Posted on AlterThePress.com on January 24th 2010
For some a line-up made up of these 3 bands tonight, is one that is from a dream, or one that is very rarely seen on these shores. However dreams do come true; for some, as Brand New, Thrice and Glassjaw, collectively play their biggest UK shows to date.
Though the worry of an arena-based sound being a potential hazard, Thrice quickly showed that the band’s Alternative rock suited the setting, with ‘Of Dust and Nations’ kicking off the half-hour set, which set the tone for the evening. Tracks from the bands latest effort, ‘Beggars’; ‘All The World Is Mad’, ‘In Exile’ and ‘Beggars’ shine through, along with fan favourite ‘The Artist In The Ambulance’, that defined the bands ability to fit an arena setting. In addition the absence of guitarist Teppei Teranishi, did not effect the bands strong performance, as Nate Patterson filled in brilliantly with Dustin Kensrue’s vocals not being intimidated by such a big venue and rising above and beyond, for an overall great performance.
Next was Glassjaw, although musically impressive and backed up by erratic performance that screamed out for attention, something did not seem right. Perhaps the bands loose set did not fit the mood of the night? Perhaps its Daryl Palumbo’s flaky screams and growls, that at times did not seem coherent with the bands tight post-hardcore sound. Although Palumbo’s vocals were faultless. For those who like Glassjaw, seeing the Long Island four-piece play songs such as ‘El Mark’, ‘Ape Dos Mil’ and ‘Siberian Kiss’, was perfect but for those who are unfamiliar, or like me, don’t understand the bands cult-like status, are left slightly bewildered.
Despite tonight being Brand New’s biggest UK show ever, the band do not bother with having a fancy arena-size back drop or pyro. Just as Brand New do what they do best, they let the music talk and leave it to be admired throughout the 90 minute set. Kicking off with ‘Welcome to Bangkok’ and going into ‘Sink’, the band quickly prove these songs can fit well into this type of venue. As the set comfortably takes some of the best bits of their last 3 albums, with previous singles ‘Sic Transit Gloria…Glory Fades’ and ‘The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows’, along with the opener from latest album, ‘Vices’ being highlights.
Although ‘Limousine’ and ‘You Stole’ lowered the tone and to an extent, lost the bands momentum, the intense atmosphere was eerie yet captivating. Thankfully ‘The Archers Bows are Broken’ and ‘Sowing Season (Yeah)’ bring the show back to life, just in time for a superb conclusion, that saw the crowd at fever pitch and singing back every word. The conclusion saw the band bringing out ‘Jude Law and a Semester Abroad’, a rarity for the band, along with another ‘Your Favourite Weapon’ track, ‘Seventy Times Seven’, that pleased the crowd thoroughly. ‘Play Crack The Sky’ sombrely yet brilliantly, bring the nights events to ahead with just frontman Jesse Lacey being backed up on vocals by Vinnie Accardi, with a track that capped off another milestone in the bands career.
An overall faultless set, that despite the bands non-mainstream status, proved anything is possible and can be done, as Brand New’s minimalist stage approach; except a few odd black and white videos, allowed the band and fans to appreciate this band and how far they have come.
Published in the Newark Advertiser on Friday September 4th 2009.
Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms was sold out on Saturday for a night filled with upbeat alternative music.
First on was International Superheroes of Hardcore, a comedy band.
Their brand of thrash, comedic hardcore punk music was fast and fierce. In their 20-minute set they played songs such as ‘Screamo Screamo Gotta Go’ and ‘eBay Revenge’.
On the whole it was an enjoyable performance with enough stage time left until the crowd became restless.
Next were upbeat pop-rockers Kids In Glass Houses.
The Welsh five-piece played through a set filled with songs from last year’s full-length album, ‘Smart Casual’, including the well-received ‘Give Me What I Want’ and ‘Saturday’.
However tonight was all about South Florida’s New Found Glory.
The quintet played through a set filled with crowd favourites - songs from their back catalogue to tunes from the band’s latest album, ‘Not Without A Fight’.
The American pop-punk group’s show was energetic and upbeat, with the crowd singing back every word, especially to such classics as ‘My Friends Over You’, ‘All Downhill From Here’, ‘Dressed To Kill’ and the closing track, ‘Hit or Miss’.
Overall their performance was flawless as always and the crowd left very satisfied.
Published in the Newark Advertiser on Friday September 25th 2009 and Posted on AlterThePress.com on Monday September 29th 2009
British rock veterans, The Wildhearts played to a capacity crowd at Nottingham’s Rock City with a 2 part set that was filled with plenty of energy and hard rock.
The first part saw the 4-piece play their new album ‘Chutzpah’ in full, from start to finish. They play a mix of fierce, heavy rock, whereas tracks like ‘You Are Proof That Not All Women Are Insane’ show the bands more catchy side. The new songs received a good response from the crowd, as did the short stories, lead singer Ginger told in between songs. Much like the record, the bands performance is of a high standard and highly enjoyable.
The second half saw the band go into their extensive back catalogue of 16 years, with songs such as ‘I Wanna Go Where The People Go’, ‘Nita Nitro’ and ‘Suckerpunch’ being performed. By this time the crowd are clapping along and singing a long to every word. They finish on fan favourite, ‘29x The Pain’ and graciously thank their fans for their continuous support before leaving the audience satisfied with an all round impressive performance.
Overall a much welcomed return to Nottingham for this legendary British rock group.
Published in the Newark Advertiser on Friday August 14th 2009.
A night of fantastic alternative music was heard at The Crown and Mitre, Newark, on Saturday Night.
First up are Jacket, the ever-improving trio made up of brothers Aaron and Daniel Bowes and drummer Josh Hodson, play through a tight set with their brand of pop-punk.
Despite the small crowd they receive a good response, especially when they play not one but two Blink-182 covers.
Long Eaton’s Evan Fail is next with their loud and brash sound. Their set is filled with heavy, fast guitar riffs and screaming and growling vocals with the occasional melody thrown in here and there.
A fierce and aggressive performance manageed to please the growing crowd who were there to see the Newark band Machine God.
The five-piece play through a superb set made up of fast paced metal, which is performed tightly. Each musician got to show off their highly impressive skills, especially drummer Rich MacAndrew and guitarist’s Martin Goodwin and Jason Goff
Machine God lived up to expectations and left the crowd chanting and wanting more.
With indie rock heavyweights Kings of Leon and pop comeback kings, Take That playing elsewhere in the city of Manchester, you would think some people wouldn’t care about seeing some alternative rock band from New York. Well you would be wrong. Manchester Academy is sold out with two thousand plus in attendance, all eager to see a long overdue return to the UK for Brand New.
However before the headliners, Canadian band Moneen bring their brand indie rock to the stage, with a set that starts with 2006’s ‘The Red Tree’ opener ‘Don’t Ever Tell Locke What He Can’t Do’ and goes on to include tracks such as ‘If Tragedy’s Appealing, Then Disaster’s an Addiction’ and a preview of the bands new album, ‘Believe’. Throughout the bands set, the harmonies between guitarist ‘Chris ‘The Hippy’ Hughes’ and front man Kenny Bridges are spot, with Bridges’ erratic stage presence being a highlight of the bands set.
Shortly after Brooklyn’s Kevin Devine comes on stage with his ‘Goddamn Band’ in a set that heavily includes tracks from his new album, ‘Brother’s Blood’, with the albums title track and lead off single, ‘I Could Be With Anyone’ standing out alongside a cover of Nirvana’s ‘School’ and an old favourite, ‘Just Stay’. Those expecting Devine to stick with just acoustic guitar, will be pleasantly pleased with his loose, rockier side.
By the time Brand New step on stage, expectation is at reaching point and from the first drum beat of opener ‘The Shower Scene’, the crowd are in the palm of the bands hand. On top of this, front man Jesse Lacey promises after the 2nd song (‘The Quiet Things No Ever Knows’), that there will be little talking and they’re just going to go for it, which they certainly do. Throughout a set that stretches for 90 minutes and the bands whole back catalogue, the five piece aim to please and can not put a foot wrong.
Song after song the crowd sing back every word, especially during the touching ‘The No Seatbelt Song’, as well ‘Play Crack The Sky’. Whilst halfway through the set, the band concentrate more on their last album, ‘The Devil and God Are Raging Inside of Me’, with ‘The Archers Bows Have Broken’ and ‘Jesus Christ’ getting the best response.
In addition to this, fans are treated to a preview of two songs from the bands forthcoming 4th record. ‘Gasoline’ is a steady number with Lacey’s vocals screeching and being as passionate as ever, whilst ‘Bride’ follows a similar style and at the same time, hints at the next step the band will take, more energetic yet keeping the same lyrical sentiment, the band have firmly established.
Overall Brand New deliver exactly what you expect and then some; 90 minutes of flawless passionate, energetic alternative indie rock, that leaves you with the feeling that they’re best band in the world and can do no wrong, something I’m sure a majority of the 2,000 plus would agree with. In conclusion, the sooner Brand New release a new record, the better, as tonight is a reminder of how different and innovative this band are in this so-called scene.
Brand New Setlist:
The Shower Scene
The Quiet Things No One Knows
The No Seatbelt Song
Sic Transit Gloria…Glory Fades
Okay I Believe You, But Tommy Gun Don’t
Jaws Theme Swimming
Play Crack The Sky
Gasoline
Sowing Season
The Archers Bows Have Broken
Jesus Christ
Luca
Bride
Degausser
You Won’t Know
Welcome To Bangkok
Sean Reid
Photo courtsy of Tom Dickins.
