Live Review: 15 Years of Sons of the North – Black Spiders at The Lexington, London (14/02/26)

Back in the heady days of 2011, an English rock band filled with vim and vigour released their debut album, ‘Sons of the North’. An album that I was smitten with, the first time I heard it, and continue to find a lot of joy with, even though the band, Black Spiders aren’t on my radar in quite the same way these days.

I still really appreciate them though, so when they announced that they were going to be doing some shows to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the album, they had me sold, especially as it was going to be the album in full.

The Lexington in London was the venue, fast becoming a favourite, and there was a palatable buzz in the room as the lights dropped and Black Spiders took to the stage. We’re all just that little bit older, but it’s a night of turning back the clock and from the moment Stay Down rings out, everyone is having fun.

Fuck you and this one-horse town.

I love that track for its energy, but I really love KISS Tried to Kill Me for its infectiousness and singalong chorus. I also love Just Like a Woman for being such a groovy effort. The first part of the set, and the first part of the album, flying by in a blur of body-shaking, foot-tapping, and head-banging rock and roll music. Black Spiders’ form is immense too, clearly enjoying themselves and enjoying the crowd response.

Especially when the likes of Blood of the Kings, St. Peter, Medusa’s Eyes, and Si, El Diablo go down an absolute treat. This is where we get some of the biggest singalongs of all.

Lord knows all the trouble I’m in.

Of course, everyone will have their own favourite track from Sons of the North but mine is the finale, What Good’s a Rock Without a Roll? A riotous banger that goes just as hard in the live environment and caps off a wonderful slice of nostalgia.

Seemingly aware that, as a show, they’re short-changing people though Black Spiders do throw out a few extra tracks from the (easily forgotten) Cinco Hombres EP that came out two years prior. Alas, the high of the album has passed, and these tracks (Meadow for example) just don’t cut it in quite the same way. We’ve all had a blast partying like it’s 2011, and I’m more than happy to leave it there tonight.

Eat thunder, shit lightning.