ROAM + Golden Tanks + Gnarks + Grayscale @Luna Lounge 28.3.14

A much underrated and unknown venue, situated in Leytonstone, to the North East of London is a new and upcoming lounge venue. Only recently putting up local bands to perform, this venue was chosen to host Roam's first ever headline London show.
Never experiencing the venues atmosphere before, I already had a liking to small, intimate shows, as the Luna Lounge, promoted by RockThisTown proved to follow this disposition.

For only £3 you were certainly getting your money's worth with three top class bands as support from the local area, as well as Brighton/ Eastbourne's finest pop punk band ROAM!

First up was Grayscale who produce music relating to Basement, with a 90's emotional punk and post hardcore feel, first time hearing and seeing the band I was instantly impressed.

Down in the basement of the Luna Lounge was a small floor stage space for the band to play with a decent size crowd. Instantly connecting with their emo style of music, the four piece band had a unique edge to them.
Easing the crowd in with a soft paced song which then evolved into harsh, fast vigorous guitar strums, there was a clear mixture and variety of talent shown as one song transformed into a clear separate aura.

A really well-crafted set was instantly captivating for a first time listener as not knowing what to expect, Grayscale had certainty exceed my expectations.




Shortly after, Gnarks followed the same punk emo feel, with a higher level of aggression and punk sense. Another four piece band from the south east of England, they proved to be a nice transition to diffuse into. Clearly bringing a group of dedicated fans, Gnarks surrounded their set with their involvement, as several times throughout their set they would join in, screaming the words back at the band in perfect unity. Reminiscing of Gnarwolves combined with Knuckle Puck, the band have brought a strong American impression into the growing British music scene.

Surely knowing how to get the crowd pumping, lead singer Kiefer got right into it, bouncing all over the place and causing a small pool of havoc for all to enjoy. A very lively and enjoyable set, Gnarks proved to be another hidden band that the UK has to offer. The line up so far was pretty solid, for bands who I have not yet heard of they all seemed to hit my ears perfectly.

Last to support was Golden Tanks progressing the night to a further hard-hitting punk-hardcore sound, as the five guys from Reading travelled to deliver a truly powerful set. A more advanced and mature sound exposed the room as they got right into their music, with their complex heavy guitar riffs and bouncy drum beats, they reminded me a lot of Giants.
Another crowd involving band, the heavy hardcore beat got them throwing all sorts of shapes, expressing their close connection to the music.

Definitely feeling their new sound, Golden Tanks added a sense of variety as they were a final finish to the supporting acts, pumping the atmosphere up for the headliners Roam, and did a successful job at this.
Filled with familiar rhythms you could easily move along to and a strong sense of involvement, the band ended the last set of supports with a rage of outbreaks.


Of course now it was time for ROAM to play their first ever London headline set to a room filled with fans. Introducing us to their pop punk genre, Roam delved right in, as lead vocalist Alex Costello flew around the floor in all directions before the first song came into play. A straight away banger, which came off their new EP Head Down the crowd reacted with their mouths screaming out every lyric word for word. A sudden hit of their exploding sound mirrored within the crowds faces as Roam had an instant lively vibe which made it impossible not to move to.

With only two EP's released, they played a mixture of songs off both of them, keeping their old and new themes intact as well as playing a one off special song that they had never played outside of their hometown. Pyramids played as a first ever release to our ears, as just like the others it suited the atmosphere perfectly, displaying Roams talent.

Progressively growing among the UK, Roam are repeatedly one to put on a top end performance, which is full with enthusiasm and pop punk madness. In their early years of being a band they have come so far with a well-deserved representation.

Perfectly built for a small intimate crowd, Alex made sure that everyone was involved, passing the mic out at various times whilst maintaining his bouncy presence. With Foresight's melodic intro, set halfway through, it capture the exact high spirited emotion that was constantly around, with a open bridge that allowed the crowd to chant back at.

100% better live than they sound on CD, they're a band you really need to experience their performance as well as sound, with the talent of both of these combined, strengthens their appeal and image, as I've always enjoyed seeing them live as they never fail to disappoint.

Ending the whole night with Head Rush was a perfect choice, with one final outbreak the crowd took it to their advantage, with some attempts of surfers and total rage, everyone got together, moving along with the catchy beat as the last note echoed the room.

10/10 for the night overall with all of the bands performing with high standards and a quality sound produced throughout. A really enjoyable night, thanks to Rockthis Town for putting on such a memorable show.
More photos at: Facebook Isha Shah Photography