Gig: Flatspot World EU / UK Tour @ The Trinity Centre, Bristol
Speed by Ross Peacey
The Flatspot World UK/EU Tour 2024, 1 Nov Trinity, Bristol. Boasting a stellar line up I knew this would be an exciting show. The demand for tickets was so high it was upgraded from its original venue before selling out a second time.
Day By Day
With an Autumn chill in the air those arriving early had the pleasure of catching Florida’s Day by Day. They played with an energetic mix of aggression and vibrancy, which perfectly set the scene. After a typicaly fast set they reminded us to look out for their new record Dust And Ashes which is due out in 2025.
Life’s Question
I was keen to see Life’s Question as I knew they’d have the most varied style tonight. They played with the same level of aggression as others, but incorporated more melodic elements into their sound. From their duel sweeping guitar attack that transitioned from scorching riffs into smooth solos, and the addition of vocals from Abby Rhine added depth to their attack. It also meant that when they played tracks like “I Can Still Hear My Mama Pray” the shift in dynamics and massive riff got everyone moving and throwing themselves around.
Demonstration of Power
Glasgows Demonstration of Power hit the stage next, asking to kill the house lights. As one of the heavier acts tonight the crowd pushed forward taking up the last inch of space in front of the stage. It wasn’t long before people were climbing up and throwing themselves off the left and right into the crowd. Their intensity really whipping up tempo. I noticed one man at the side of the stage with broken glasses and blood running down his face.
End It
In the spirit of full disclosure I’d bought my ticket tonight to see End It. They didn’t disappoint with Akil Godsey singing a cappella to open their set as he often does. Their tracks like “New Wage Slavery” and set closer “The Comeback” really hitting hard, and many people screaming along. They were a real contrast to the previous acts, taking time between songs, talking to the crowd and joking. These moments of calm punctuated by their rapid paced songs, some of which as short as 40 seconds. Their debut record is due out in 2025, and it will be exciting to hear the progression from their excellent EP Unpleasant Living (2022)
Speed
Finally it was time for headliners Speed. The night was a celebration for them in more ways than one. Clearly the crowd favourite, it also happened to be guitarist Joshua’s birthday with a cake and candles brought on mid set. Jem played the flute to open as heard on their record Only One Mode. A sublime way to start, which was quickly followed by total chaos, which Jim encouraged! At one point there were more fans onstage than band members, sending mic stands tumbling. I saw one enthusiastic fan jump so far from the stage he landed on the tightly packed crowd which feel into and knocked over the security railings. The crowd loving every minute as the band raced through their set. Jem taking a brief moment towards the end talk about their respect for the UK Hardcore scene, and how Speeds initial ambitions of just playing to their friends in Sydney has been exceeded many times over. I have a feeling people will be talking about this show for a long time.
