Adam Vallely
Opening slots for gigs are a funny one; usually you don’t expect a support act to quite literally take over not just the gig but the whole venue. Kakihara took it upon themselves to take up more space than the crowd, the guitarists getting up in everyone’s grill and running more laps than Kriss Akubusi.
Vocalist Keith Muddiman, making moves of his own, boogeying like it is 1999 between his viciously delivered lines. Declaring at one point, “These are the most outstanding beat downs you have heard in your entire life,” and he’s not far off from being wrong. Kakihara is technical as hell, Dillinger but heavier somehow, and definitely trying to recreate chaos like The Chariot. Playing tracks off their 2025 EP Love Songs, Pt. 2 and more, it will be exciting to see what this Scottish whirlwind comes up with next.
If you have been around for even a second in the UK or even just the London hardcore scene, you will know of Death Goals. An ever-present duo the last few years and, importantly, one of the best Queercore bands.
A slight change to proceedings nowadays, though, with the new drummer/vocalist, Dottie Cardy, taking over the sticks from George Milner. But no change to the ferocity and voice of Death Goals. Blasting through favourites like ‘Ÿear of The Guillotine’ and ‘Shrike’ and premiering a new song inspired by ‘La Dispute’, supposedly, Death Goals are as raw and defiant as ever.
All eyes on the Danish hardcore band tonight. Having quietly built their reputation in recent years, is it finally time EYES got their flowers? Banging out multiple great albums with varying takes on their sound, culminating in last year’s short but sweet release in Spinner. Having only played 2000 Trees & ArcTanGent in 2025, this is their first-ever UK run of shows, and by gum, it has been well worth the wait.
Playing a brutal selection from their back catalogue, from the abrasiveness of ‘Them’ from 2018’s self titled record to the bouncing heaviness of ‘Save Face on a Regular Basis’ from Spinner, they barrel through fifteen absolute ragers, only letting up for audio samples to give everyone a breather.
As with Death Goals, there have been some minor lineup changes for this tour due to other commitments, but those members who have stepped in to fulfil this run of shows stepped up and have done EYES proud. With core members guitarist Rasmus and vocalist Victor along with new(ish) drummer Ali holding the line and bringing the fight.
