Reviewed on 02/11/18

4 stars

Cornish trio William The Conqueror began their latest tour at Gullivers in Manchester. The Indie-Americana outfit are making giant strides in taking on the UK music scene and not just winning the battle but the war as well.

The set comprised of songs from their debut album, Proud Disturbers of the Peace and their upcoming release Bleeding on the Soundtrack. The band pull out some big hitters early on with Pedestals and The Many Faces of A Good Truth, the former a rebel rousing song of defiance, the latter a funky dirty blues number perfect for our rather dark surroundings.

Guitarist and lead singer Ruarri Joseph has a truly unique voice: his vocals drift between heartbreak and pain to upbeat rebellion within the blink of an eye. He is soundly supported by Naomi Holmes and her thunderous bass and Harry Harding on the drums.

They turn it up a notch with the arrival of Bleeding on the Soundtrack their latest single. It seems to give the band and the crowd a jolt, with the remainder of the gig becoming a toe-tapping, raucous affair.

Live favourites Tend to the Thorns, Cold Ontario and the anthemic Proud Disturber of the Peace close the show, with the band clearly enjoying their night and relishing the chance to play their new material live: and judging by the reaction of the crowd it’s going to go down a storm. The battle may only just be starting for the Cornish trio, but make sure you’re on their side from the offset and you won’t be disappointed.