First up tonight are Bristol collective Split Chain. Having only released their first single just over a year ago this group’s star has risen rapidly. Calling back to that late nineties / early 2000s Grunge/Nu-Metal sound the group bring the nostalgic vibe with a modern twist. Although seemingly new to the majority in attendance the crowd are receptive and the energy quickly warms up setting a good pace for the rest of the evening.
Aussie four-piece Trophy Eyes take to the stage next, jumping straight into new single “Enmore” which kicks off an impeccable set full of high jumps and Pop Punk goodness with one incredibly catchy chorus after another being screamed back at full volume. Fan favourite “Figure 8” and the light summer-y sound of songs like “Blue Eyed Boy” go down a treat. The crowd are giving their all as the group blast through a stormer of a set that could have easily headlined the night if not for who’s up next.
Hot off of the release of their latest album Sundiver (SharpTone Records) the Blackpool outfit Boston Manor take their places under lowering stage lights as the audience anticipation builds. Clearly confident on the strength of the new material the group kick off proceedings with the one-two of album openers “Datura (Dawn)” and “Container,” putting to rest any doubts that the newer songs may not be met with the same level of enthusiasm as the classics by fans as the room explodes into movement. Vocaltist Henry Cox is a fountain of energy expertly commanding the stage as a steady stream of crowd surfers head over the barrier. The whole room is bouncing by the time Trophy Eyes’ John Floreani joins Cox on stage for “Liquid.”
The set features a healthy mix of choices from the band’s back catalogue as well as from the new release which the band are clearly very proud of with Cox at one point stating the band believe this is the best record they have made. Sending people off with ‘Foxglove’ Boston Manor leave the audience buzzing.
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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY BILL MAWDSLEY
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