The Vaulted Skies – Down At The Front

Black Doldrums at the Horn

Paul Hudson — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 21:40:33 +0000

I haven’t seen Black Doldrums since 2018 but I had a vague memory of liking what I heard. As a friend’s band, The Vaulted Skies were supporting. It seemed like a good opportunity to refresh my memory.

It was the first time I had seen The Vaulted Skies since before lockdown. Featuring yet another new drummer, this was a core set featuring some of my favourite songs. With their gothy Cure inspired songs, they were a perfect support and start to the evening.

The Vaulted Skies

Sadly, one of the support bands had pulled out. This meant the attendance was a little low. But there was still a reasonable amount who stuck around to see an excellent set from the Black Doldrums. Playing gothy heavy, but very danceable psych. I have to admit. I was sure they were a duo. But they worked perfectly as a three piece with the bass and drums combining to help me works up a sweat up as I danced along.

Weirdly, at one point the singer, Kevin Gibbard, ventured out into the crowd and handed out envelopes. Not sure what was in them. I think they might have been lyrics. I think even those who received the envelopes were as confused as me.

I really can’t allow it to be four years before I next see them. Despite their name, they lifted my spirit tonight.

Set List

Dreamcatcher
Sidewinder
Sad Paradise
Sleepless Nights
There is no Eye
Those With A Rope Around Their Neck (Don’t Always Hang)
Now You Know This
Mae’s Desire
Runaway
Dandy Massacre

February 2017

Paul Hudson — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 17:43:45 +0000

This month’s bands

Bands I liked

Vyk Non, Temples, The Leaf Library, Big Thief, Jess Williamson, The Vaulted Skies, Catholic Action, Hen Ogledd, Emma Kupa, Laura Cannell, Essen and the Witch, Indian Queens, Yassassin, Fews

Bands that were okay

Grounds, Bette Noire, ISAN, Amelia Lappert, Stevie Parker, The Great Electric, eagleowl , Neon Waltz

Bands I won’t be going out of my way to see again

Wild Daughter, Alex Taylor, Hope, Charlie Manning, Judah Gayle, Glass Table Girls,

Best Gig

Some great gigs this month. Fews were great at the Moth Club. But the highlight was Esben and the Witch.

Best new band

Big Thief

Albums of the Month

Strike a Match – Sacred Paws
The Texas Jerusalem Crossroads (Remaster) – Lift to Experience
Heart Song – Jess Williamson

Best photo

Vaulted Skies

Paul Hudson — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 21:02:40 +0000

The Vaulted Skies are a friend’s band. They play music inspired by gothy 80s bands like the Cure. So it was a big evening for them to support Reeves Gabrels, a guitarist who’s played with the Cure. Listening to some of his stuff beforehand, I wasn’t too impressed. Likewise, I wasn’t too impressed by his tour support Lisa Ronson. But, occasionally you have to make the effort for friends and in my case going to so many gigs each year, I really need a good reason not to.

The Vaulted Skies were on good form. Their brand of retro goth is actually quite refreshing amongst the sea of standard indie fair. So I don’t find it a chore watching them. Tonight they played a new song, Nights and I thought was pretty good.

Lisa Romson was up next. I’d class her as a performer rather than a singer. She tells a story through her performance. I can’t say I completely enjoyed her music but I did enjoy the overall performance and I’d quite like to see her again

Reeves Gabrels closed the show. Clearly a good guitarist. But his music was pretty bland. His guitar solos very good. But I didn’t feel any emotion from them. One of the blues songs he played went on for an age and had less emotion that two bit blues hacks I’ve seen in Austin bars. For me blues isn’t about proficiency, but about emotion. Both from the tone of the guitar and voice. Unfortunately, for me, vocally, he wasn’t strong. So sorry, sadly he didn’t impress me.

Vaulted Skies

Paul Hudson — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 21:02:14 +0000

Friend’s band

The Vaulted Skies at the Horn

Paul Hudson — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 19:45:09 +0000

Friend’s band playing the Horn

The Vaulted Skies

Paul Hudson — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 21:49:36 +0000

A friend’s band playing an enjoyable gig in St Albans

Vaulted Skies

The Vaulted Skies

Paul Hudson — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 13:28:02 +0000

A friend’s band’s first real gig at the Horn in St Albans. They did a good job. People seemed to enjoy them.

The Vaulted Skies

Paul Hudson — Sat, 19 Oct 2013 22:34:50 +0000

An in-store in Empire Records in St Albans for a friend’s band, the Vaulted Skies. This was one of their first public performance and it seemed to go down pretty well.