Live Review: The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger @ Dingwalls

by | Sep 12, 2014

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

The Ghost of A Saber Tooth Tiger is waiting to hit the stage, as the appointed showtime of 9pm begins to slip by. Someone, somewhere, is struggling to set up the projected graphics that will swirl behind the band throughout the night. Whilst a technician begins to sweat, GOASTT use the shadows they are accidentally throwing onto the troublesome screen, (from backstage) to dance for and tease the waiting crowd. There’s something in the playfulness of this informal introduction between band and audience that sets up the atmosphere for the evening and runs throughout the night.

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

When they finally emerge from behind the screen the band launches straight into the first three songs from this year’s Midnight Sun album. Fronted by Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl, the five piece band weaves a rich and distinctive sonic tapestry.

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

The spacey, psychedelic sound is peppered with references to Xanadu, Orpheus and red shoes that won’t take us home. Such mystical pathways may send the listener out into the stratosphere, but the band’s skill is in never letting us get lost in space, instead keeping everyone tethered to the mothership by what are fundamentally beautifully crafted pop songs. It’s not all dreamy ethereal subject matter, either. Clear vocals and harmonies soar over bizarre tales of kidnap, ransom and ear-slicing (Poor Paul Getty), perversely framed as catchy, almost sing-a-long songs that belie their darkly weird content.

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

Lennon introduces the band, admitting that their name is an extraordinary mouthful but claiming it was the only the band name left, so they had to go with it. We let him off the hook.

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

The evening draws to a close with a cover of Syd Barrett‘s Long Gone – a fitting tribute to a suitably likely influence on this intriguing act. Lennon admits they don’t play in London often but woos the audience by stating, “We’re very happy to be here – this is our coolest show ever”.

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger at Dingwalls in London on 10 September 2014. (Imelda Michalczyk)

With the main set all too quickly over and no encore, despite the enthusiasm of the crowd, we hope they’ll return with (literally) more soon.

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000UWetZ0ZGopc” g_name=”Ghost-Of-A-Sabre-Tooth-Tiger” f_show_caption=”t” f_show_slidenum=”t” img_title=”casc” pho_credit=”iptc” f_link=”t” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”t” f_fullscreen=”t” f_show_watermark=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_mtrx=”t” fsvis=”f” width=”600″ height=”450″ f_constrain=”t” bgcolor=”#ffffff” bgtrans=”t” btype=”new” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” crop=”f” twoup=”t” trans=”flip” tbs=”4000″ f_ap=”t” linkdest=”c” f_topbar=”f” f_bbar=”f” f_bbarbig=”” f_smooth=”f” f_up=”f” target=”_self” ]

The Ghost Of A Saber Tooth Tiger
Dingwalls, London, 10 September 2014
Photographs and review by Imelda Michalczyk. Imelda has her own site Rebeladelica here

 

Megan Moroney (Cece Dawson)

Megan Moroney Delivers The Breakup Anthem Of The Summer With Fiery New Single ‘6 Months Later’

After weeks of building buzz across social media and on stage, country music powerhouse Megan Moroney has officially released her latest single, 6 Months Later. A fierce, tongue-in-cheek breakup anthem drenched in sass and soul, the track is poised to become the soundtrack of the summer — an unmissable moment from one of country’s most electrifying rising stars.

KillerStar @ 100 CLUB (Briony Graham-Rudd)

KillerStar Unleash Live Version Of Glam-Rock Classic ‘Children Of The Revolution’ From Sold-Out 100 Club

KillerStar, the critically acclaimed outfit led by vocalist and guitarist Robert Fleming, have released a storming live rendition of T-Rex’s glam-rock anthem Children Of The Revolution, recorded during their sold-out shows at London’s legendary 100 Club earlier this year. The release is accompanied by a video capturing the electric energy of those special nights, featuring a band packed with legendary collaborators of the late David Bowie.

Infinite Coles (Reveka Pasternak)

Infinite Coles Unleashes Fearless New Pride Anthem ‘Boots Ballroom C*nt Mix’ Featuring Maleigh Zan & Julz

NYC-born singer, performer, dancer and model Infinite Coles steps out unapologetically proud and powerful this Pride month with the release of the blistering new track Boots Ballroom C*nt Mix, out now via Don’t Sleep/PIAS.

Steve Hackett (David Clay)

Steve Hackett Brings ‘The Lamb’ Roaring Back To Life With Royal Albert Hall Live Release

Progressive rock icon and former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett has announced the release of The Lamb Stands Up Live At The Royal Albert Hall, a landmark live recording of his spectacular October 2024 performance at London’s world-famous concert hall. Set to be released on 11th July 2025 via InsideOutMusic, the multi-format audio-visual collection captures a night that paid electrifying homage to one of the most ambitious and influential albums in rock history — Genesis’ 1974 opus The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.

Blair Davie (Press)

Blair Davie Shares Uplifting New Single ‘Wouldn’t Be Right’

Rising Scottish singer-songwriter Blair Davie has unveiled their newest single Wouldn’t Be Right, an infectious yet tender anthem released today via Giant Music. Fusing upbeat melodies with introspective lyrics, the track builds on Davie’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s most emotionally honest and promising new voices.

Oasis (Simon Emmett)

Oasis Launch Official ‘Live ’25’ Fan Stores Ahead Of Sold-Out World Tour

As Oasis prepare to make their long-awaited return to the stage in 2025, the band has announced a major new addition to the fan experience: a series of official Oasis Live ‘25 Fan Stores set to open across the UK and Ireland, beginning with a flagship location in Manchester this Friday, 20th June.

Cam (Szilveszter Makó)

Cam Announces Intimate London Show & Bold New Album ‘All Things Light’

Following the recent release of her spellbinding single Alchemy, GRAMMY®-winning artist Cam has officially announced her third full-length studio album, All Things Light, due out Friday, 18th July via RCA Records. Alongside the album news, the Huntington Beach, California-hailing musician has also confirmed a special one-off intimate show in London at The Tabernacle on 10th July 2025 — marking her first UK performance since her 2023 Roundhouse appearance.

London Grammar @ Lido Festival 2025 (Ellie Koepke)

London Grammar Close First-Ever LIDO Festival With Mesmerising Set In Victoria Park

The inaugural LIDO Festival came to a triumphant end on Sunday night as London Grammar delivered a spellbinding headline set to a sun-kissed Victoria Park. The final act of a groundbreaking, artist-led ten-day event, their widescreen pop swept across the East London fields with crystalline clarity, bringing the festival’s closing chapter to an emotional high.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing