Those ‘Bloodsuckers’ SAINT AGNES deliver a powerful punch to the guts at Leeds Key Club
Words and Photos – John Hayhurst
The first gig of the year, feels like I’ve waited ages for Saint Agnes to come around again and this was the postponed tour of 2023 supporting their latest opus ‘Bloodsuckers’. The last time I saw them at The Key Club was as part of the Live at Leeds festival, and during the tail end of their blistering set, vocalist Kitty Austin jumped into the crowd and I caught part of her back, spraining my wrist in the process. Doubt that will happen tonight as it is not a sell out, so if Kitty does jump, she better be ready to land on her feet !!
I feel like I have followed Saint Agnes from an early part of their career and it feels a complete shame that there aren’t more people here tonight to witness this incredible live band. Kitty is a phenomenal frontwoman, full of the kind of angsty crazyness you want, with a glint in her eye and a scream in her lungs. Once we got going (seemed like a never ending white noise intro in the darkness) ‘Bloodsuckers’ the title track kicked it off, and both Kitty and Jon James Tufnell are battling it out with their guitars. Mostly backlit it was difficult to see them, even up close as I was on the front row.
A special note goes out to bass player Maxine, who had already put in a shift for Crashface, main support band tonight. Whilst not a permanent member of Saint Agnes she could more than keep up with Kitty and Jon’s antics on stage.
The setlist as expected was driven by ‘Bloodsuckers’ but the very fine ‘Daughter of Lucifer’ and ‘Vampire’ were well received by this reviewer, and a stunning version of ‘This Is Not The End’ where Kitty did wander into the audience for this dedication to her mother, sadly lost before recording the album. Support band Crashface lead singer Charlie Hinton returned to the stage for ‘Repent’ which is exactly what Mimi Barks did on their last tour.
This was another show of the kind of brilliant guitar based industrial rock rap that Rage Against The Machine should be doing, why Saint Agnes are not getting packed crowds in, I do not understand. Their live performance is a visceral jaw dropping guitar slung brilliance, enough to warm anyone up on a cold January night. Leeds – You can do better !! Saint Agnes – Keep doing what your doing and the fans will come.
John has been to gigs for over 30 years and he travels all over for festivals. Genres range from folky female singers to bloodbath metal whores - Live for the Music!
