Live Review

William Control – Borderline, London

• 30th Jul 2010

Venture pass the busy streets of Tottenham Court Road and creep underground to hell to meet William Control. In the heart of London town, it’s the perfect setting; the place where his story all began. Beneath the hustle and bustle of the real world, watch those who live their lives on the dark side experience the show of their lives.

William Control steals your mind with thunderous electronic grooves thumping into your soul and blinding flashing lights, causing you to let loose, go crazy and forget who you are. Anthems like “Beautiful Loser” and “Tranquilize,” bring the crowd together, singing every word, whilst your body dances into a wild frenzy.

Welcome to the craziest gothic rave London has ever encountered. WiL’s performance is energetic, entertaining and just down right sexy. Half way through the set, he performs “The Whipping Haus” where the lyrics begin with “Take off your clothes,” and the men did exactly that. As WiL removed his waistcoat revealing just a pair of braces hung over his tattooed chest, the men in the audience rip off their t-shirts and launch them at the singer.

The chaos continues with more upbeat, dynamic and vigorous tracks including “Death Club” and “Razors Edge.” Then the frantic movement stops as you are brought back down to Earth with the soft and soothing “Noir.” Stripped away from the guitars and synthesizers, the only sound you hear is WiL’s, accompanied with a beautiful piano melody. It’s at this point where you can just relax and truly appreciated the artist’s voice as he oozes passion and charisma.

The frontman exits the stage to the sound of “Epilogue,” the last spoken track from his new album “Noir.” You think it’s all over but William Control never fails to surprise you. Returning with both his guitarists, he captivates the crowd to join him in one last attempt to create havoc and mayhem, with the thrilling “I’m Only Human Sometimes.”

With such admiration for his favourite city, it was only fitting to perform “London Town.” This heartfelt anthem became one of the show-stopping performances of the night.

The “Epilogue” finishes with a clear statement, “Do you like me now?” After witnessing tonight’s epic performance, I can honestly say, “Yes I do.”