Deez Nuts + Stick To Your Guns @ ULU London 6/5/15

Support: Trash Talk + Being As An Ocean 

After making a short appearance at Manchester’s Impericon fest, Being As An Ocean opens the one off show at London’s ULU Student Union. Attracting a large percentage of the audience, bodies start to sway with immediate reaction. Springing around the stage, vocalist Joel Quartuccio slowly makes his way to the floor. Reunited with his friends, Quartuccio wastes no time in welcoming new people, he gets right up into their faces, passing the mic around this shared circle.  Debuting a new song that had previously gone down well, the proud band live up to their hyped up expectations as London enjoy ‘Little Richie’ just as much.

Trash Talk soon then appear on stage with such confidence and authority, as if they were headlining the show.  “Turn these lights off right now,” vocalist Lee Spielman demands as the student union is now consumed in darkness. It’s never a Trash Talk show until Speilman gets right into the crowd and starts to cause havoc, which is exactly what happens next. Stealing all energy from the teen filled crowd, the bands heavy influence get rallies of pits forming and running about in full circles. Their traditional hardcore edge floats well with London’s crowd, as groovy riffs are blasted, bodies move in time to each beat.

Up next to co-headline this monstrous show, Stick To Your Guns appear with their rebellious expressions plastered across their faces. ‘Nobody’ is the first track that immediately opens up a racketing crowd. Playing live, the deep bass line is amplified to the max, sending vibrations throughout your body. The band move their way through tracks off their latest record Disobedient, to, treasured songs found in Diamond, such as ‘Against Them All’ and ‘We Still Believe’.  Occasionally Jesse Barnett would make a short speech, right on queue about the corrupt world we live in, and his hate filled political debates to the crowd as they roared with agreement.

Being away from the UK for such a long period of time seemed to have made an impact on the bands sound. Being positively greater than the Never Say Die tour. Barnett’s tells a story about his best friend being a dog, and listening to his problems. Are we at a pop punk show? Evidently the band have come to grips with their stern sound, that live gets their serious message across, as bodies dive off the abnormally high stage.

As Deez Nuts appear, the venue, which was not sold out in the first placed seemed even, bore empty. I guess the trains were finishing early that night? It was clear that the band had not attracted most of the audience to this show, but the support acts had managed to pull such a large collection of fans.

Nevertheless the front of the stage was lined with faces that pointed towards the band, and spat each lyric aggressively.  They play ‘Like There’s No Tomorrow’ and the crowd picks up slightly.  For the rest of their set things didn’t seem to be going as great as the night had been. I guess three amazing support acts are hard to live up to, as keeping the crowd off their phones was another task. After all the show is on a Wednesday night. Deez Nuts still play with such enthusiasm and authority, as bounces of hair flicks contain the view throughout their set.

9/10

Make Do and Mend @ Birthdays London 12/5/15

Support: Hindsights + Calls Landing

Hiding the intimate show at Birthday’s London, Make Do and Mend arrives in the UK for just one small gig. Secretly promoted, the cramp underground venue was half filled with the hardcore fans that eventually found the show through their everyday stalk of their favourite band. (It wasn’t even sold out.)

With support from some of the UK’s finest melodic filled bands, Calls Landing made a great opener to the night. Inviting fresh and dated pop punk styles, the band filled the stage with posi jumps and energy blasted vocals that represented the growing British scene. Followed by Burnham/Maidenhead’s emo collective, Hindsights who arrive on stage with such an elegant manor. Their melodic infused riffs captivate the audience’s eyes, as tones of alternative rock fill the room, the quartet bounce around joyfully.

For the one off show, both supports add equal value and worth to open for such a treasured band. With almost ten years of being a band, the four-piece travelled all the way from the states to play a show that sums them up perfectly.

No needs for introductions or that awkward talk at the start of the show, the band get stuck into what they do best. Blasting out powerful punk riffs, while the swaying of Mike O'Toole’s hair gets caught in your mouth.

With such a small stage to move around in, the band made great use of it by continuously keeping us alert as they move in sync with the melodic tuning of each song.

Celebrating their recent release Don’t Be Long, the four-piece debut the titled track live. Performing it for the first time in London it proves to be a massive hit as mouths move alongside James Carroll’s own. It had been a while since MD&M had produced a record or been on the radar, and with this absence there had seemed to be a loss of interest around the band. However this show was something the band did for the dedicated fans, as every single face lit up throughout their set.

Everyone’s favourites off Part and Parcel and End Measured Mile are playing in a mixed order. ‘Unknowingly Strong’ set in and hands start to point to the front of the stage, as words are shouted back and heads bang in time to the drumbeats.

Make Do and Mend are a band that will forever be treasured and placed deep within our hearts no matter what age, as the audience reflected this perfectly. Everyone got to relive their youth days tonight, and just let go to highly assertive punk music.

9/10

Hindsights - Cold Walls/Cloudy Eyes REVIEW

One of the most anticipated albums of 2015 unexpectedly comes from a local Berkshire band, Hindsights. With their first full-length record Cold Walls/Cloudy Eyes, the four-piece band have traveled a long way with this new release, exposing all of their hard work into one beautifully composed 10-track record.

With clear influences of Brand New, Hindsights have modified their sound into ‘Everything Inside Me Echoed’, easing us into their graduated tune. Alongside similar tones as Balance and Composure, the quartet have captured an mesmerising track that triggers your brain into pleading for more sounds.

With two equally as grasping tracks, ‘Pensive’ and ‘Out Of My Skull’ both produce a captivating interlude that builds up a slow wave of tension, setting you in the right frame before the vocals are added. Both tracks blast an upbeat chorus that is packed with lively spirits that are earnestly hooking.

The band have structured Cold Walls/Cloudy Eyes evenly, each track compliments the next, allowing you to absorb all the tiny details they have uncovered.

Hindsights have revamped treasured sounds and nostalgic feelings within the record by adding a modern twist to each track, marking their unique sent.

To keep your spirits up and bouncing ‘Cold walls’ takes an animated impression to your ears as its lively beat fill the room with high hopes and delightful sounds. Vocally, this track displays the bands great strength with strained vocals that are powerful with every lyric, it’s fair to say that the small band have created quite a masterpiece for themselves.

This constant juxtaposition in rhythm is found within the overall album, gradually changing within the atmosphere created for maximum affect.

Progressing to the latter end of the record, ‘Cloudy Eyes’ introduces a once familiar guitar intro that holds unity. Plastered with yet another chilling aura, the track does bring a sense of relaxation whilst vocally dominating, the song is backed up by the strengthening guitar riffs, hitting you in the face. Matched by ‘Sore’, which is the perfect ending track, Hindsights have managed to keep the blood pumping in your veins for you to leave the room feeling revived.

Building onto their grand finale the edgy rock track is prolonged in length, however this is soon forgotten with their captivating trance luring you in.

Cold Walls/Cloudy Eyes excites us to the many wonderful sounds that Hindsights have produced, marking it to be a strong point in their early career.

8/10

Knuckle Puck + Trophy Eyes + Trash Boat @ The Fighting Cocks 7/2/15

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Drawing a close to the UK tour with Neck Deep, support Knuckle Puck and Trophy Eyes had just one last day in Kingston to wave goodbye to a final show at the Fighting Cocks.

Packed in the cramped corners of the venue, a young talented UK band, Trash Boat took to the floor stage. Levelled with the audience, the five-piece opened up the night to a driven start.  Boosted by the audience’s reaction, the band made use of what little space they had, interacting with the crowd heavily as waves of fingers were pointed in every direction of bodies bouncing.

From one energetic performance to another, Trophy Eyes seemed to withhold an amplified number of souls prancing towards the stage in a punk manor as ‘May 24’ set in.

The Australian punk band drew a heavier tone to their gripping music, swaying all over the stage and screaming in raspy breaths. From finishing a two-week tour, the quintet had perfected their set for one last show, before they head off to Europe, capturing the best performance the UK had to offer.

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Taking one final gathering on stage were Chicago’s own, Knuckle Puck, squashed together on the dimly lit stage where stampedes of bodies were soon joined as they broke out into a panic stricken night. From the very first introduction made, the bundle of people pushed forth in an outburst of echoed lyrics, as vocalist Joe Taylor dived into their red faces.

The band blasted an even mix of tracks from their latest and previous EP, giving a little taster for everyone to enjoy. Already seeing this band on tour twice, it is safe to say that the Kingston show ripped every single one to shreds. The immensity of fans interacting and the pristine sound produced by the quintet left no room for silence. Every part of the room was vibrating with the speakers being bashed upon by a raving crowd that let out passionate screams.

‘Woodwork’ and ‘Stuck’ drew in their original tones which surprisingly matched a great deal of voices being shouted back as the show soon transformed from the floor to the stage, it was hard to tell the difference between the band members and the audience, with this close expression of music filling The Fighting Cocks with a sparking aura. Trademarking their way Knuckle Puck ended their set with their most treasured song ‘No Good’, which sent Taylor in the air along with many other diving fans that surfed through the
night, hands of support gently carried down everyone’s beating hearts as all three bands played a great tribute to the 10 year anniversary of Banquet records.

10/10

Interview with Hindsights

Located under a bridge, the cramp-arched room was decorated with every punk bands dingy presence, essentially Planet Sounds is built for the underground.

Joined on tiny stools were the four bright faces of Hindsights, an Alternative Rock band from Buckinghamshire who decided on their name by “picking it out of a hat” according to bassist Miles.

Forming in 2011, Benio and Miles used to be in a band together, followed by Jack and Billy also, who were from the same area decided to join forces and make Hindsights.

The band have an upcoming album titled ‘ColdWalls/Eyes set to be released in Febuary, but where did the inspiration from this full length come from?

 “It’s all me I guess.” Lead vocalist Benio begins, “It is just a release of all the shit we have been through as a band over the 3 years. Everything that has gone on in our personal lives. It’s all-personal.”

The album takes an upbeat sound, following their slightly dampened EP, The Thoughts That Weighed Me Down.

“We didn’t go in saying we want this record to sound like this, it just happened. I don’t think there was any sort of reason behind it; it was just a natural progression from the EP,” Benio explains.  “If we like something we will use it. We spent a lot of time on the writing side as well, it was very instrumental and we did go through a lot of things.” Miles adds, “We’re all still getting better as musicians. It was just a very healthy environment to record the record in, and it’s really sort of come through as well.”

Following the new record, there has to be a favourite track that everyone loves, but what ones stand out? Starting off, Benio says “Cold Walls.” Followed by Miles’s favourite  “Colour, Blind because it’s a fucking banger!” Jack then adds, “I would probably say ‘Daze’ because it’s kind of mellow, just chill and that is how I want to be right now.” However if you’re a Taking Back Sunday fan then ‘Cloudy Eyes’ is a great track, “because the chorus reminds me of Taking Back Sunday,” according to Billy.

From hitting the road with some of the UK’s finest bands such as Creeper, Gnarwolves, Richa and Grayscale the four-piece have had their fair share of stories, but who would the band really want to play with? “This is hypothetical right?” Billy jokes, “Taking Back Sunday.” While Billy likes to dream big, Miles tells us about The Cold Harbour, who “was a fun bunch to tour with.”

Currently on the road with Milk Teeth, Jack tells us a bit about how that’s like to revisit a band.

“Milk Teeth were jokes so far on this tour, again they have been fun, last time was silly and this time is already silly. It is good to go back again without any awkwardness, we all know each other, we have all played a bunch of shows with each other before and toured so we know what to expect.”

Following all the positives of touring with bands, there seems to be some conflict along the way, however Hindsights have been fortunate enough to pass this but only just as Miles quiet seriously expresses, “The one thing I would hate is being in a band with Jack Perry isn’t a fun thing to do.”

Which was followed by an awkward line of laugh by everyone. It’s good to know that the band still have a lovingly humour presence between another.

It’s the start of a new year, which means big things for bands, as for Hindsights nothing is yet set in stone, but you will be sure to be seeing a lot from them. From the release of their record they hope to

Springboard of it and keep themselves on the road for as long as possible.

With dreams still in the air, the band open up to us with their dream festival line up for a main stage. One thing is for sure, “We’ll open it, the main stage,” Benio adds. The guys joke around and Jack backs up his point, “We will headline it, every night.”

Keeing it on a serious note, “ Slipknot would headlining, Brand New would follow, then Circa Survive, Taking Back Sunday, AFI, and then us.” However Miles still seems to think, “They’re all supporting us.”

With three years of experience, Hindsights have had their fair share of  stories when on tour and how it has changed them as people, but what does it bring to a band and each member?

“To be patient with each other.” Benio starts off,  “That’s all you can really put it down to, just life experience. Touring has probably taught me to be a lot more outgoing. You have to be, otherwise you will just be a hermit in the van.”

For Miles, touring has given him more of an insight to the world. “You’ve been to every city in the UK, some people have only been to three or four in the entire country and we’ve seen others. Just the experience of going out and seeing all these places that you never thought you would.

The saying in the music industry is that ‘You will always go to every arsehole in every city’, and so you will always see part of a city that you wouldn’t on holiday. It’s really different in environment with different places and countries. It’s a really good experience, I think personally.”

It is not just about playing shows when you’re touring it’s the little things that really matter and make a difference.

“You also see the smaller things.” Jack says, “You don’t just go to big cities, you see the smaller towns, you drive through and stop off at cool views.”

In the time Hindsights have been together which is still not long enough, there are always goals in which bands see themselves to work towards, to see themselves progressing. It would be perfect for them if they didn’t have to work and being in the band would be their carer. However as Benio says,

“That is a really hard line to draw. I’m not sure.” He then carries on, “Most bands really aren’t satisfied. They always want more, I feel. The main goal would just be progressing, just carrying on and see what happens. I wouldn’t want to settle, I want to keep going and push it as far as we could.”

Miles then explains about his views on the bands goals. “When we first started this band, I thought as long as we can go on tour I would be well happy. Then we’ve got merch now, little things like that get bigger and bigger. Same with towns you play in, you have a list of places you want to play, when you have played them all, you’re like oh you want to play these places now, the list goes on and on, it’s endless.”

There you have it, Hindsights are not a band that set themselves limits but instead choose to grow from each opportunity no matter how big or small. Their views towards music are considered very positive despite their dampened lyrics, the band have high hopes which are achievable by their talent and hard work, which is soon paying off.

However there is just one last question that we are all dying to know. Will Hindsights ever stop being sad? “Writing sad lyrics is what keeps me happy in day to day life.” Benio starts, ”It’s the release of it.” “With any sad band its not, you write sad lyrics to gain a positive out of it. It would be weird if we had a t shirt that said Happy since ‘11 wouldn’t it?” Billy then adds followed by Miles laughing, “Possi since ‘11.”

So the answer is no.