some Dark Souls or Elden Ring in there too. Banging stuff.