To be able to put on a free gig in this economy really shows dedication to the craft and to the fans - and James and the Cold Gun did just that.
On an otherwise dreary September evening, James and the Cold Gun drew together a sizable crowd in the sweaty basement venue of The Lower Third in London to really give back to their fans in an intimate capacity.
With free entry and a curfew by 9pm, this concert was perfect for fans that may not be able to go to a concert because of work or because of funds and was a great mix of young and old in the audience that came together for the love of music.
JATCG were supported by Whitelocust, a London-based formed in 2022, that aim to fuse 90s alt rock with psychedelic, funk, and shoe-gaze - one that they succeed in thoroughly. They had that very classic alt-rock styling with the odd bluesy-jazz influence to boot. If the slower alt shoe-gaze genre is one that you’re into, they’ll be right up your street. They gave a more slow melodic build up into JATCG, which worked as the crowd grew in numbers as they slowly got a little heavier towards the end of their set.
The show that James and the Cold Gun managed to put on in such a small sweaty venue was nothing short of biblical. From the insane energy of the crowd to the sheer charisma oozing from the stage - it was clear everyone was loving every moment. The liveliness in the audience just goes to show the magic you can create when removing touts and bots from a ticket process and have just physical people in a room.
Hailing from Cardiff, South Wales, JATCG have been active since 2019 and it’s clear they’re earning their stripes, with a great blend of the crowd participation and connection, yet still having that looming rockstar presence. There was a lot of the more classic rock influence but they stand solidly planted in the alt rock genre with their incredible riffs and hearty drum solos. Their set included a mix of slower and upbeat tracks, giving the audience chance to headbang and start a pit, but then also use their phone torches to light the room and scream their lungs out.
They’re definitely a band to watch out for.
