One of Camden’s many great pubs, the Black Heart is one of those places that just seems to bulge at the seams with rock ‘n’ roll history. The atmosphere as we enter the crowded downstairs bar is nothing short of electric (something very much aided by the fact that members of Collateral, the band we’re here to see, are to be found mingling with the throng), and it says much of the anticipation for tonight’s gig that stage area fills up long before the band get near the stage.
With the PA blasting classic tunes from the likes of Whitesnake and Kiss, there’s a tension in the air stemming form the crowd’s awareness that this is quite possibly the last chance to see Collateral in so small a venue. Not only is a newly remixed version of the 4 shots EP highlight, Midnight Queen, poised to decimate the airwaves, but the band are also working hard on a debut album that is liable to kick the doors off the barn once and for all. Hot and dark, the venue feels almost claustrophobic, so packed is it, and the front of the stage is dominated by a vast number of photographers – the sort of crowd you’d expect to see at a festival – yet further evidence that we’re here to witness a band on the cusp of greatness.
Yet, for all that, Collateral are surprisingly approachable, self-deprecating even; and whilst the band are clearly confident in the strong material they air tonight, there’s no sense that their confidence has crossed over into arrogance. As a result, there’s a connection between band and audience that remains strong throughout the band’s hour-long set. Things kick off with the aptly-titled calm before the storm which sees the band pit almost folky harmonies against big riffs. The sound is crisp and clear from the off and the band get into the spirit of things, posing for the photographers and just enjoying the atmosphere. A delicate acoustic motif announces the arrival of When faith breaks, although this soon gives way to a satisfyingly chunky riff, garnering much appreciation from the denim-clad crowd. As temperatures continue to soar, the band have mercy on the audience and slow things down with the mellow you were the only one splitting the difference between wish you were here and time of your life whilst eliciting a singalong (and even causing a few lighters to appear in front of the stage). The band take a moment to deliver heartfelt thanks to the various people who’ve helped them to this point before hitting hard with coming home and move on. Delivering these two crackers back-to-back is exactly what the audience need and suddenly it feels like there’s barely enough oxygen to go round.
Following on from an elegant just waiting for you (from 4 shots), Todd gets a chance to redeem himself for an earlier flub (humorously acknowledged by the band) with a blistering solo before the band hit the home stretch with two stunning tracks from the forthcoming debut. For my money, the hard riffing and split vocals of promise land are just the thing for anthem status, although the insanely infectious chorus of merry go round also has a pretty good shot. The crowd go wild at the start of lullaby, for which a number of attendees have clearly been waiting all night, before the band take a brief pause to deliver the vibrant (and obvious) encore of midnight queen.
It really is something to be part of a crowd bearing witness to a future phenomenon, and the electrifying atmosphere hardly translates to the page. Collateral simply dominate the attention, their good-natured humour and relaxed demeanour between-songs juxtaposing nicely with the obvious passion for the music that they all share. It’s hard to imagine finding Collateral in such close confines again and, fine though the EP is, it’s the debut album that we’re all waiting for now – the new tracks aired providing tantalising glimpses of what the band have in store. There’s not a chance anyone could go home disappointed after so devastating a display – Collateral have arrived, and they’re here to stay.
