No ghosts here, these boys are alive and kicking.
Constrained by the somewhat unusual and uninspiring layout of the upstairs bar of the Bristol Carling Academy, Brighton-based youngsters 'The Ghost of a Thousand' take to the stage with an air of silent determination about them. This was the bands first ever show in Bristol, making them complete unknowns to many in the multi-genre crowd that consisted of hardcore metal fans as well as traditional punks, waiting in anticipation for "Gallows". The aim, of course, was to introduce themselves to this new and informed gathering, something that they duly achieved.
With only a 28 minutes slot, TGOAT waste no time in launching a stinging barrage of screaming guitars and vocals from the outset. Ripping through material from their hotly tipped debut release 'This Is Where The Fight Begins', their sound is an urgent and frenetic slab of hardcore genetically fused with punk. They carry out their support task in style, warming up the crowd who begin to take to the new material, resulting in customary mosh-pits aplenty. Tom Lacey (vocals) attempts to banter with the crowd, but frustratingly cannot be heard as his microphone is too low. However this is minor and doesn't impede their performance whatsoever.
Despite such a short set, it's obvious to all in the room that TGOAT are a young band full of raw energy that, given their extensive touring schedule, could, and more than likely will, win over many more fans and make a mark on the hardcore scene. They certainly won the crowd over tonight, hands down.