Manchester based metalcore band Atheana kick off the night with a furious set. Lead singer Soph sports a t-shirt that reads ‘Twatz’ in Bratz font with photos of the last five Prime Ministers, and rips into a splenetic song about our government.
With heavy beats and bass, they rifle through ‘Tension’ and ‘Shift your Focus’, their self-proclaimed best song. Soph’s intense screams emphasise the upsetting message of self-destruction that the song highlights.
The Great Nothing continue the evening with a set of progressive metal that compares to the likes of Spiritbox and Sleep Token. Future single ‘Die Cry Hate’ is an angry standout, while a fantastic rendition of Blur’s ‘Song Two’ follows. Lead singer Leo Craig has an eccentric stage presence and strong vocals, even coming into the crowd during the final song – dedicated to out-going bassist, Matty Ashton – and sparking a pit.
Mouth Culture bring the energy from the first note. Opening with ‘Sharkbait’ from their 2023 Mishaps of My Mid Twenties EP, they hold the crowd in the palm of their hand, creating a collective sweaty mess as they delve into their arsenal. The Leicester three-piece have the stage presence of industry professionals, naturals on stage. Lead singer Jack Voss is a t-shirtless eccentric frontman, a role he performs with ease and confidence. Mouth Culture are a band on the brink of a breakthrough, with catchy lyrics, upbeat songs and a perfect blend of rock, punk and a chunk of pop. It’ll only take a major support slot or even the 2024 festival circuit for them to take off.
With influences from the likes of My Chemical Romance and The 1975, Mouth Culture marry grunge to more alt-pop sounds. ‘Johnny’s Cold Shoulder’ is a slower, more emotional song and shows Voss’s vocal range. ‘Cherry Red Rage’ allows Mason Clifford on guitar and Todd Groome on bass to shine as heavy riffs and beats drive the song. Touring member Mitch Goodwin on drums keeps the drive of the songs high and complements the band to perfection.
With mosh pits and crowd surfers, the Gullivers crowd are having the time of their lives. Each song gets them going more than the last, ending on the larger than life ‘Cherry Red Rage.’ Voss asks the crowd if they are “ready to rage?” and rage they do!
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