Adam Vallely
There is an air of excitement for tonight’s Canadian heroes but we are also treated to a couple of stellar supports.
Higher Power kick off the night full pelt ploughing through a selection of songs off their highly rated album 27 Miles Underwater including modern banger ‘Low Season’ and throwing in 2021’s ‘Fall From Grace’. The Leeds hardcore punks continue to cement themselves as a band that can take on the big stages and are a perfect fit tonight with their nods to mid-2000s emo/post-hardcore style. Only hampered by the sound for the audience which took away a bit of the shine from an otherwise high-octane performance.
As the venue slowly fills and the tension for the headliners builds, Boston Manor certainly bring their A-game to get the crowd’s juices flowing. Riding off the wave of excitement from releasing highly rated album Datura they do not disappoint.
Rather than showcase exclusively new material they work through a selection from their back catalogue. Opening with ‘Carbon Mono’ the sound has distinctly improved thankfully and with dazzling light show in tow Saturday night is in full swing. The crowd response is as electric as the Blackpool quintet’s energy. ‘Passenger’ is a highlight with its huge chorus and pulsating beat. Feet start moving and the crowd’s vocal chords get a nice warm up for the main event/
Closing the set with fan favourite ‘Halo’ it is amazing to think that this wasn’t the headline set for the night. Expect them to step up from Electric Brixton sized headline shows to Brixton Academy in the very near future.
With an appropriate number of beers consumed and the capacity crowd wedged in, the question is what classics would the three voiced, five headed post-hardcore troupe perform tonight? Switching up some songs night after night on tour each opening riff is eagerly awaited. No complaint is raised kicking off with ‘Drunks, Lovers, Sinners and Saints’. Every word sung in unison across the floor and up in the balcony. The lyric ‘This is from our hearts, sincerity over simple chords’ could not be truer. ‘Boiled Frogs’ keeps the emo train steamrolling and thoughts of “My youth slipping away” quickly dissipate; the band and crowd feel young and indestructible again for the evening.
The thirteen-year gap between albums is unnoticeable with ‘Sans Soleil’ and ‘Sweet Dreams of Otherness’ from the titular Otherness sandwiching ‘Mailbox Arson’. Wade, George and Dallas reminding you that they are one of the few bands that can pull off multiple vocal styles. The push and pull of grit and harmony is beautiful and as interesting as the band’s clothing choices. Outfits which seem to change up each night of tour. Are Alexisonfire now also the fashionistas we didn’t know we needed in rock?
The quintet could have played anything from their vast range, and everyone would walk away happy but the inclusion of two oldies but goodies in ‘.44 Caliber Love Letter’ and ‘Accidents’ is a treat. Sometimes forgotten ‘Dog’s Blood’ gets a sweet maple syrup coating with a shout of ‘Fuck the Tories’ from George. The whole room is at one in celebration of a truly legendary band but also solidarity in a time of struggle.
‘Young Cardinals’ pushes the energy reserves of the elderly, greying and now very sweaty followers, yet the encore asks for a second wind for ‘This Could Be Anywhere In The World’ dropped between ‘Committed to the Con’ and a closer of ‘Happiness by the Kilowatt’ another deep cut.
Smiles across every face as everyone heads into the night to rest their over excited worn-out bodies. That Sunday morning lie in is more satisfying knowing Alexisonfire used all the positive energy.