Noizze
Opening the first show in over three years for one of the most notable melodic hardcore groups of the decade is no mean feat. If anything, it could also be viewed as slightly unfair, as the air of excitement was so visceral that it was difficult to pay attention to the opening set. Another notch in the ever growing collection of South Wales collectives, The Nightmares have been making a name for themselves across the UK touring circuit in line with a global reputation that precedes them on multiple continents. Following a recent signing with Venn Records and the announcement of a debut album, its evident that there are big things on the horizon for the four piece – and a run of sold out tour dates with none other than post hardcore heavy hitters Casey is undoubtedly well deserved.
If one thing can be said for the music scene in South Wales, it’s that it offers a distinct community spirit that you will undoubtedly struggle to find anywhere else. We might not be as blessed with performance spaces as those that dwell in the big city of Bristol, but a tight knit gang of local contributors ensure that venues remain full and that bands continue to gas each other up with genuine support in equal measure. For their first shows back in such a long time, Casey could have chosen anyone – but the fact they have brought a band from their area along for the ride says wonders about the scene they represent. Genre wise they might be worlds apart, but The Nightmares delivered an intriguing performance which showcased a decent selection of their discography and undoubtedly acquired some fresh listeners as a result.
We’ve not been to a show quite like this in some time. The Fleece holds 450 people, and there was not a soul in that room that didn’t feel every minute of what was about to happen. Just as people were getting slightly restless between bands, we managed to snatch a glance of Tom Weaver warming up his pipes outside of the gents toilets – so we knew that we were mere moments from stage time and the spectacle that came next. People were shrieking, sobbing and some so overwhelmed they just stood there in silence. From the moment the band graced the stage to the minute they left it was clear that they had not expected a reception of this capacity whatsoever.
‘Great Grief’ & ‘Atone’ were the opening numbers in one of the best setlist we’ve ever seen performed. If we rated performances purely on banger after banger, then this one would definitely be right at the top. Following the closing notes of the second track, Casey beamed out towards a sold out crowd and began to play the ones we’d all been waiting so long to hear, and there were so many. By the time Tom announced ‘The Funeral’ select audience members were in hysterics. People connect so deeply to this band its actually mind bending, and the relationship they maintain during a live performance is chemical. ‘Darling’, ‘Happy’ and ‘Fade’ were delivered with as much gusto as when they were written, and not only displayed that the fire is still burning, but that the band have still got so much to bring to the table in respect of their live performance growth. The setlist reached its absolute peak right at its end, with ‘Little Bird’ holding its place firmly as the one the audience was waiting for. In normal circumstances hearing the words”There will be no encore” echo through a venue would be followed by a collective sigh from the crowd in its entirety, however the energy put into the bands final song was infectious and enthralling – and reminded every soul in that room exactly why they invested so much time in this band in the first place.
Casey are back. It’s a day we never thought would happen, but watching the rest of the tour unfold has made it clear that they are only just getting started.