February means it’s time for the Kerrang tour, and this year it started at the UEA in Norwich. Anticipation had built hugely for this year’s tour following the late announcement of a special mystery guest band!
Starting the show was Columbus, Ohio based metalcore act Beartooth, formed by former Attack Attack! Vocalist Caleb Shomo a little over two years ago, it is fair to say that there were few Beartooth fans in the crowd, even so, by the end of their half-hour set, they certainly managed to get the crowd going and should have gained many more fans by the end of the tour.
More metalcore followed with Bury Tomorrow, a band who were much more familiar to many in the audience. An energetic set certainly moved things up a gear with some lively pits developing in the crowd.
Next up was the mystery band and one of the worst kept secrets. Young Guns had gained a strong following in the UK following the success of their second album ‘Bones’ and had decided the time was right to have a crack at America and to work on some new material. This fifteen minute guest slot was perfect for them to remind the crowd what they’re about and to announce their own tour later in the year. Two excellent new songs followed by hit single ‘Bones’ had many in the crowd buzzing and ensured their tour will be an eagerly anticipated one.
Squeezing Young Guns into the middle of the bill meant just a fifteen minute turn around between bands which certainly helped to keep things moving along nicely and next on was New York pop punk act We Are The In Crowd, a band that have played in Norwich a few times already (in a much smaller venue) and have a strong local following. The band had no problem with the bigger venue, full of energy and making good use of the much larger stage they kept the crowd singing along with a good mix of old and new songs. Tay Jardine has matured as a performer but still looks like she is loving every minute of being on the stage. These are a fun band that I could watch over and over again.
Headliners Don Broco have barely performed live since last years Reading and Leeds festivals spending the rest of the year writing their new album though you wouldn’t know it from this polished and professional performance, bundles of energy and a great set list kept the crowd thoroughly engaged throughout. Three new songs got their live debuts and showed that the new album should be one to look forward to and there was time for plenty of old stuff to keep the fans happy.
So this was a great show all round, five good bands all very different in style make this a tour worth catching if you can.
Words – Neal Francis
Photography – Kayleigh Warren
