Since they stormed onto the Music scene in 2012 , American hardcore punk quartet ‘ Beartooth ’ certainly revamped the way that hardcore music is identified and observed in many ways . After supporting huge bands such as ‘ Pierce The Veil ’, ‘ Sleeping With Sirens ’ and ‘ Don Broco ’, this was their first major headline tour of the UK , and you could feel that something very special was on the cards ! The support acts were UK ’ s own pop-punk outfit ‘ Trash Boat ’, and American rockers ‘ Vanna ’.
First up were ‘ Trash Boat ’ who are flying the flag for the UK in the new breed of pop-punk bands . The band offer a no holds barred approach with their highly energetic rhythms and raw vocal power from front man Tobi Duncan . Despite the fact that Trash Boat have yet to release a full studio album , the band showcased a set list of 9 tracks including ‘ Tring Quarry ’, ‘ Catharsis ’ and ‘ Stranger ’ which was a monumental effort from the newbies . There is a definitely a lot more to come from these guys , who hinted a UK headline tour next January / February !
Headline support came from Boston post-hardcore outfit ‘ Vanna ’ who have yet to enjoy a lot of exposure to UK and in particular Birmingham crowds despite been on the scene since 2004 . From the first note , front man Davey Muise provided an amazing level of vocal talent , and regularly expressed his gratitude to the crowd . The band offered a few of their new tracks , as well as old including ‘ Void ’, ‘ Toxic Pretender ’ and ‘ Diggin ’. The level of passion and heart thrown into every bar of these tracks was something quite remarkable , and definitely one of the best performances I have ever seen over the years ! Go and check out these guys if you haven ’ t already !
After quite a lengthy wait , ‘ Beartooth ’ took to the stage to a huge ovation from the crowd ; this band have been touring extensively all over the world and at some of the most recognisable festivals , but this was certainly their biggest series of dates to date . Fronted by the highly acclaimed Caleb Shomo , Beartooth are one of the most electrifying bands on the Music circuit , and boy did they deliver a performance to remember in Birmingham ! Every part of their 14-track set list delivered levels of intensity that you didn ’ t think were possible , and this was a remarkable sight to see . Fans enjoyed ‘ Burnout ’, ‘ Fair Weather Friend ’, ‘ In Between ’ and ‘ Body Bag ’ just to name a few . All I can say is , bring on the next UK tour !
After a highly energetic , and hugely entertaining night of intense musical madness in Birmingham , it ’ s safe to say that Beartooth , Vanna and Trash Boat have left their mark , and have set the bar high in the hardcore genre in the Music industry !
Words by Kristofer Billingham Photography by Carl Battams
Support : Trash Boat & Vanna 02 Institute Birmingham 11th december 2016
BEARTOOTH
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