VNV Nation, AlterRed @ Purple Turtle, London

VNV Nation

AlterRed

@

Purple Turtle

London

It's not often you're given the chance to see VNV Nation at Camden’s Purple Turtle, but when you you're granted that pleasure, you don't pass up the offer. The opportunity to see them in an intimate setting is one you don't ignore, especially when the gig's sold out.

Beginning the show tonight, it's hard to know what to expect from London's AlterRed. But despite the sombre appearance of human mannequin Vix, the band were well received by the crushed, cramped crowd.

It was soon time for the main event. VNV Nation emerged onto the smoky stage in front of an audience who seemed to have travelled from all over the world to be there. Playing tracks from newest album 'Automatic', as well as some favourites including 'Chrome' and 'Dollface' – the message was clear – you didn’t need to know all the words to the songs to get swept away in the intense atmosphere. The size of the venue and diversity of the crowd only added to the experience, as singer Ronan explained why performing at this particular pub was so important to him. Some of the band's first hits had been written in this very location, and to be playing here felt like they’d come home. Emotive songs such as 'Space & Time' and 'Nova' were interspersed with more upbeat pieces, with Ronan even demonstrating his disco dancing skills!

Play here more often? There's no doubt anyone squeezed inside the Purple Turtle would have disagreed. Despite the heat and lack of space in a venue designed for smaller turnouts, Mark and Ronan put on a memorable performance. In the words of the man himself – it really was 'beautiful'.

Reviewed by Abbie Bicknell & Photography Asif Salam