Russian Circles / Chelsea Wolfe @ SWG3, 26 October

Chelsea Wolfe's rustic, goth-tinged dirge rewards a sizeable crowd for turning up extra early tonight; the shadowy image she's been harnessing over the years translates incredibly well to a live setting, thanks to a generously fleshed out band who expertly capture – and build upon – the dark atmosphere of older selections like Mer and Tracks (Tall Bodies). It's the stronger songwriting from this year's Pain is Beauty that stands out, though: Feral Love starts out muted and cautiously builds to more sinister ends, whereas House of Metal radiates depravity and seduction in equal parts. Wolfe's voice is convincingly emotive; human frailty is always central, even in the set's most distortion-driven moments.

 

Often unfairly lumped into the crowded post-rock arena, Russian Circles' colossal instrumental assaults are much more direct and groove-focused than the music of their supposed peers. The resulting racket is both soothing and confrontational to behold. The trio stand ominous and apart, the stage constantly aglow with vivid bursts of colour, but it's the sonics that shine brightest, from the dizzying drum patterns of Geneva to the whirlwind guitar melodies of Mlàdek.

 

Fresh material from impressive new record Memorial gets some well-deserved play, particularly the metal riff-laden Deficit and the soaring 1777. The earlier material tends to be more riff-focused, cold and distant in delivery, but as their career has progressed, they've learned to incorporate much more emotional dynamics which are far more engaging live. These two label-mates have been around for a while now, but we may just be witnessing both in the midst of a winning streak.