Never Say Die TOUR @ o2 Islington London 5th November

Terror, Comeback Kid, Stick To Your Guns, Obey The Brave, More Than A Thousand, No Bragging Rights, Capsize

It’s that time of year again, early November welcomes back Europe's Never Say Die tour, as this year proves to thrash out the others. With a solidarity line up of America’s finest hardcore bands, this tour is sure to bring a main meal of pure carnage to the table. 

Finishing off the UK tour with the London show at o2 Academy Islington on the 5th, brought down a packed crowd.

Smaller to the scene, Capsize opened this early evening with a monumental amount of energy, despite the small crowd. Scattered fans mimicked vocal chords which were spat in all directions while the band didn’t let anything come in their way of putting on a show.

Followed up by an equally appealing act, No Bragging Rights got a pumped up crowd as the night progressed, more and more bodies appeared, ready to bring on the mosh.

Less conserved energy was lazily escaped for More Than A Thousand, as their classical tone didn’t float as well with the crowd. Never the less, putting on a show which slipped with the lineup, the Portuguese band represented their talent hearty.

Edging deeper into the core, Obey The Brave took to the stage with their large fan-base greeting their roars accordingly. The band had a close interaction within every fan as they played exceptionally well by gaining the energy from the majority of the room. Loud and roaring their sound could be heard from beyond the venue, as the Montreal metal core band lived up to their much hyped expectation. 

There was a slow change in the atmosphere as the top three bands were finally set to play, up first were Stick To Your Guns, a well cherished hardcore act that were known to every spirit. Their instant presence got the room spinning in circles as the formation changed, making room for a pit for fans to release their zest. Flying all over the floor, bodies collided with another in time to their hard edge movement reflected on stage, as vocalist Jesse Barnett gave an affirmative speech in-between each song, expressing the bands beliefs. 

This then seemed to egg on more dancers to the pit as ‘We Still Believe’ and ‘Amber’ blasted on, ending their set way too short.

Keeping within the same pressure, Comeback Kid made their well greeted appearance, as more than half of the crowd appreciated their presence on stage. No need for introductions, friends of the hardcore genre dived straight into their set, plunging out their most known songs for the audience to repeat at the top of their lungs. Lasting slightly longer, their vigorous set seemed to be over before it started.

However this didn't stop a single soul from going absolutely ape shit on the floor, two stepping to their hearts content, connecting fully with the music being played, not a care was shredded that night as essentially it was a gig for hardcore lovers to come together and break lose.

Time pressed on, ahead of planned lists, Terror were finally discharged to tear apart Islington and get everyone jumping. 

The keepers of the faith have finally returned to restore their morals onto the crowd as the pit opened up wider for more participants to join in, dashing all around the perimeter.

With such brutal migrations, the heavy beat downs got a bodily flow that somehow took over all senses, as you would find yourself moving along with it. 

Insanely catchy, there was no escape from their capture, as Scott Vogel made sure that everyone was having a good time.

“THIS IS A HARDCORE SHOW, MAKE SURE YOU STEP ON SOMEONES HEAD” had been shouted every now and then, reminding the audience of what they were surrounded by.

With no need, the crowd were spinning in full rage, matched with the bands ruthless sound.

Not as preachy as expected, they kept their chat short, focusing on their music as well as thanking everyone for turning up, with Stu Mackay, former Your Demise member on stage for one final song.

If this didn’t get everyone moving then, I don’t know what would have. Ending the night with a war zone like remains, Never Say Die had done it once again.

9/10

Basement + Cloakroom + NewMoon 29/10/14 @ Electric Ballroom London

It’s only been two years since the quintet from Ipswich Basement have played a London show, since their announced hiatus in 2012. Playing what was thought to be as a last ever show at Camden’s Underworld, soon became a myth as a venue less than a breath away, The Electric Ballroom developed the base of the four dated tour. 

Following similar support acts, the sold out London show dragged along Belgium's’ NewMoon to get the crowd  pumping. 

Taking an early start, the dreamy indie vibes soon filled the packed venue as their instrumental explosion captured the crowds senses. More than half of their songs seems to be strained out noises rather than vocals, all emerging into one. Somehow this rare eruption worked perfectly, with the right amount of weight floating each way, as although their set did seem to go on forever, NewMoon proved to be an outstanding support act for Basement. 

Gently pausing in-between breaks, the grand venue soon became filled with huddles of bodies emerging as dear friends and ex-members of old bands made an appearance including, Edd McRae (vocalist from Your Demise) and Charlie Holmes (Vocalist from Heart In Hand).

Main support act, Cloakroom pushed on to take the stage next, as the room fell silent once again.

Similar to NewMoon, Cloakroom produced a lingereing instrumental piece witch soothed your ears and soul, feeling yourself free to wonder along with the music.

With more of an indie inflection, the band filled their slot with a mixture of juxtaposing sounds that pleased the crowd as bodies slowly moved from side to side in time.

Time passed steadily as the build up of tension rose for Basement to make an appearance. When the clock had finally reached 9:20 on the dot, five familiar faces appeared within the mist of the orange lights, spotlighting each shadow. 

Straight into ‘Whole’ the crowd greeted this with a plunge of flying figures bouncing in all directions.

Andrew Fisher’s vocals swept in, met with the hundreds of echo released by the audience, pelting with full expression. The crowd now fully pumped, the band decided to simmer down with a new track off their EP Further Sky, embarking their comeback.

There was a certain chilled out atmosphere at the gig which had seemed to be lost in many others, sure it was a well waited performance, yet everyone seemed to respect others in terms of going nuts. Not saying that the gig was totally calm, as various spots were causing massive havoc while the overall coverage seemed to be chilled out.

The band kept their energy flowing, absorbed by the crowds fuel, as they covered their most famously known tracks within the two albums, occasionally dipping into their new ones. Delighting the crowd with this mixture, screams of voices escaped their mouthes, as the band gave a passionate performance, before ending with a much loved favourite, ‘Crickets Throw Their Voice’.

This sent everyone in the room roaming for one last mosh.

For a band with such a high reputation and style, they have certainly done well to maintain this, two years later performing as if nothing had happened. Basement are more than just a band to most of their fans, and tonight very much proved that.

9/10

Bring Me The Horizon - Drown NEW MUSIC VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lDOHx8Vg3c#t=27


Awaiting a year for the Bring Me The Horizons new music, and the sheffield fivesome have finally released one track as a taster to their new sound.

For starters the titled track 'Drown' gave great hope to their current fanbase as something that could maybe date back to their previous work, adding an heavier tone filled with breakdowns.
As their latest full length, Sempiternal; released last year, the change in the bands direction had already caused havoc with the diehard fans, loosing many along the way but also gaining more in return.

Despite the new change in Sempiternal, the album worked solidly as each track benefited the next, creating a unity of sounds that floated melodically as well as metal sounding with explosive breakdowns and piercing screams that actually suited Sykes's voice.

So with the release of 'Drown' the change seemed to have expanded deeper into this new style which BMTH have adapted, admittingly sticking to a softer, subtle noise.
Now seeing all five in suits immediately tells us that no shit is going to go down, because let's face it? It's a fucking suit.

A soft melodic interlude plays as the opening lyrics "What dosen't kill you, makes you wish you were dead." sounds a bit too You Me At Six influenced. The whole song takes on a soft, deeper tone as Sykes is singing for once and not found to let out a scream at all. Surprisingly, this is something people are happy wit. Personally, I feel like this works well, especially with the song being about his drug addiction, he has chosen to take a serious route rather than screaming a ranty rage. Because of this tone, the track is taken more seriously as the band show off their usual "I'm never ok" themes of being troubled and helplessly in a mess.

However I find myself liking the song for some reason, not quite sure if it's to do with the content or sound but it's catchy beat leaves you wanting to play it again and again, just to make sure that it's the same band you're listening to.

It comes to a shock to a lot of people as their judgemental looks and strong opinionated minds do not allow room for change for a band such as BMTH, which is a pretty damn shame. I mean who want's a band who just makes another album that sounds the same? Sure it's great if you're a massive fan and still stick in the Count Your Blessings days, but it's time to move on and accept the new change, you've got to give them credit for even trying.

But the band isn't the only choice for the change, remember that BMTH are signed to major record labels such as Sony, RAC and, Epitaph which all get a say in how their new sound should be.

So what do you think?

More Than Life LIVE @ Borderline London 19.10.14

Constantly on the road touring, More Than Life, have left the UK starved for two years without a headline show. It was the Sunday night of October 19th, when the quartet returned to London’s Borderline for a one off show.

Taking an early start to the night was Southampton’s locals, Creeper. An unfamiliar sound to the crowd, the band didn’t let this interrupt their punk rock vibe, as the lights dimmed and the Jeepers Creepers song took to an intro, the band appeared on centre stage blasting out their energetic presence. For an opening act, Creeper got a few heads bobbing capturing new fans instantly with their passionate connection they exposed.

Following another eminent act of the night was Nathan Detroit a Punk band from Trowbridge. 

Halfway into the show, the bands guitarist decided to part ways leaving the four remaining members at a minus. Despite this, the band picked themselves up, gaining more attention form the crowd with their fast moving beats and bouncy actions, even those who weren't familiar with their sound found themselves moving along.

Before flying of to Australia the next day, More Than Life had gladly assembled, Up River to give the crowd one last warm up before their influx.

Similarly appealing to the current audience, the foursome instantly engaged all senses from the faces of everyone in the room. Unmasking their hardcore, bluesy sent soon spread filling the room with emotive screams. More known the crowd, deeper movement of bodies connecting and lips moving joined Up River, as their set proved worthy.

Isha Shah Photography

The floor was now filled with floods of bodies all hurled together, bounded by one band who were soon to play on stage. Deep red lights filled the stage where the current members stood, setting up for a special night of empathy.

Diving right into the bands news record, What’s Left of Me, came ‘Weight of The World’ a chillingly, gripping song that erupts passionate howls from every lyric that was amplified by the crowd. Intertwining with ‘Fear’ the older fans responded with chaotic bodies flying all over the floor, diving in mid air and screaming inches from James face. Working their way to ‘I’ve Lost Track of Everything’ taken from their famously known record Love Let Me Go, the collateral faces clustered together once again, in a community of cries.

Altering between their history with a few new tracks added, each song interacted a live audience as the non stop flow divers and mothers, kept the floor covered with a close line of unity.

Midway through ‘Do You Remember’ started and everyones faces dropped in tone, as the whole room was overslept with touching bodies learning towards the stage, screaming their hearts out to every line.

Where there were short breaks in the set a sweet, tranquil interlude was played to harmonise the crowd with their mournful blast.

Closing up the the night, vocalist James reached out, dedicating the last song to his mother who had just passed away. If the night wasn’t emotional enough it was about to get even more downbeat. Pushing all feeling aside a final basement of frames were clattered in a large group, grabbing onto each other or prancing around on stage. The set ended in a ferocity outcry, as they didn’t need an encore, More Than Life are just a band that just leaves you there in darkness, pulling yourself back 

together after such an emotional journey, you feel yourself wanting to relive it all again.

Isha Shah Photography

Two years was definitely worth the wait to experience such a hectic night that seemed to last forever, More Than Life have left the London in scraps, still raging to come back for more.

8/10

Climates - Body Clocks album Review

Released	13th October 2014
Recorded Record Label	2013 / 2014 Small Town Records
Genre	Metalcore/ Melodic
Length	32:00
Origin	Lincoln
Rating	8 / 10

Hitting the nail on the donkey for the first time is always a challenge, in fact for most bands, their first album is something they’d like to hide at the bottom of their record collection. But not for Lincoln’s finest metal core; Climates. Local to the UK, they have only be around for a couple of years, already known for their progressive metal sound. The five youngers have accomplished touring with highly creditable bands such as, Beartooth, Trapped Under Ice,  Counterparts, While She Sleeps and Bury Tomorrow. 

Released this october, Body Clocks is the first full length, from Small Town Records who specialise in the growing music scene.

Making a sneaky appearance is ‘Leaves Of Legacy’, as gently it creeps in before Wes Thompson’s vocals wreck the room. Generically altering cleans to screams, Climates have intricately devised this within the track, making it subtle and transferable so that it goes unnoticed.

Following, ‘Heaven (Is Only In My Head)’ reaches our ears in a similar way, yet with more passion and tone that makes the song stand out as attacking. The tiny detail which goes into each song is certainly heard as its melodic side stands out to be the focus. The tempo change into a more hardcore structure, altering its tune by adding layers of complexity which skilled musicians die to master. 

However not all is all dynamic, as relaxing breaks in the album are found with ‘In The Of Man’, ‘Worlds Away’ and ‘Sundown’ take on the delicate pitches of an atmospheric scent. Understanding why Climates have chosen to add such diversity to the album, as these songs do work; despite the simplicity, they have not taken a step back with the instrumental cadency.

‘Whole Hearted’ screams damage and suffering planted in Thompson’s screams, that are lyrically comforting as the song is filled with such rage of devotion, you find yourself compelled. 

As the album progresses to a finish, the tracks get moderately hardy in framework, as elements are exploded of what the band are truly capable of.

Drawing a close to the sentimental journey, ‘Realist’ touches on heavy lyrically allusions which draw your soul, capturing your deepest senses, leaving you numb and motionless. The album as a whole certainly does its job from start to finish, hurling twist and turns along the way, Climates have traveled a long way and are still going!

Track listing:

1. Leaves Of Legacy

2. Heaven (Is Only In My Head)

3. Serpents From The Shadowland

4. In The Of Man

5. Cryptic

6. Sundown

7. Whole Hearted

8. The Bigger Picture

9. Worlds Away

10. Realist

Grayscale - Mindless Minds (Mini EP)

From the recent release of Thoughts That Linger back in the spring of this year, The 90's emo band from London, Grayscale have also just released a mini EP today, titled Mindless Minds consisting of three small tracks.

Distinguishing a featured sound on their past EP, the alternative band have certainty progressed their talent into a liver, upbeat trio of tracks found within the mini snippet.

Maturing in such a small space of time, this small EP caters directly to a modern audiences whilst still holding down classic sounds, as it is essentially, a breath of fresh air.

Beginning with 'Waterloo Estate', there is a clear change in sound which is a delighted surprise as the track starts of clam and easing, with a sweet tingly guitar riff accompanied by a soft drum beat, right until it hits a stone and the whole song revers back to their previous clattering of noises.

Their music isn't the only quirky thing about them, as chosen title tracks 'If That's a Bible, Where's My Camera' and 'Bait' probe their funky music tune.
Closing this small chapter with a punkier pressure highlighted by the guitars, which regain our focus to Grayscale's classical noise.

With just three small songs, Mindless Minds firmly teases us to their re-vamped style, that shows great development in their craftsmanship as musicians. Can't wait for an actual record or full tracked EP from these guys!

8.9/10

Full Stream here

Moose Blood - I'll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time

Released	6th October 2014
Recorded Record Label	2013 / 2014 No Sleeps Records
Genre	Emo
Length	33:54
Origin	Canterbury
Rating	10 / 10

Thought emo was dead? Well with the release of Moose Blood's first ever debut full length record I'll keep You In Mind, From Time To Time, reboots us to the nostalgic homegrown sound of emo.

From a band who have only been around for two years, releasing two polished EP's and a split with Departures, the Canterbury foursome have produced a collection of tracks which reflect their own influences whilst adding their own personal touches.  If you're a current fan of Moose Blood or even a newbie, there is no doubt that you will love the band even more for producing such a comforting collection of sounds. 

Introducing us with 'Cherry', the band draw us in with their softer side; an unusual start. The light

ballad style entwines with vocalist Eddy Brewerton's, as it lyrically reflects his recent marriage. This quiet style is then followed up by 'Always' which is a track released as a teaser weeks before. A song that lifts the mood right up and familiarises you with the Moving Home EP work of Moose Blood.

'I Hope You're Missing Me' and 'I Hope You're Miserable' which is the closing song both have very hard hitting punky vibe riffs which capture the likes of Balance And Composure, funnily enough have inspired them as much as Brand New. The duo stand out as headbangers, bringing a vibrant authenticity to their new vivid sound.

If you are a native to the band then you may have picked up on 'Boston' and 'Bukowski' being added with a revamped, edger tone that compliment the original releases as well as including them to slide perfectly with the album flow. Additionally 'Gum' takes Moose Blood's pristine voice found on their dated EP's by enumerating a natural modern emo aura.

Centre spotlight has been dedicated to the band as a whole, as Kyle, Glen and Mark all bond together to form a beautiful base for Brewerton to glide on smoothly. This is most evident in 'Pups' and 'Swim Down' with it's build up of a bridge, that heightens the current tension to a halt until the vocals sweep in.

Tying the knot, I'll keep You In Mind, From Time To Time awards its self alone with more focus on sound, yet still adding their famously well constructed lyrics, Moose Blood have produced a fresh yet nostalgic record that happily sits on the modern day shelves as a dated piece of art.
Without a doubt this record stands out to be in the top 10 released in 2014, alongside More Than Life, Gnarwolves, La Dispute and Basement.
It's not every day that your local UK band makes such a confounding album that supports the growing scene as well as providing a comfort blanket for the older generation.  

You can stream the album online for free here.

Track listing:

1. Cherry

2. Anyway

3. I Hope You’re Missing Me

4. Chin Up

5. Boston

6. Gum

7. Pups

8. Swim Down

9. Bukowski

10. Kelly Kapowski

11. I Hope You’re Miserable