Hardcore to inspire the masses
Tonight is all about Every Time I Die, and the Mean Fiddler may not be rammed but the fans that are there are very, very excited. There isn't much of a build up - ETID clearly don't believe in keeping people waiting - and launch straight into their first song. There is no doubt that both the fans and band are totally up for this gig with all manner of singing, moshing and clapping along, not to mention one almighty circle pit. In fact, guitarist Jordan Buckley - a security guard's worst nightmare - insists on crowd surfing only to be hauled back to the stage, more's the pity. It's a passionate affair and a damn sight more intense than on record.
Singer, Keith Buckley, is a natural frontman, happily chatting away to the crowd, "We hope you guys are having fun, this one's an old one... we're gonna need some help." What that help is, we never find out, but the tune is brutal and edgy metalcore with a breakdown that could set you off on one yourself. Before long, we get treated to a new song - "Think you're really gonna enjoy this one" - and it's literally drops on you it's that heavy. With dashes of Metallica and thrash, this one's set to be a favourite.
What comes after is Romeo A Go-Go, one of the best songs of the evening, and sees Jordan take his chances with the security and throws himself onto the crowd - security's having none of it. A circle pit just opens up out of nowhere as the crowd take over singing duties. New follows old, as 'The New Black' rips into action full of razor melodies and uneasiness while it teeters on the brink of dirty rock n roll. Suddenly, ETID's set has become that much better not that we're complaining.
Everything's going swimmingly until Andy just walks off; there's some concerned looks being shared around the place, but fear not, it's all part of the act. Keith yells, "Make some noise to bring him back!" twice, so we do; naturally Andy strolls back on and launches into the penultimate song, 'I've Been Gone A Long Time'. It's rock n roll n hardcore thrown together and damn it sounds good - the night's not even over yet, either. By this point, it's a miracle the band have got any energy left, but they do and so begins the last song of the night. There's no doubt that these guys plan to go out on a high and they pretty much succeed with some ferocious straight up hardcore.
This is not music made for the average David Gray fan, this is proper stuff and ETID can leave rest assured that they played a good set.