The Wytches, a British Surf-Doom band have released a special live streamed performance to mark halloween this year and in advance of their upcoming album which is due of release soon. The set they performed is dark and heavy and perfectly suited for the halloween occasion. The Wytches are known for their dark and twisted sound which they have amplified with creepy visuals and scary costumes in this live video.
The performance was recorded in ‘Birmingham’s underground,’ and uploaded to Instagram by Megatone Sessions. The Megatone Sessions premiered with an electronic artist called Blue Ruth and The Wytches’ halloween performance is a second instalment in the series. The loud and raucous doom sounds of The Wytches sound even more potent in a time of plague. This band have been post-apocalyptic for years so the pandemic must come as no surprise to them.
The Wytches used the most of their halloween performance opportunity by teasing fans with the sounds of their upcoming album release ‘Three Mile Ditch,’ which the band are selling direct to fans on bandcamp with a variety fo deluxe and limited edition options available. The prices they are offering are incredible affordable compared to the mainstream recording industry with a limited edition red vinyl available for just £22, only two more expensive than the standard cut. On top of this fans can also get their hands on a a deluxe bundle including red vinyl, a signed CD and art print, a Cassette and a T-shirt for £50, cheaper than many of the top bundles of more mainstream artists such as The Gorillaz costing much more than this.
Anyone wanting to have an early listen to the songs can also do this on the band’s Bandcamp sight which allows for free unlimited streaming of the album while you consider whether you would like to pre-order a physical copy or purchase a download. Not only is bandcamp more affordable for the listener, it is also better for the artist as they receive money for their sales directly, with a small commission taken by the website, rather than through royalty payments as a traditional label model would have it. Bandcamp have also on a number of occasions on specific dates, waived their commission on all sales made through their service that day, especially throughout lockdown which has given many small or independent artists a much needed financial boost throughout this crisis.
Like all bands at this moment, the touring plans of The Wytches have been severely impacted by the ongoing restrictions, with the first gig of their new album tour which would have been in Leeds this month being cancelled. Unfortunately for fans across the country the band do not have any more shows scheduled until July 2021 when they are set to play in Cheltenham. The band also have dates arranged on the continent so fans across the channel will likely be crossing their fingers for the R rate to be driven down quickly enough to allow live music again.
