Live Review : Filter + Belmondo @ Gorilla, Manchester on March 12th 2024

Tonight’s headliners Filter have very rarely made it across to these shores, but have a loyal and passionate fanbase. Led by one-time Nine Inch Nails guitarist Richard Patrick, Filter mix elements of many different genres, but if you like early noughties industrial rock, with both light and dark aspects, then you’ll find something to enjoy in their vast collection I promise.

If you're craving that raw, unadulterated sound reminiscent of the heydays of '90s alt-rock, then support band Belmondo might just be your new favourite band. Hailing from Brighton, but with a multinational twist via France, Switzerland and…Ipswich, this band delivers a grungy post-punk punch that's as edgy as it is infectious. Imagine Hole colliding head-on with the swagger of Soundgarden, yet with an added magic that brings it all together with a modern twist. That's the magic of Belmondo. From their very first chord, we're catapulted into a world of mid-to-up-tempo grunge with a distinctly post-punk and rocky edge.

Fronted by a powerhouse duo, Carmen Mellino and Kelan Moore, they waste no time in grabbing your attention, especially Mellino’s vocal that reminds me of Siouxsie Sioux. But it's not just the vocals that hook you in, it’s the whole package. Mellino’s bass has a filthy, overdriven bass tone that seeps into your bones and refuses to let go, and Moore’s guitar work is a gnawing, intense metalized grunge-fest. In fact, with a nod to early noughties bands like tonight’s headliners Filter, the guitar work from both Moore and lead guitarist Laurent Lesaffre (who could easily be mistaken for a Trent Reznor doppelgänger) is a masterclass in controlled chaos, ably led by drummer Jules Freiss who lays down a relentless beat. Think evil riffs that wouldn't feel out of place in a dark, smoky club circa 2001. But then there's more to it than just the heavy distortion; there's an undeniable gothic tribal vibe lurking beneath the surface, channelling the spirit of bands like Bauhaus.

Belmondo bring their own modern twist though - this band knows how to keep things fresh and exciting. They introduce one track as a treat for fans of Filter (there should’ve been a few in the crowd you’d guess…) and Faith No More and the song oozes with the kind of churning, violent energy that wouldn't feel out of place on a Killing Joke record. It's dark, it's intense, and it's undeniably great. This band brings a diverse range of influences to the table, resulting in a sound that's as captivating as it is unpredictable. They’ve an infectious charisma, killer songs, and undeniable style - keep your eyes, and ears, on these as they're sure to go from strength to strength.

And so to our headliners, the mighty Filter. They honestly don’t tour the UK very often at all, and in the twenty-odd years I’ve been a fan this is only my second time of seeing them live (and first as headliners). It’s no surprise then that even with an early doors the place is absolutely packed for them, and none of us are left disappointed as their performance tonight is simply stunning. The crowd woops crazily for Richard Patrick, the powerhouse frontman and ever-present mastermind behind the band, as he takes to the stage with the current setup of the band. Filter's sound has been described as everything from industrial-rock to grunge to nu-metal to pop-rock (and everything in between), but no one can deny that at their essence they produce deliciously catchy and enjoyable electronic heavy rock. 

Patrick delivers a performance that showcased his unwavering vocal style and skill from start to finish, holding all the raw character and intensity that Filter is known for, commanding attention with every word sung. The thundering bass tones, flawlessly executed throughout the set by ‘Rotten’ Bobby Miller, provide the solid foundation not just for the band's sound but also sound stylistics – it’s a vicious metal overdriven tone but with lashings of industrial nuance. ‘American Cliche’ showcases the band's signature guitar sound and style, imagine Geordie from Killing Joke’s sound with extra distortion looped in, and captivates the audience with its infectious groove. The balance between instruments is impeccable, allowing each element to shine through without overpowering the others, although I must make special mention to the phenomenally dynamic drumming of new addition Tosh Peterson. Peterson's drumming precision and intensity were particularly impressive, especially on faster, heavier tracks like ‘So I Quit’ and the dynamic fills in ‘It’s Gonna Kill Me’.

Despite the crowd being initially timid at the beginning of the gig, possibly in awe, they soon find themselves caught up in fervent enthusiasm, with everyone in the room fully immersed in the experience. The setlist is a parade of greatest hits, with standout moments like the explosive ‘(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do’ and the mesmerizing vocal harmonies of ‘Take a Picture’. When Patrick picks up the guitar for the Killing Joke-esque ‘Dose,’ the sound reaches a whole new level of meaty, visceral energy. One of the highlights of the night is of course ‘Welcome to the Fold’, and guitarist Jonny Radtke makes the most of the classic riff and solos to really rock back on the heels. Patrick himself expresses his enjoyment of singing the iconic “A-OK!” line after the song finishes. By the time they close the set with ‘Hey Man Nice Shot,’ the crowd are completely enraptured, swept up in the euphoria of the performance. A night to remember, a testament to the band's enduring talent, and a sign that they should tour the UK more often.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Filter, Belmondo