Tomorrow's Ghost

Whitby. Just another seaside town in the north of England renowned for its ravenous, chip-stealing seagulls; its ice-cream-splattered pavements and its biting gale-force winds. At least - during the day. But as the night cometh, underneath a cloud of hairspray, a flock of goths and alternatives from every nook and cranny of the northeast gathered under a waxing moon at the Pavilion. On Saturday 29th April, “Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival” – the mega successful bi-annual event, established in Halloween 2018 - promised a sold-out evening of bands quite unlike any other. Following Friday’s stirring performances from Siberia, The Rose of Avalanche, Christian Death and Cold Cave (what a bloody lineup!), the second day of gigs was sure to send April 2023 out with a bang. 

As the clock struck seven, first to descend onto the stage, under a flurry of smoke and red lighting, was The Nosferatu, with each member clad in outfits and slick hairstyles that would send Bela Lugosi running for his money. Delivering their signature classic gothic rock, particularly from the 1993 album, Rise, The Nosferatu brought a sultry revival of the eighties British trad-goth tunes with a ninety’s vampiric harpsichord-kick. The Nosferatu left the crowd parched for more, following their iconic performance of “Vampyres Cry”, with Tim Vic flaunting his ever-spooky vocals. 

Up next, hailing from Greater Manchester was the fresh-faced IST IST (established 2014), with their last stop of their UK tour landing in our cozy Whitby. Lead singer, Adam Houghton, delivered such powerful, yet haunting, vocals, as he dished out back-to-back bangers. “You’re Mine” and “Stamp You Out” were just two of many songs from their back catalogue that create the perfect vibe for running through a vampire’s castle in a long-black dress under a full-moon. And for a bit of a boogie. IST IST are THE band to follow. With their upcoming European tour, IST IST carry a strong potential to smash it big-time, particularly in the German gothic-rock scene. If you’re a fan of Auger or The Slow Reader Club, IST IST will have a special spot on your playlist. 

To follow, brandishing a more macabre tone, with their gloom-oozing lyrics (and, surprisingly, half-representing us northerners on the forefront of the new gothic-dark-wave-scene) was Lebanon Hanover. With over 700 million total listens on Spotify alone, Lebanon Hanover lures in a predominantly younger audience with an almost cult-like interest; waves of fans could be spotted with “Sadness is Rebellion” painted across their leather jackets. The band is made up of two gifted individuals who both showcase their talents in vocals and with various instruments. When he’s not jamming on the bass to “Alien”, our northern lad, William, sets the stage’s atmosphere aflame with his infectious dancing, tempting you into the gothic dark-wave groove with tracks such as “Kiss Me Until My Lips Fall Off”, “Du Schrollst” and, “Totally Tot” with moves akin to Ian Curtis’ energetic stage presence, but to a much more ghoulish, and gushingly-dark atmosphere. Larissa juxtaposes William, with her composed, and chilled-out Poison Ivy-esque demeanor, making us all wish we could just be a smidgeon as cool as her. Whilst their stage look is minimalist, this power couple’s music swallows you whole, and takes you to a nightclub, out somewhere in Central Europe at 4 AM, while drawing on a long cigarette. If you’re a big fan of Boy Harsher, Lebanon Hanover is perfect for your playlist. Not my usual taste in music, but an awesome stage show, nonetheless. 

And so, the headliner. One look at the sorts in the crowd, and you knew who was next onstage. As the roadies prepared their super-quick turnover between bands, a sea of New Model Army t-shirts, from every era, age, and album, surged on forward. If you’re at all familiar with New Model Army’s super-loyal fanbase, you’d know this band was absolutely the reason for the show’s “sold-out” sticker. As the smoke settled, and Yorkshire-representing front-man Justin Sullivan appeared, the crowd flew into a frenzy from the first chord of “Frightened.” 

Like many others, I’ve seen New Model Army in Whitby, alone, at least three or four times, but with over 200 songs in their holster, the band has just a few choices to deliver a fresh setlist with each tour. With hit songs, such as “Angry Planet”, “Vagabonds” and “Here Comes the War”, often populating the list, New Model Army never fails to bring a distinct, almost folk-like, spiritually-inspired, post-punk sound which has an appeal for every audience member. With Sullivan’s allegorical lyrics, and unique voice, New Model Army deliver an unmatched style that is food for the soul, that you’ll never find with any other band elsewhere. New Model Army invited a congregation of goths, punks, alternatives (to name a few) to create a “Family” – as the hardcore fans (“The Militia”) call themselves, because they’re “looking for family, looking for tribe.”

This canny bunch of lads and lasses deserve their own article. And like a family, The Militia very much look out for each other. Especially in the mosh-pit, where – even if you feel like you’re a pinball in a machine of boogying bodies – The Militia “have been doing this for forty years” (as I heard one geezer say) and create a safe and welcoming environment that invites all people together for a jig. And for some climbing onto shoulders – if you’re brave enough! Alas, every spectacle must end at some point. The band ended their show with a string of encore songs, including “125 Mph”, “51st State” and “Green and Grey” – the lattermost song sending the whole crowd’s arms to the skies in an emotional singalong, much like a collective prayer. There is no other band out there that scratches the itch you didn’t know you had quite like New Model Army. The post-gig blues will settle in soon enough.

And as the bands left, pursued with cheers, the night ended with a good old gothic shuffle on the dance floor, hosted by the fabulous Carpe Noctum. From Rosetta Stone to Siouxsie and the Banshees, to Fields of the Nephilim, every baby bat to old-school goth had something to disco on to, into the early hours. But for now, it’s back to Trillians for a cheeky pint in Newcastle, before we make the pilgrimage back to Whitby for The Mission and The 69 Eyes in October.

Acknowledgements

Bela McCoy would like to thank Jayne McCoy, Joseph Smith, Harley McCourt, Nova Maddison, Andi Halliley and an anonymous reader for their review of the original manuscript, which has improved its contents fabulously.