“Satisfying fuzz crunches and out-there solo runs… there’s an extra layer of atmosphere and weight”: The Fierce And The Dead’s Live At Ramsgate Music Hall ’24

Psych-prog-stoners at their best on seaside rendezvous stage

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The Fierce And The Dead – Live at Ramsgate Music Hall '24
(Image: © The Fierce And The Dead)

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They’ve made some cracking studio albums in their 14-year existence, but The Fierce & The Dead’s forte is playing live. In turn, their live discs – 2017’s Field Recordings, 2019’s Live USA 17 and the 2020 three-track Live At The Hope And Anchor – also kick tush.

This latest live collection shows off TFATD in a crisply recorded set-up. They broke with their instrumentals-only tradition in 2022 when bassist Kev Feazey revealed himself to be a creditable alt rock singer, and they’re now joined by another voice, Tom Hunt, who’s also on keys.

Veering into dark electronica on 2018 LP The Euphoric, there’s an extra layer of atmosphere and weight at various places in the set, although the Big Black-like Magnet (In Your Face), the “heavy metal song’’ that launches the gig, needs no such dressing.

The Fierce And The Dead - What A Time To Be Alive - Live at Ramsgate Music Hall - YouTube The Fierce And The Dead - What A Time To Be Alive - Live at Ramsgate Music Hall - YouTube
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Photogenic Love, however, is enriched by Hunt’s presence, and he subtly underlines the glam shoegaze of What A Time To Be Alive and lends Deftones-like texture to the moody Non-Player.

Satisfying fuzz guitar crunches and out-there solo runs from Matt Stevens and Steve Cleaton, along with Stuart Marshall’s drumwork, keep this clever lot top of the live pops.

Live At Ramsgate Music Hall ’24 is on sale now.

Jo Kendall
Jo Kendall

Jo is a journalist, podcaster, event host and music industry lecturer who joined Kerrang! in 1999 and then the dark side – Prog – a decade later as Deputy Editor. Jo's had tea with Robert Fripp, touched Ian Anderson's favourite flute (!) and asked Suzi Quatro what one wears under a leather catsuit. Jo is now Associate Editor of Prog, and a regular contributor to Classic Rock. She continues to spread the experimental and psychedelic music-based word amid unsuspecting students at BIMM Institute London and can be occasionally heard polluting the BBC Radio airwaves as a pop and rock pundit. Steven Wilson still owes her £3, which he borrowed to pay for parking before a King Crimson show in Aylesbury.