Having parted ways in the summer of last year, Brighton’s finest hardcore outfit, The Ghost Of A Thousand are back for just three nights. Tonight they headline a hometown warm-up show in anticipation of some support slots at Brixton Academy. With all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK and The Christie Hospital in Manchester, tonight’s show is set to be a special treat for the fans.

Opening with the sombre twinklings of ‘Small Mercies’ they progress aggressively into ‘Left For Dead’. This show may be a sad farewell, but the band are clearly on top form. Unpolished and raw is what they live and breathe, and from the outset, the perspiration is rife.

The rage continues, interspersed with multiple stage dives from vocalist Tom Lacey and the rest of the gang. Standout moments include ‘Knees, Toes, Teeth’ and ‘Running On Empty’ – both fast, ballsy attacks on the world, but in such a compact environment, they are even more effective.

After their formation in 2004, the guys had a great career spanning two highly-rated albums. When they played their last show at Hevy Festival in 2011 it seemed the split was somewhat premature. Ironically, they’ve now reformed for a farewell tour: the headliners of their London shows, Alexisonfire, are also calling it a day. Tonight, however, we relish the rejuvenated spirits of the guys on stage, even though we know it’s short-lived.

Going out on an incredible high note, ‘Bored Of Math’ is chanted with a great deal of passion as the Brighton lads take it in turns to drop their instruments and immerse themselves in the crowd. The band raised £5000 for charity by playing this show, which makes this (second) goodbye even more sincere.

Coalition, Friday 30th November 2012
Words by Lizzi Hart