I could sing Nashville’s All Them Witches’ praises forever. Their music is criminally underrated, and it wouldn’t surprise me if their careers skyrocketed over the next few years. I had the honour of seeing them twice last week, and although the music was incredible as always, the gig etiquette left something to be desired.

Rough Trade was an intimate setting. I took my place behind the front row of the crowd, forgoing getting a drink or merch to secure a good spot. I’m happy to wait the hour before performers come on to ensure everyone can settle. As the foursome took to the stage, two fellow music lovers forced their way into a small gap to my left. No “excuse me”, no “sorry”, just a hard shove. There was a collective rolling of eyes, but they were relatively short in stature, so thankfully they weren’t blocking anyone’s view. Throughout the gig, the two pushers flailed around wildly. I’m surprised the guy behind them left with both his eyes.

I hoped the evening at Brighton’s historic venue, Chalk, would fare better. Instead, I had to endure two men having full-blown, shouty conversations, leaning into each other so that not only could I not hear the music, I couldn’t see either.

Listen, I’m all for people enjoying themselves, just not at the expense of others. I think I expect more from metal fans because my earliest gigs were heavy, and I have the fondest memories of how considerate the crowds were. Maybe I just got unlucky, or maybe people have forgotten how to act in crowds after the pandemic.

Anyway, onto the music.

Seeing a band at Rough Trade East is unique in that you’re so close you could almost touch them. ATW reminds me of the episode of The Mighty Boosh called The Beast and the Priest. It follows two musicians on a journey to find the fabled New Sound. This isn’t an insult to the band, as Julian Barratt is as accomplished a musician as he is a comedian. The comparison comes to mind as ATW start their proggy, almost psychedelic intros.

What struck me most about this first performance was how tight they are musically. Despite drummer Christian Powers joining the founding members in 2024, his impeccable timekeeping and dynamic playing have made his introduction seamless. Someone may have put Allan Van Cleave in a corner, but he still blew me away, managing to have his violin tucked under his chin when a song called for both it and his keyboard.

Their latest album, House of Mirrors, was the main feature of the setlist, debuting “The Welterweight” live after the release of its music video the week prior. However, “The Death of Coyote Woman” was a nice addition from their 2013 album Lightning at the Door.

Set List

• Angel on the Wayside
• Saturn Song
• Hold Up, Say What?
• Turn on the Light
• The Welterweight
• Aethernet
• Starting Line
• Culling Line
• Red Rocking Chair
• The Death of Coyote Woman

Sunday was my first gig at Brighton’s Chalk, and I’d heard a lot about it. I was expecting the strange crescent-shaped pit and the close quarters. What I wasn’t expecting was meeting the drummer sitting outside East Street Tap, the pub next door. I think I managed to play it cool. He was incredibly gracious, and it was great to meet him.

Inside, I was thankful for the small seating area to the side while London band Steak performed their support set. They were okay. Chris Haley’s nasal vocals just aren’t my thing. I hadn’t heard their music before, and this performance hasn’t moved me to listen to them now.

The setlist at Chalk was a massive crowd-pleaser. The performance of “Diamond”, featuring an extended drum solo, was momentous. ATW make the kind of music you can lose yourself in. The sound was spot on. I have to say, the lighting in Kentish Town last year was vastly superior, adding extra depth to the overall visual experience, but this is a minor detail.

As they came out for their encore, Parks explained that they’d had a different song in mind to close on, but agreed in the green room that it didn’t feel right, so they had decided to change it. I was delighted to hear the opening notes of “Alabaster” from the 2017 album Sleeping Through the War.

There’s little room to fault All Them Witches. However, I’ll have to consider whether I’d rather listen to them in the comfort of my own headphones than face the crowds again. Perhaps the music is too precious to me to be interrupted, or perhaps I’m getting old.

Set List

• Saturn Song
• Angel on the Wayside
• The Marriage of Coyote Woman
• Starting Line
• Culling Line
• Red Rocking Chair
• Diamond
• 1×1
• Hold Up, Say What?
• The Welterweight
• Turn on the Light
• Aethernet
• Workhorse
• When God Comes Back

Encore

• Alabaster