This week there is music from: CROWS, METZ, GHUM, Hoorsees, The Battery Farm and the new one from Sextile!
I think I spend most of the show talking about CROWS and their show in Manchester from last Friday. Bloody incredible it was!
Right, I’m off to play FIFA x
Sunday. The perfect day to see one of the loudest bands around live. Even better when you have the Monday off to make sure you fully recover and can hear properly. I think the last time I saw METZ live was at YES, and it was such a great show. How was last nights show? Just as great- if not better.
The bands and fans have waited around 2 years for this tour, and it was absolutely worth the wait. METZ are a band that you listen to, and just let everything go to. I didn’t realise how badly I needed to see a band this loud, and when it happened- it was sheer euphoria. I wasn’t brave enough to get right into the crowd, but I had the time of my life on my lonesome at the back. The Pink Room at YES is probably one of the finest venues in this beautiful city. I’d put it up there with the likes of the Moth Club in London. It’s got this feel to it that just makes you feel like you are where you are supposed to be at that time. Anyway, profound shit aside- let’s talk the setlist.
METZ tear the roof off with Pulse- a proper smack in the face jam. A perfect way to open the set. Now, for some this 11 song set may have been too short (I mean I agree- I could happily watch them play for hours and still want more.) but the energy these 3 have on stage is insane. I just want to touch on how phenomenal a drummer Hayden is. On record, you know he’s great but bloody hell when you see METZ live, you truly get to witness how talented they are. Hayden’s drumming is unlike anything else I’ve seen- I can’t even give you a reference of who to liken him to but I promise you- he’s one of those drummers that will go on to influence so many. METZ are just a delight to watch, and the second their show starts you know it’s going to be something that stays with you. Alex’s vocals whilst annihilating the shit out the guitar are a sight to behold. He’s truly something else, and accompanying this you’ve got Chris making the bass sound like a lethal weapon. If you’ve never seen METZ live, then you’re missing out.
The setlist was perfect- cannot fault it. Not like I’d want to anyway! We were treated to Hail Taxi, The Swimmer, Eraser, new song Demolition Row, obviously Get Off (which was dedicated to the support Psychic Graveyard) and ended on A Boat To Drown In. There’s hardly any small talk here (and I’m all for that- bloody hate small talk) and they just keep the songs coming, and getting louder and louder with each song. YES is the perfect venue for a band like METZ. The sound there is great, and it’s a Pink room- what more could you want!
I think their show last night truly showed why METZ are not just one of the best band around full stop, but one of the most thrilling bands to see live. I know they aren’t to everyone’s taste and some may shy away from music as loud as this, but there’s no denying how talented METZ are. Canada’s finest for sure. Every record is a progression in sound, and is a masterpiece, and when you see them live you can’t help but wonder how the hell do only 3 people make this much noise? I’d put the show from last night as being one of the loudest shows I’ve ever been to. Top 3 with Melvins and The Jesus And Mary Chain. Easily.
The show last night was truly worth the wait, and everything you could possibly want from seeing a band that you adore. If annual leave and money wasn’t an issue- I’d happily follow METZ on tour. They are a joy to watch- lets hope we don;t have to wait so long for the next tour!
This week there is music from: Big Dipper, Metz, GHUM, Fontaines, Kate Clover and a hell of a lot more!
Like a steamroller over your body; the brand-new record by METZ will crush you and leave you gasping for more. 10 songs that will bust you in the chops and you will be grateful for it.
Atlas Landing is peak METZ, and this means it is beautifully loud. A shit ton of rage, passion and this urge to devour any and everything in your way. Every single song on the record will deafen you and corrupt you in ways you’ve been longing for. The only downside to this record is that it makes you wish you could go to a METZ show, and given the state of the pissing world right now, we have no idea when that will be. If you’ve ever been to a METZ show, you will know just how incredible it is and how these 3 beautiful human beings leave the venue completely annihilated, just how it should be done. But, this is about the record.
A few listens in, and I can safely call this as the most vital record of the year. The Mirror and Hail Taxi are my favourites at the moment, but that can change mainly because this record is too perfect to single one or two as favourites. It’s a masterpiece. METZ have never made a bad record, I genuinely don’t think they can do anything other than incredible to be honest. They are consistently phenomenal, and they blow my mind every single time. Sub Pop has been their home from the start pretty much, and if you go back and listen to their previous records you will hear a band that have always had a solid sound and vision to stick with. They have their own sound and it towers anything else you’ve ever heard. Atlas Landing is full of songs to just unleash your own hell to. Do whatever you want so you can feel free when you play this record. Every record is a leap into their minds and it is the most personal thing a band can do. METZ do it in an effortlessly slick way.
Draw Us In is THE big song. Everything about this one just screams being able to let everything go around you, and finding some inner peace. Take it where you can. Maybe you need to lose your mind in order to find it, or some shit. I don’t know. Alex has such a distinctive voice, and I love that he makes you feel like you are part of this world he’s lured you into with Chris and Hayden. It’s menacing, it’ll keep you on edge and you will love every single twist and turn. Sugar Pill is a prime example of this, and again, it’s another moment on this record where they all show us how exceptional they are. Trust me, if you’re wanting something to get rid of your blues or to make you feel SOMETHING- get this record when it comes out on the 9th. It is a record that will get you right in the soul. Let it take you over in all ways imaginable.
This is their 4th record, and I love that Atlas Vending makes you feel like you’ve discovered METZ for the first time and you know, for some it might be. If it’s your first time listening to them- welcome. It’s such a great record. The production is yet again sublime and that really comes into focus on Framed by the Comets Tail. My god this is METZ at their absolute best. This record is just a gorgeous piece of noise that you cannot get enough of. Every single song will have you on edge in the best way possible, and if Parasite doesn’t scare you a little bit, then I think you’re listening to the wrong record.
So, there you have it, Canada’s finest METZ have yet again given us something to treasure and find comfort in. I’ll probably use this record as a safety net or something. METZ aren’t a band that you can label, and why on earth would you want to? All you need to know is that they’ve done it again with record number 4 and made another record that is out of this world.
Alex, Chris and Hayden- thank you. You’ve made this year less shitty!
I apologise in advance for potentially how erratic and lengthy this will be. Last night’s show went beyond meaning the world to me, and although I may not be able to eloquently put into words what the show meant to me, I know that there is an incredible group of people who fully understand. That group of people are the AF Gang. Thank you.
Prior to the show last night Joe, Lee and Bobo walked past me. I stupidly (or sensibly) used my self-control to not go up to them and spurt out words of love and ask for a photo. I think part of me couldn’t believe it. Not that these real people walked past me, but because I was a couple of hours away from seeing them on stage. It hadn’t sunk in yet; the tickets were last minute (and I owe it to two complete strangers who have hearts of gold.)
Sadly, I didn’t make all the 45s set but what I could hear was truly wonderful and it sounded so energetic. But I did catch all METZ’s set. I think anyone who knows me, knows I love two bands a hell of a lot- METZ and IDLES. I saw METZ earlier this year when they played the Pink Room at YES (USA Nails supported, and again this was a dream line up.) I was blown away and I was left struggling to hear the day after. It was incredible. Second time around in a much bigger venue- they sounded the same. Full of this beautiful rowdiness that just makes you want to pick up a guitar and make a lot of noise. They are one of the best live bands around, and to see everyone else react the same was a beautiful thing too. Songs like Get Off and Acetate were sheer madness, and of course just made me fall in love with them all over again. If you ever get to see them, GO. In any capacity, just go. They’ll shake your bones and shatter your skull in the best way possible.
The main event. The bit where my heart beats faster in a good way, not from having a panic attack. The part where my life probably changes. Where it all kicks in.
IDLES take to the stage and open with Colossus. If you ever want to see a bunch of passionate, beautiful people rush to the front upon hearing the opening chords to an anthem- go to an IDLES show. This was the first time in a very long time where I was in the midst of the crowd. I normally stay back or near the side. I don’t do big venues usually. But I can safely say that I felt so fucking safe at this show. IDLES played 18 songs, and I’m pretty sure we would have begged them to stay longer and play them all again. They are a band that just make me feel so fucking happy and I honestly don’t know what I would do without them. They are a band that say the things I probably can’t, and just voice out my worries and emotions better than I ever could. They are my outlet and my safety net. I have never sung (well, shouted) like this at a show before. This morning my body hurts and my throat hurts in the best way possible. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Every single song is a highlight (we got QUEENS for fucks sake!!!) and I wanted to stay in the moment forever. Is this how someone feels when they see their child for the first time? I think this is probably better. From the crowd chanting IDLES prior to them coming on stage, from Bobo ending up in the crowd to Joe ending up with someone’s shoe on stage- this was truly the best gig I’ve ever, ever been to. Sorry Nick Cave, I think you’ve bene overtaken! The crowd chanting “Oh Jeremy Corbyn” to the mass sing along of Wonderwall and All I Want For Christmas Is You. It was the most loving and precious atmosphere; I just wanted to be immersed in it forever.
This was my first IDLES show and it won’t be my last. There is something about seeing them for the first time that just gives you that kick up the arse that you need. Everything that this band and us fans stand for is something to treasure and to pass on. There were kids at the gigs with their parents, and if it was their first ever gig then everything else in life has a lot to live up to! I loved that during Rottweiler birthday girl, Catherine got on stage to play guitar with them. To see a fellow AF Ganger up on stage with the band and just ripping the stage apart was beautiful. That’s how you do a birthday and close a show.
Slow Savage broke my heart. This was the only moment I cried during the show. There is something about the way Joe shouts, “I’m the worst lover that you’ll ever have” that rips you apart. It’s the sheer openness and vulnerability in their songs that lures you in and wraps itself around your heart. This song is a prime example of it. But there is something else about their shows that will wrap itself around your heart- the strong feeling of unity.
Danny Nedelko is sang like a football chant on the terraces. This song means a hell of a lot to me and so many. It’s a perfect example of what makes this country great- the people who come here to better themselves. Our beautiful immigrants. We love you and you are welcome here. Always.
I feel I am missing key moments from the show, but I’ve had 5 hours sleep and a bit of a migraine brewing. I don’t care. I have never felt so alive as I did last night. The atmosphere was safe and full of love- just how it should be. We got Queens for fucks sake! I’m still delirious over that; incredible. Last night changed something in me. I’m not entirely sure what just yet, but something will emerge I’m sure. It has to. Since losing my Gran 3 months ago, I’ve not had hold of any emotion I have; everything has been a downward spiral in my head but last night I had a glimmer of stability. I have to go with that.
There is also nothing more satisfying and therapeutic than screaming along to their song Mother, and yelling “MOTHER! FUCKER!” with a few thousand people. Nothing can beat that.
Keep fucking going, and love yourself. LOVE.YOURSELF.
Beat In My Bones. 