With my best stomping boots on, we rushed through an incredibly empty Albert Road. The journey to the venue was uneventful, as uneventful as walking past some of the most interesting architecture in Portsmouth can be. Home to the Kings Theatre, vanishing antique shops, a cigar bar, and, my favourite, the shop Dress Code.
As we neared the venue, we were growing increasingly concerned. Have we mixed up the dates? Even the pubs we walked past were devoid of their signature chattering. As soon as the entrance came in view, any doubt was dashed by a line of people clad in all black, chunky boots and fantastic eyeliner. Tonight was the night.
Image Credit: Corpus Delicti Via Facebook / @elliot_pietrapiana
Shuffling through the crowd, we were presented with the snug belly of Portsmouth’s Wedgewood Rooms, wallpapered by a menagerie of posters with deteriorating soundboard unevenly covering the ceiling.
The first band, named Curl, assembled, quieting the crowd as small cliques broke up and faced the performers. A lady with a cropped bob haircut, red dress and infectious smile took centre stage. On the microphone, she gives us a coy welcome. From the word go, we were transported into ethereal sounds – carried by a flowy electric guitar and her stellar vocals. From the corner of my eye, I spot my partner follow them on Bandcamp.
A hard performance to beat for sure, but Fake Empire kept the pace with their rock sound and memorable lyrics. Even after the night was over, I found myself reciting their words to no one. The drummer was a standout with her powerful presence – I couldn’t look away. According to the lead singer, their song, ‘Empire of the Unwell’ was inspired by Withnail and I – a movie that was already on our watch list, but one we now really must see.
Image Credit: Corpus Delicti
Intermission over, the album cover of Liminal was projected onto the stage. The guitarist and bassist were first on the scene, and as the drummer took his seat, the audience waited with bated breath for the first tune to begin.
Sébastien sauntered stage left in a black turtle neck, an item of clothing he would use to great effect during his performance, gesturing to it like a chain strapped to his neck. His stage presence was commanding, demanding absolute attention. His intense eye contact, strategically peppered across the standing area as he sang their weighty lyrics, was enchanting. Then, mid-set, his voice transformed as he asked us a reassuring “Everything okay?” It was disarming; the crowd went wild.
The guitarist was a dynamic fellow, smiling at the crowd. His bedazzled shirt blinded us among the copious reflective lights. I could have been fooled into thinking that this was how he was every night, and that still may be so, but there was a secret that added to his energetic performance, one which we would find out later in the show.
When I first caught wind of them playing in Portsmouth, I was delighted but also somewhat confused. When it came to gigs in the South of England, they would typically be scheduled in Bristol or Brighton; the two towns known for their alternative crowds. It makes sense, there are already so many living there that would be interested in attending, and we who live further afield would make the effort to travel there. We had done so many times in the past. So why Portsmouth?
As the night came to a close, the guitarist would take the microphone. He would thank us for attending and would reveal the answer to our question.
Image Credit: Corpus Delicti Via Facebook / @elliot_pietrapiana
“Home away from home”, he called it. His hand stretched out to his friends, going wild in the crowd. It was such a wonderful moment to behold. What an honour to be part of this experience. He would go on to thank all who made this night possible, and I would like to thank them too, for allowing us to be a part of it.
To Corpus Deliciti, thank you for coming to our town, and we hope to see you again soon.
Featured Image Credit: Corpus Delicti, 2026 Tour
