Words and Pictures: Adrian Hextall / MindHex Media
The Underworld in Camden played host to a potent cocktail of rock as South of Salem brought their ‘Death of the Party’ tour to a sold-out crowd, flanked by the formidable support of High Parasite and the energetic In Search of Sun. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation from the moment the doors opened, a testament to the growing buzz surrounding all three bands.
VIP
Prior to that…. let’s just rewind one hour to 5pm instead of the 6pm doors open time. People talk about VIP sessions and there are VIP sessions and there are VIP sessions. A South of Salem VIP session includes early entry, a VIP t-shirt, a signed setlist, a VIP lanyard, a meet and greet with the band, a short acoustic set with all 5 members and a Q&A where they would take any and all questions and reply with detailed answers. Witnessing the one in London, it’s safe to say that those present had done it before. Challenged by Katie Richardson, the band’s tour manager, the fans were advised just how loud the crowds had been for the VIP slots at all of the other venues on the tour and for many, clearly not their first rodeo, they responded in kind and gave it their all when the quintet arrived.
The acoustic set included ‘Pretty Little Nightmare’ and ‘Made to be Mine’ (both from their debut album ‘The Sinner Takes it All’). A neat touch knowing that all of the main set later would be from follow up ‘Death of the Party’.
With an open forum Q&A, the crowd were made to feel like part of the crew before the band then posed for photos along the long corridor wall that separates the bar at The Underworld with the main performance area. When you think that some VIP sessions are like conveyor belts where fans barely get a moment with the band before being moved along, this felt like a moment where the band recognised the debt owed to the fans that had resulted in the ‘SOLD OUT’ sign above the Underworld. The fans left with smiles on their faces clutching goodies ready to embrace the main event.
In Search of Sun
Kicking off the night with a jolt of energy were London locals In Search of Sun. Their self-proclaimed funk-metal sound was delivered with infectious enthusiasm and impressive musicianship. Despite a last-minute stand-in on guitar, Quentin ‘Quiny’ Lucien stepped up admirably, as mainstay Rory Kay couldn’t play on this tour, yet appeared in the audience for this particular show. It must have been a weird feeling for Rory and Quiny seemed to have a blast.
Selections from their latest album, ‘Lemon Amigos,’ including the stunning ‘Contagious’ were delivered with a considerably beefier live sound than their recorded material. Front man Adam Leader proved to be a charismatic presence, keeping the energy levels high and engaging the already packed venue. Their set was a vibrant mix of styles, captivating the early arrivals and undoubtedly earning them new fans with their electrifying performance.
High Parasite
Following In Search of Sun, High Parasite offered a stark but equally compelling contrast. With painted faces and a commanding stage presence, they unleashed a punchy goth-rock sound, tinged with a doom-laden low end reminiscent of early Sisters of Mercy crossed with hints of My Dying Bride (unsurprisingly, given singer Aaron Stainthorpe’s legacy).
Their set drew heavily from their 2024 release, ‘Forever We Burn,’ with tracks like ‘Parasite’, ‘Concentric Nightmares’, and ‘Forever We Burn’ showcasing their wonderfully groovy yet heavy sound. Stainthorpe’s prowling stage presence, coupled with the powerful delivery from the rest of the band, made for a polished and immersive performance. For fans of the darker and heavier side of rock, High Parasite were a definite highlight, leaving a lasting impression with their unique blend of gothic atmosphere and driving rhythms.
South Of Salem
By the time South of Salem took the stage, The Underworld was an inferno (sweat literally running down the walls), packed to the brim with eager fans ready to celebrate the Bournemouth quintet’s sold-out show. This milestone performance was a clear statement of their growing popularity, achieved through sheer hard work, undeniable talent, and a genuine connection with their dedicated fanbase, affectionately known as ‘The Coven.’
The band wasted no time launching into a blistering set, notably performing their entire sophomore album, ‘Death of the Party,’ from start to finish. Tracks like ‘Vultures’, ‘Static’, ‘Jet Black Eyes’, and the anthemic title track filled the venue with their signature blend of melodic, razor-sharp riffs and outrageously infectious hooks.
Adding an extra layer to their performance were their two dancers, Lolly and Georgia, who consistently enhance the visual spectacle of a South of Salem show. While the intimate setting of The Underworld meant limited use of their usual pyro and CO2 jets, the band’s raw energy and the sheer enthusiasm of the crowd more than compensated.
Fan favourites from their debut album made up the encore, ensuring the night ended on an absolute high.
About Author
