Band: Underoath
Support: Deaf Havana and Devil Sold His Soul
Venue: The Fleece, Bristol
Date: 12th April 2011
Firstly, I feel it necessary to have a bit of a winge. Changing the venue at short notice did not seem to be a big issue but the actual venue itself was shocking. A dingy pub-like hole with an average sound system and frankly horrific toilet facilities; I have seen cleaner porta loos! Never has a venue been such a let down.
It was disappointing as some fans were still cueing outside still trying to enter the venue during the beginning of the first support band. This came in the form of ambient influenced progressive metal band Devil Sold His Soul.
Knowing already what to expect from these guys after witnessing them a few weeks back, I felt unsurprised as they wowed the entire crowd after just an introduction. The shear musical capability behind leading man Ed Gibbs is unbelievable as they offer relaxing and tranquil guitar riffs with overwhelming breakdowns that surround the room and immerse its audience.
A cracking set list that for its onlookers felt short, but nonetheless another outstanding performance from the five piece.
Next up was Deaf Havana, a post hardcore quartet from Kings Lynn and undoubtedly a asset to British music in their own right.
A mention must be given to leading man James Veck-Gilodi, one – for his sarcastic comments through out the entire set and secondly for his impressively effortless talent. His humour warms the crowd nicely in-between songs and he then shocks them all with his amazing vocal range.
Tom Ogden on drums backs up James nicely with his added vocals; any memories of their old sound are long forgotten – now the passion they have for their new material is obvious through out their set list.
Their best track was ‘I Will Try’, a new track full of your commercial ‘woahs’ and crowd pleasing lyrics but yet a crisp sound smothered in exceptional and original riffs.
After tonight it was obvious that their album is, going to blow your face off, it cannot come soon enough.
Underoath were what the entire room could not contain themselves for. The first hint of a kick drum ignites insanity and everyone in the Fleece in Bristol tonight lost their minds.
Fans hurled themselves about, mounted the stage and hung from the ceiling whilst screaming every song lyric to each track as clear as day. The love everyone had for this band was humbling and a pleasure to be a part of.
They flick back and forth through time as they lay us out with a back catalogue of their music and surprise us all as they continue to perform each track flawlessly.
As they return for an encore with some of their best work, it’s settled that tonight is a hit. ‘Writing on the Walls’ and ‘Its Dangerous Business Walking out the Front Door’ made the night – the heat in the room after the show was sickening.
Every audience member left the venue with a smile on their face and HTF applaud Underoath for owning the stage and blowing everybody’s eardrums – epic!
Reviewer: Steph Knight
Photos: Steph Knight
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