Amy Gravelle (@AmyGravelle) checks out a host of acts about to tour, here’s her recent highlights that will be playing a UK venue near you soon.
Storming into the UK back in the early 2000s, only to vanish again in 2006, Death From Above 1979’s reformation in 2011 means after nearly a decade wait we can finally see them in the flesh again. Headlining Simple Things Festival at Bristol’s O2 Academy (25 October) the duo immediately unleash a crowd-seizing concoction of heavy bass and screeching psychotic vocals. Not only relying on old tracks like Cold War and Turn It Out to lead the way, the audience’s response to recent single Trainwreck suggests the pair should consider sticking around a bit longer this time. However whatever their future plans, onstage Death From Above 1979 prove that they were definitely worth waiting for.
On the road: Dublin Academy (20 February), Belfast Limelight, (21 February), Glasgow O2 ABC (23 February), Manchester The Ritz (24 February), O2 Academy Brixton (25 February), Birmingham Institute (26 February)
Meanwhile further along the coast, alongside much nippier waters than those found in their home state Florida, A Day To Remember descended on Brighton Centre (15 November) to continue their All Signs Point To Britain tour. Opening with The Downfall of Us All, confetti was blasted from the ceiling as if to celebrate the American’s return to these shores. Amalgamating metalcore and pop punk, the band blend heavy breakdowns with epic sing-along chorus lines to ensure the gig kicks off with a diversified bang. In fact, the whole show really feels like one big party, especially when lead singer Jeremy McKinnon jumps into a giant see-through Zorb ball to bounce across the crowd Flaming Lips-style during Homesick. There’s even presents as a man dressed in a morph suit fires t-shirts via a giant cannon into the crowd. Party tricks aside, the set proves the band now have a wide enough range of material to pull in a varied crowd, ensuring everyone feels invited to ADTR gang.
On the road: O2 Academy, Sheffield (21 November), Camden Barfly, London (22 November), O2 Academy Newcastle (23 November), Download Festival (13 June)
It’s always satisfying when bands like The Gaslight Anthem vigorously tour their way up to headlining a show at Alexandra Palace (19 November). Brian Fallon and co seem worthy of their larger surroundings as their breathless set includes the likes of Get Hurt and 45, both of which ably fill the grand venue. The triumphant set proves the band’s hard work on the road was worth it, and what’s more The Gaslight Anthem look like they enjoy every minute on the big stage.
On the road: Edinburgh Corn Exchange (21 November), Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff (22 November), O2 Academy Birmingham (23 November)
