Pure Love, Bush Hall, London

‘This is the new era of Frank Carter,’ laughs the man himself, as he grips onto his microphone stand. ‘There’s a lot more smiles involved.’ That part is clear to see.

Tonight, we’re experiencing a little moment of musical history. As with any debut show, it’s set to be a remarkable evening, but this one feels just a little more special. As of yet, Pure Love have remained entirely quiet; their only musical offering thus far being a minute and a half of instrumental. And so, tonight marks not just their first live performance, but the unveiling of any of their music at all.

As the band walk out onto the stage, which has fairy lights draped over amps, red and white balloons are floated through the audience. Both members are suited. Guitarist Jim Carroll is a mass of long dark hair, whilst Carter looks almost exactly the same as when we last met, with one subtle difference: that aforementioned smile.

The music itself is a breathtaking step away from anything you could’ve expected. Simmering with bluesy guitars, but occasionally laced with punk tendencies, it’s simple and straightforward rock music. There are elements of heaviness, but not in the sense of the duo’s previous projects. You can even almost hear the distant sounds of Brooklyn, which seem to work coherently alongside the lyrical stories of London. Above all changes though, the most remarkable lies in Carter’s vocals. ‘So, as you can probably tell, I learned to sing.’ He’s laughing as he says it, but truthfully, his voice sounds wonderful as it carries a passionate - albeit not aggressive - weight through his lyrics.

The frontman himself is full of praise for their audience, full of encouragement. He jokes about the crowd having fun, provoking an unlikely circle pit before crowdsurfing himself. Some would say it’s not entirely suited - and he claims to be ‘too old to be doing that anymore’ soon after - but it works perfectly.

Throughout the evening, Carter’s words are greeted with absolute support, which can only ever be something of a relief. A mention goes out to his brother Steph, who is stood sidestage, before a song is dedicated to his fiancé, along with the repeated sentiment of ‘I love you!’ It’s entirely endearing and completely refreshing.

The words that really make you think though, are some of the first he utters tonight: ‘I haven’t been this happy in my fucking life.’ It’s a big statement, but by all means, you believe him. Thus begins the new era of Frank Carter, and it looks like it’s going to be an exciting one.