Nessie Spencer
At 7:30 sharp, Planning For Burial take to the stage, full riffs blazing, surrounded by pedals and ready to deliver an electrifying performance. This one-person band uses loops and a backing track, creating a sound that perfectly blends shoegaze and slowcore vibes with a hint of proto-noise rock reminiscent of the greats of the genre such as Big Black. The crowd in Brighton is clearly enjoying what Planning For Burial has to offer, and it’s hard not to agree with them. As the set progresses, the intensity grows, allowing the whole Concorde 2 to become fully immersed in the melancholic world of Thom Wasluck.
Whoever at The Flenser suggested to book them as the opener for this tour deserves a raise, a drink of their choice, and a handshake. The only drawback to a great opening act is that the sound quality of the venue, which feels muffled at times and very messy, causing the audience to miss some of Wasluck’s vocals. Nonetheless, if slowgaze is a thing, then it is clearly here to stay, and we have Planning For Burial to thank for it.
Just after half past eight, Boris take the stage, and the entire Concorde 2 erupts in cheers for the Japanese trio, as if everyone collectively knows they’re about to experience something special. Takeshi on bass wastes no time getting into the groove. At the same time, Atsuo on drums effortlessly engages the crowd between songs, hitting his instrument like a machine and sharing vocal duties with enthusiasm. Wata, guitarist extraordinaire, sits in her chair, riffing like nobody’s business and radiating the aura of a goddess. Within just two songs, ‘Blackout’ and ‘Pink’, Boris has completely floored the C2 crowd. The energy of the set is electrifying, and even those not headbanging are clearly swept away by the experience.
After a few heartfelt words of gratitude to the Brighton crowd and a shout-out to Thom from Planning For Burial that draws loud cheers, they launch into ‘A Bao a Qu’. The sound reverberates through the venue, creating a palpable connection between the band and the audience. As the night progresses, the setlist shows why Pink is one of the best albums in the genre and a timeless, beloved classic. The final combo ‘Just Abandoned Myself’ followed by ‘Farewell’ leaves the crowd in a state of bliss, while ‘Korosu’ concludes the night with powerful resonance. It is impossible not to leave the venue with a big smile, the echoes of Boris’ music still buzzing in everyone’s ears and hearts. But mostly ears. No regrets though.
