Booked in for a tongue-in-cheek early slot on the Radio 1 Dance Stage, Gengahr apologise to anyone wandering in expecting a different kind of vibe. Having reshaped their sound after touring their first album and adapting to performing live, Gengahr have since taken a more organic approach to their songs, featuring agile guitars, squalling solos and propulsive arrangements that lift the band above the restrictions of their early material. It’s does them all sorts of favours, looking and sounding a different band to the one that emerged five years ago, and one ready to take on the expectant Reading crowd.
Taking advantage of the advanced stage setup, a rainbow of colour swirls behind Gengahr like a primary school art class as they weave through intricate and emotional soundscapes.Despite its gory title ‘Fill My Gums with Blood’ is a surprisingly nice way to start a Friday afternoon, and by the end of the set some young muckers have even started themselves a mosh pit of all things. Having come through their growing pains Gengahr are now strident performers. Reading sees them standing tall.
Words: Dillon Eastoe
