Outside the venue, I can already spot some of the more dedicated fans that have purchased the VIP ticket and impatiently waiting to get inside before everyone else. About an hour later, the doors open and we can all make our way in.
The first band to warm up the stage is, Birmingham-based alt-rock band, Led By Lanterns. The band is on a mission to push alt-rock into a darker side, with parts of pop songs mixed with metal and electronic sounds. They self-proclaimed themselves as a fusion between heavy riffs with catchy boyband-inspired vocal hooks. As soon as they hit the stage, the energy of the band is palpable and they managed to get all the room to jump up and down without standing still for a moment. Singer Shaun Hill is the perfect entertainer and keeps everyone engaged from start to finish, especially when he asks the room to divide into two parts and collide into an amazing mosh-pit. His vocals are powerful yet soulful and blend perfectly together with the roaring guitars, thundering bass and vibrant drums.
What a great opening act! By now everyone is well warmed up and sweaty!
Let’s now move on, to the next band. On stage, UK-based pop-punk newcomers, The Tyne. These young guys have built a following of over 400,000 followers on TikTok since 2019 and are now ready to flip the script and play live. Their music blends contemporary pop-punk music with youthful energy and influences from artists such as Yungblud and Twenty-One Pilots. No longer after their formation, the world went into lockdown but instead of letting the situation put them down, they kept in touch by playing games and sharing song ideas between them. Don’t let them full you by their young appearance as these guys are very talented and they prove it tonight! Their fan base is already big with most people in the crowd screaming and cheering and singing along to all of their songs.
And now the band that we’ve been all waiting for, Nottingham alternative/emo rock band, As December Falls. I’m not gonna lie as I wanted to see this band live for a while and tonight is finally the night! Half of the venue if not more, is wearing a piece of their merch and is ready to party. As December Falls are fighting against the tide of a change in the rock scene towards electronic-influenced songs. Blending rock, pop, punk and emo, they offer a wide range of music that people can feel related to. Focusing on guitar and riff-based songs with gorgeous shades of pop vocals from Bethany Hunter they go back to the roots of the alternative scene with an updated “old-school pop-punk” sound.
As their third song of the night, they covered a well-known rock/emo anthem “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” by My Chemical Romance with Beth screaming to everyone that they know this song and the excited crowd shouting back the lyrics at her. Beth’s vocal range is incredible and even if she appears shy at first, she fast becomes a hypnotic focal point for the whole set and it’s difficult to take your eyes off of her. The band’s energy on stage is infectious and Beth has a lot of fun playing up with the photographers by looking straight into the camera. The setlist continues in a mix of old and new material, and one of the highlights of the night is “Happier”, a slow-paced song which is something different from their faced paced ones. It created a magic atmosphere topped with everyone getting out their torch like a starry sky.
As December Falls is a “must-see” band and they will transport you back to your teenage years!
