WILLIAM CONTROL

The Borderline, London
27/07/2010

Words: Kelly Jones Photos: Emma Bowdidge

One thing is for certain tonight as charismatic lead singer Wil Francis takes to the stage – William Control is a completely different entity to the band that initially broke Francis into fame, Aiden. It is all too easy to assume an artist’s solo work will incorporate copious amounts of their original band into their sound, but prejudice is left at the door of the intimate Borderline club. The music that Francis plays, along with Nick Wiggins and Kenneth Fletcher, is a different creature entirely; and a creature it is indeed, crawling around the tiny venue and transfixing every member of the crowd.
The band, now with two albums to their name, play through a mixture of tracks from both Hate Culture and Noir, including single from the former, Beautiful Losers. William Control’s music is darkly reminiscent of Kraftwerk and Bowie’s electro days, mixed with deep, heavy Ian Curtis-esque vocals. In fact, perhaps some of the interest in these songs is due to the throwback nature of reliving the days when electro was immensely popular.

The band tear through their tracks, including Oscar Wilde inspired Dorian Gray. It’s during The Whipping Haus, where Francis, echoing the lyrics, requests the audience to ‘take off your clothes’, before being bombarded by various different items, including a bra. Through the band’s entire set they keep up an incredible energy, mirrored by their enthusiastic crowd, who don’t miss a beat, and sing back the songs word-for-word with a deep passion.
There is something incredibly concise and eloquent about Francis as he introduces Hate Culture closer London Town, detailing to the crowd how deeply influential the historic city is to his music. The song proves to be one of the most popular of the night, to no surprise. Another of the highlights is the closing song, I’m Only Human Sometimes, which evokes a large reaction amongst the audience.

William Control is certainly a band that appeals to a niche section of people; though, mostly, that appears to be one of the attractions. The band certainly understand how to put on a thorough show, however. Tonights slightly energetic performance has proven William Control has a growing fanbase and an immense potential.

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