One week apart in the same city are two fine but contrasting examples of how the hardcore scene is in rude health in the UK. Last week saw 10000 plus attendees descend upon Outbreak Festival. However, today is almost as impressive as the Star & Garter is sold out for a matinee show featuring some of UK hardcore's brightest hopes.
The first band I catch are local lads Brightside. This is solid NYHC with a strong Judge influence and some Floorpunch touches too. They have a nice line in mid-paced riffs with some decent breakdowns too. The singer has a nice gruff edge to his voice. It's their first gig but it's a pretty decent showing although it does end rather abruptly.
Like most hardcore bands Sheffield's Cannonball have a great intro which is perfect for two-stepping to. They play old school youth crew straightedge hardcore which has plenty of speed but also a number of passages for dancing. These are short, punchy blasts of straightedge goodness with a Gorilla Biscuits feel. The singer Dannii seems much more in control of the crowd than the last time I saw them and they manage to get a few people moving.
Wits End are another band who have a great intro, and theirs is reminiscent of Floorpunch or Judge. This is a very authentic take on old school New York hardcore. Their sound owes a debt to Killing Time, Judge and Raw Deal but they get what makes this style work. The riffs are heavy and powerful without being overly metallic whilst the vocals are gruff and authoritative. A killer cover of Killing Time's 'Brightside' sees the crowd piling on to sing along. Punchy and dynamic, it's played with a real reverance for this style and the bands which have clearly influenced them.
Wits End ****
Cannonball ****
Brightside ***
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