So a new Hardcore Festival, and to kick it off: a gig the night before, perfect! Tonight’s gig being put on to start the festivities a night earlier with 4 bands from around the North to kick off with! Tonight being about as DIY as it gets, in a practise room, with borrowed equipment, and it was free, mint!
Opening tonight are local Emo Punk’s Nai Harvest, the lightest band to be playing the whole weekend. Stuck with only one microphone to share between 2 vocalists led to lots of really loud shouting to compensate! Main vocalist/Guitarist Ben spent any time not singing stomping and jumping around, and generally looking like he was enjoying himself! Whilst they didn’t ‘bring the mosh’ that’s not really what they’re about, posi emo about cats maybe, but not mosh. Also playing a new song tonight had led to lots of fun and a good set!
Only getting on the bill that morning were Silvertown, playing as a 3 piece today due to their bassist Ross being on his hols! However to that didn’t hinder this lot slightly in playing, whilst a ruined Microphone slowed down Josh for a bit once sorted everything got into full swing in the set. Even with without bass they still managed to produce a good heavy sound without losing any tightness in playing. With still getting some mosh/side to side stomping through the set they were still up to their usual standard of playing and were as usual good to watch.
Up next were Splitcase, Nottingham hard lads with added Roger Bradley helping out on guitars for this set. Without any technical issues affecting them during the set meant for a much smoother set. Bringing back early 90’s era NYC Hardcore meant some incredibly meaty riffs led and a bit of groove led to the standard outbreak of mosh and head banging made for a good set from these lads.
Finishing up tonight was probably one of the heaviest bands across both events Minister Of Justice, mixing a ridiculous amount of riffs, chug, and general mind blowing heaviness. The one let down to their set was the PA was nowhere near loud enough to get the vocals up as loud as the guitars, the brief moments when vocals came through they were immensely raw and powerful. However this didn’t stop anyone enjoying the set, with plenty of head banging for most of the set with a brief break out of moshing and mic grabs at the end. Overall they played brilliantly and had plenty of presence making for a great set to watch, watch out for these guys, their music will tear your ear drums in half whilst the crowd will kick you in the head!
Tonight’s gig was a brilliant way to kick off the Outbreak Fest weekend, with quite a few people coming out a day early to catch these bands in preparation for tomorrows madness meant for a great evening!
Words and photos: Jon Andrews
