Outside the Academy the rain is lashing down like apocalypse has started and skinny jean wearing youths wail in disapproval at this unplanned cold shower. Inside however things are heating up quite nicely as Sheffield’s finest – Rolo Tomassi – flail around the stage seemingly intent on covering every single board. For people not familiar with their sound, imagine a hardcore band playing Trad Jazz at double speed whilst vocalist Eva Spencer alternates between angelic whispers and demonic growls. On paper it doest work.  Live, however, they are magic. Twisting guitar lines overlap with sinister synths to provide the backdrop to Eva’s evil sirens call. The punters in the academy stand open-mouthed not knowing whether to dance or to stroke their chins in approval. Ace!

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With the state of everything at the moment, what with recession, pig flu, unemployment, etc, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Gallows and the release of their second album, named appropriately to remind us of what an amazing country, despite all this, we actually live in.

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