The past few years have not been the best for The Blackout. Since 2012 release “Start The Party”, the band have suffered negative fan responses, constant battles with their label and poor treatment from other bands. However, if recent release “Wolves” hadn’t proved to you that they are back and better than ever, then tonight’s Waterfront show most certainly did.
First band on the bill were South Welsh post-hardcore unit When We Were Wolves. Bringing vibes of the offspring of Bury Tomorrow and Architects injected with a Welsh charm, the band immediately brought a dynamic show. Every member of this group made the stage their own, constantly thrashing around and making an impressive scene. It was a tribute to their determination that they managed to start multiple mosh and circle pits despite a disappointing immediate turnout, with the audience clearly enjoying the brilliant music they brought to the stage. Powering through hits from this year’s release “Heartless”, the band simply provided one of the best sets a support band possibly could have, opening the way only for improvement.
This improvement was met with an increased audience and Scottish outfit Yashin. No strangers to this stage, having graced it several times over the past few years both as headliners and with bands such as We Are The Ocean, Yashin provided their trademark attitude. Despite not having toured for a while, the band clearly still new how to get an audience going, providing them with both new material from forthcoming album ‘The Renegades’, and from fan favourite ‘We Created A Monster’. Frontmen Harry Radford and Kevin Miles played off of each other in spectacular fashion, and their strong Norwich fanbase retorted in standard fashion, bringing alive their trademark “Figure 8” around the two pillars. Yashin’s standard musical prowess was present, and the crowd were singing almost every word back at them throughout the set. From this set, it isn’t difficult to see why this band is always so well-met in Norwich: the pure energy they emancipated was absorbed by the audience and thrown straight back at them, a powerful set which met their high standard, and the perfect introduction to tonight’s headliners.
As the lights dimmed and the sizeable crowd screamed, it was clear that The Blackout have missed being on stage. Having not played for the best part of a year, they immediately captivated the crowd with lead single Wolves, and the volume of the audience singing along just showed what a loyal following this unit have. Going from new to old, frontman Sean Smith leapt over the barrier to effectively assault members of the audience for “I’m A Riot? You’re A Fucking Riot”. The energy levels this band exerted throughout the entire set was reflected by the audience, and the atmosphere of the room was incredibly high in the best possible way.
Musically, even though the band hadn’t played live in a long time, they still didn’t fail to achieve. Every chord, every note, and every cymbal are in perfect time together. The set is chosen well, incorporating some of the band’s biggest hits from all four studio albums and both major EPs, with songs ranging from ‘I Don’t Care’ and ‘Save Our Selves’ to ‘The Storm’ and ‘Higher and Higher’ right through to ‘Start the Party’ and ‘Wolves’. The range was nice to see, showing that the band still haven’t forgotten the fan-favourites and the hits that got them where they are today.
The Blackout can always be relied on to provide an incredible show, and tonight was no exception. With the discussion between songs ranging from Gavin tugging Sean’s penis to make it longer, to a wholehearted chant demanding “fuck Bob”, it was clear why this band have such a large following. It isn’t just about the music, or the look, it’s about their genuine nature. This is a group of men who aren’t just about making money or making music, it’s about having fun with some good friends and some people who appreciate what they do. This sort of feeling came across well and demanded a lot of respect for them.
As the set drew to a close, and “Save Our Selves” dulled out, it was evident that everyone was satisfied. The fans had just witnessed the triumphant return of one of post-hardcore’s biggest units, and the band had proven both to the crowd, themselves, and to everyone who has given them shit that they are a force to be reckoned with, and a group of men who truly deserve all of the praise they get. The set ends, and six smiles leave the stage, with hundreds more leaving through the double doors.
If forced to sum the show up in a word, it would be “energy”. Every single band out-performed themselves, showing a new level of energy that the eager crowd happily returned. Three wonderful sets from three wonderful bands which left the crowd ecstatic and cemented The Blackout’s place as a force to be reckoned with, and a band whose future looks incredibly exciting.
Words – Liam Forkes
Photography – Kayleigh Warren
