Tag Archives: Fangclub

Indie, Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Fangclub At The Button Factory Dublin With Support From Cherym

Devoted fans is something every band and artist dreams of. The sort of fans that have tattoos of the band’s logo, know every word to their songs, discuss who their favourite band member is before the show and queue in the cold to see them. This is the devotion that Dublin’s Fangclub have garnered. I heard compelling arguments for why Steven King, Kevin Keane and Dara Coleman are the best as the eager fans stood waiting to enter the Button Factory on Friday night for Fangclub’s headline show. The fans dissected their favourite tracks from the bands EP’s and albums while discussing the amount of times they have seen the trio. The crowd were sure the show was going to be one to remember….. it was.

Derry three piece pop rock band Cherym kick started the night. A feisty trio the band blast out their fierce tunes with relentless stamina. With a crashing wall of sound saturated in gritty riffs, fiery bass lines and pounding drums provided by Alannagh Doherty – it’s a speedy neck snapping set. Hannah Richardson howls and spits out the lyrics with attitude as she struts back and forth on stage. There isn’t a lot of banter from this trio they allow their brawling riffs and pulverising lean mean wall of sound do the talking for them. The pop sensibilities smoothen the razor sharp assault the trio execute so precisely. Members of the crowd mosh and jump to each tune while others are singing along to the lyrics.A threat to do an Irish dance on stage and a “wee prayer” causes cheers from the crowd while a witty asthma quip and “wake the f*ck up do we look like we do Irish dancing” remark creates a humorous tune-up distraction before the band speedball into new single ‘Abigail’. There is something compelling about this trio. Their tunes exude gut-punching punk rock with a pop smattering melody that drifts effortlessly into the ears. Bassist Nyree Porter is extremely charismatic on stage as she engages playfully with the crowd sparking clap-alongs and even jumps off the stage to allow the audience to strum the bass. They made quite an impression.

With Led Zeppelin’s ‘Immigrant Song’ blasting through the speakers while a smoky red hue glows onstage Fangclub triumphantly stroll on stage to a mass of cheering. A band who are honest, raw and incredibly talented these guys don’t hold anything back. The setlist travels at full speed as the band pack in as many tracks as they can with high fives, fist bumps and hand shakes from the crowd in between. “Go on Stevo” members of the crowd shout as Steven King (his face buried in a mass of hair) explodes into ‘Vulture Culture’. The pit erupts immediately, as the crowd once again fall under the bands spell. ‘All Fall Down’ truly grabbed the crowd by the throat as a riot of drums, bass and shrilling roar on guitars thrill the moshing fans to the core. Kevin Keane swishes, jumps and executes his raging bass lines with rampant vigor. There is one track in particular where his finesse excels, ‘ Hesitations ‘. The demon summoning bass rumble resounds throughout the venue as King’s spine chilling vocals entice and seduce against this riveting wall of sound. Dara Coleman resides on a raised platform, shrouded in an enigmatic cloud of dry ice. He pummels through the crunching, ferocious and downright dominant drum rolls and rhythms with precision and relentless stamina while members of the crowd try to air drum along . The trio are joined onstage by guitarist Ed Scanlan who provided those slick licks, riffs and rich guitar melodies that pepper the bands tracks in swagger and spice.He has his own fans in the crowd who shout “go on Ed” and “love you Ed”. 

“Everyone ready for Christmas?” King asks before he introduces the blistering ‘Kingdumb’. Members of the crowd reply with a half cheer/half moan while another shouts “Hail Satan!” 

The show is a special moment for both the band and their fans. An almost solo performance of the note to King’s girlfriend ‘Last Time’ leaves King in tears as he tries to finish the song. His fingers shake as he forms the chords on the fret-board. He coo’s the tender lyrics with nothing but guitar accompaniment. The crowd cheer in support as Coleman and Keane return to the stage embracing him before the expressive and emotional crescendo. It’s a striking reminder of all this band have been through, almost calling it a day before the ‘Vulture Culture’ album and the stress and emotional turmoil they have been through. It made me realise just how lucky we were to be there that night watching them perform their largest Dublin headline to date. King thanks his family, friends and fans for helping him get through everything. Most people don’t think of the person beneath the larger than life rock-star persona but that glimmer into frontman King’s emotional mindset at the time made all the difference and earned more respect and love from adoring fans. Refusing to allow that tender moment define the night King turns to face the drums, wipes his eye and rebounds with the searing ‘Bad Words’…. the crowd goes insane. The band leave the stage as King lip sinks to Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ while the crowd bellow back the lyrics dramatically sprawling their arms out to him before Coleman, Keane and Scanlan carry King off stage to the resounding sound of the crowd’s cheering. 

It was a fantastic show of sweat, adrenaline, massive tunes and tears as Fangclub were welcomed home by their adoring, never faltering fans. Fangclub are getting bigger and better. They have grown into accomplished proficient musicians. They shattered through The Button Factory in style with unbridled energy, graciousness and a performance that their fans will never forget. Their riot-inducing sound is hypnotic and encourages anyone within ear shot to begin head banging and moshing. I believe one fan from the crowd summed up the nights antics well – as he left the venue he said to his friend ” my neck is fucked”.


Author : Danu

Check Out More Images From The Show Below

90's Grunge, Album Review, Alt Rock, Indie, indie rock, New Music

Fangclub ‘Vulture Culture’ Album

Dublin’s Fangclub have released their eagerly awaited sophomore album, ‘Vulture Culture’, on Vertigo Records. The band kick off their headline UK and European tour this October, opening in Liverpool and closing in Dublin’s Button Factory. They will also play Indiependence Festival, Cork on August 4th.

 ‘Vulture Culture’ is an experience – each track spirals towards the next in a gush of frenzy and turmoil while Fangclub showcase their expressive, explosive and majestic musicianship. Within this album Fangclub refine their sound, lacing each track with intricate guitar, raw bass lines and dynamic drum progressions. The album lulls into motion with ‘Last Time’. This beautiful track is made up of extracts from a confessional note that vocalist Steven King wrote his girlfriend, (which he sang to her in a lamp-lit studio). The band ease us into the album encompassing tender emotion and turmoil in one sublime slow burner. This delicate gem stops time and introduces the fragile aspects of the album with glistening guitar, reverb whispered vocals and a dreamy nostalgic melody. The track builds superbly becoming more vigorous as the drums and guitars crash into motion bringing about that powerful expressive sound we have come to love from this trio. What a track to introduce the album it’s everything the album contains and more. Title track ‘Vulture Culture’ has the trying job of following and boy it doesn’t disappoint. Stomping in swagger soaked and filled with bravado ‘Vulture Culture’ struts on slinky guitars, pulverising drums and snide vocals. With its jagged gallop and creepy carnival jingle on guitar, this light fun track is a daring cocktail of sinister and dark with a cynical zesty twist to add a sting to the palate. 

Epic choruses and a robust wall of sound flood through the darker ‘Nightmare’, ‘Hesitations’ and  ‘Kingdumb’ concreting the mosh ready hair raising effect of the album as each track takes you further and further into this glorious festering experience. ‘Viva Violent’ adds a steamy flourish to the album with its jangly guitar infectiously weaving between the elastic beat and rooted bass groove leading to the feisty chorus eruption. The melodies in the album, as always are catchy delicious spreads of honey that roll and drift into your mind in sweet easy doses. Each track has its own slinky raw manner which adds a sublime character and lovable quality to each song. Themes of fear, paranoia, addiction, love and despair all spew, ferment and curdle through ‘Every Day’  ‘Heavy Handed’ and ‘All I Have’ while the band use their musical prowess to create an instrumental whirlwind of shrilling guitar, beefy bass lines and mammoth drums creating the most thrilling and commanding backdrop. ’Black Rainbow’ is another gem within this treasure trove. This adrenaline inducing track drives through the gritty darkly smothered verses setting the tune up for another blasting chorus however, strikingly the band break into a sweet, light, fluffy chorus with King cooing over a dreamy, euphoric backdrop. There is of course a heavy crescendo but the track winds down into repetitive soft vocals, acoustic guitar and piano end – allowing us a glimpse of a more elegant side to Fangclub as we are lulled into a whimsical state of bliss. This track is fast becoming my favourite on the album. Its opium soaked melody and rich peppy rhythm mixed meticulously between the contrasting, brain-frazzling mania is masterful. ‘Slow’ closes the album ensuring our thirst for more is unquenchable. A beefy beat, luring guitars and attitude soaked vocals end the album on a massive high. You can’t get bigger, better or more frantic (well these guys probably will ) but it’s an enticing, vaporous and anthemic number that I can imagine is utterly mind blowing live. The track is raw, endearing and filled with enormous moments from crashing slick guitar to ground shaking bass lines and first class drumming.  

Fangclub have created a phenomenal album with ‘Vulture Culture’. Once you listen to the album you will never be the same again. It is brimming with passion and curdling themes of confusion, sadness and violence. The band express this through fiery intense instrumentation that surrounds you and consumes you in a world created entirely by Fangclub. The tracks reach deep into the crevices of your subconscious and lay bare your emotions and experiences – raw and exposed but contained within this powerful medium. ‘Vulture Culture’ is pretty potent musicianship.

Stream ‘Vulture Culture’ below 


A Chat With, Album Release, Interviews, New Music, Video Interviews

A Chat With : Fangclub

We sat down to have a chat with Steven King from Fangclub to discuss what we can expect from the bands new album ‘Vulture Culture’ which was released today. We discussed the themes running through the album and the emotional and intricate aspects of ‘Vulture Culture’ as well as what it was like to support The Smashing Pumpkins and Metallica.

Watch the interview below


Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Worth A Listen

Worth A Listen

Photo Credit : Derek Bremner

Our Worth A Listen Track This Week Comes From Fangclub

Fangclub have released their new track ‘Hesitations’. The three-piece who are currently working on their second album present a tasty savage appetizer. With dark soundscapes creeping like a misty fog on a eerie cold night this intense number confirms Fangclubs firm grasp on our ears. It’s catchy and explosive with their trademark anthemic chorus that erupts with crashing guitars, pulverising drums and inflamed bass. The verses simmer as the guitars smoulder and curdle beneath the rumbling bass while the drum relentlessly pounds throughout. Steven King’s vocals haunt and whisper building the intensity before becoming more dynamic for the raging chorus. With the sublime addition of a hypnotic chant by the Rush Youth Choir contrasting the blood curdling wall of sound, Fangclub have beautifully fermented and crafted this track to create their most thrilling and exhilarating material yet. If  ‘Hesitations’ is anything to go by there is exciting things to come from this trio.

Watch the video for ‘Hesitations’ below


Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Fangclub at The Sound House Dublin with support from The Winter Passing

“Keep an eye out for next year cos something f**king huge is happening” Steven King declares to the crowd amid the sweaty mania and it definitely felt that way on Friday night as Dublin’s Fangclub returned home for their show in The Sound House. The band were excited about something and you could feel it in the sticky air.

Dublin indie band The Winter Passing kicked the night off with their dynamic indie punk tunes resonating through the venue filling it to its capacity with the bands delightfully catchy and powerful tracks. Guitarist and vocalist Rob Flynn jumped literally into the first song as he exuded a mammoth amount of energy throughout the set bantering with the crowd and performing every possible guitar pose. The band whack out a healthy dose of emo-flavoured tunes with a dash of dreamy indie pop sprinkled on top. Throwing in some new tracks along with tasty older tracks like the buoyant ‘Significance’ and the upbeat melodic ‘Daisy’ it was an engaging and enjoyable start to the night. Their sound is hook filled, melodic, hefty and full of gusto and Kate Flynn’s sweet airy vocals contrast the stomping, distortion and gritty background perfectly. There is something for everyone here – meaningful lyrics, a fantastic tight wall of sound brimming with punchy drums, groovy rhythms, twinkling keyboard, shredding guitar hooks and The Winter Passing tie all this together with a compelling stage presence.

The Fangclub trio along with Long Tail’s Ed Scanlan on guitar calmly take to the stage with a suspenseful wail of distortion creating that all important tension and excitement before they whirlwind into ‘Knife’. The universe’s apparent attack to disrupt them throughout their set with technical difficulties doesn’t faze the band, they whack on regardless humorously and lightheartedly joking through the stumbles. There is a glint in their eyes shimmering and blazing behind the mass of hair over their faces. Appearing more comfortable, confident and oozing that rock star quality they are evolving and maturing nicely. ‘All Fall Down’, ‘Follow’ and ‘Dreamcatcher’ from their debut album evoke a massive sing along among the crowd. Kevin Keane jumps, hops and ricochets of each bass slap and groove that he proficiently produces with ease and grandeur while Dara Coleman’s concise epic drumming keeps the crowd at a constant relentless high. Their darkly intoxicating tracks from the new EP ‘True Love’ translated superbly live, better than I could have ever anticipated. ‘Heart Is A Landmine’ in particular was spine chilling, goosebump inducing bliss – Coleman’s drum roll just resonates though your very core. Frontman Steven King oozed effortless swagger and charm throughout the set as he smiled, joked and pranced between Keane and Scanlan. High-fiving members of the audience and shaking their hands the atmosphere was friendly yet electrifying. Each track traveled with sweet brute force. Their vigorous wall of sound wrestling your ears while the smooth melodies caress and entice you into submission. Crashing guitars, distortion, and pulverizing drums create this blood thirsty sound that Fangclub do superbly and its wholly satisfying. The crowd lapped up every guitar strike, drum pound, vocal wail  and every spin executed by Keane. A cracking-ly dark rendition of Babylon Zoo’s ‘Spaceman’ sat snugly between ‘Better to Forget’ and ‘Lightning’ as the crowd moshed, danced and flapped about. New track ‘Viva Violence’ in particular is a spectacular track and one to get excited about. It’s sinister bewitching verses glide easily into the ear while the jangly guitar weaves a golden cheeky thread between the buoyant beat and groovy bass as the feverous chorus explodes with Fangclub’s manic brand of chaotic grunge. It’s well crafted, steamy with a hint of sass through the instrumental anarchy- no wonder the band were excited for next year. ‘Bad Words’ spirals the crowd into a frenzy of blissful turmoil as they prepare for final track of the night, ‘Bullet Head’. Flailing limbs, crowd surfing and beer raining down from a disheveled souls jumping hand among the mosh pit is how the set list ends. Once ‘Bullet Head’ springs into their ears the crowd erupt. ‘If anybody falls pick them up” King shouts as they bash in to a frantic instrumental which ends with King and Keane lying on the stage as a bruising mosh pit worships over them.

Fangclub’s set was mind blowing and majestic. Their live shows exude swagger and fun while the tracks hook you firmly into their tasty  brand of garage rock leaving you craving for more. I’m looking forward to what this three piece have in store for us next year. 


Alt Rock, EP Review, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Summer Grunge

Fangclub ‘True Love’ EP

Fresh from their first UK headline tour, Irish rock band Fangclub have released their highly personal new EP titled ‘True Love’.  Last year the trio Steven King, Kevin Keane and Dara Coleman released their self titled debut album to mass critical acclaim and also toured the UK and Ireland with their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies, and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from the press (Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Upset) and specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart), and Kerrang! Radio with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words’.

‘True Love’ marks massive growth in the bands sound. The swirling and churning dark tones lurk underneath even the most peppy sounding of the tracks. There is something more sophisticated and painful in this EP. The meaty brain crush blast we are used to once again feature on True Love however they have honed in and sharpened everything from meatier ground shaking basslines and immense pounding drum grooves to slick acute guitar lacerations placed perfectly for maximum impact. Fangclub have us firmly in their grips and they are not letting go. Recent single ‘Knife’ sets the thrilling mayhem in motion with gritty basslines grumbling under slashing guitars and demanding drums. The chilled vocals cool the scorching instrumental backdrop for the verse teasing the explosive chorus we have come to love from Fangclub. Slick basslines have become a staple on this EP as they fluidly flow throughout each track with a sublime rooted groove adding a lusty darkness to each track, like a shadowy thread holding each song together. ‘Heart Is A Landmine’ is where their shadowy eerie tones take over. A moody melody bleeds over a punchy backdrop of slithering guitars whining between a mighty rhythmic bounce. It’s a cinematic tune that could feature in a Batman movie especially with its stirring melody and sublime griping guitar feature. It’s pretty dark and dramatic yet magnificently catchy and climatic all at once. ‘Smother’ brightens the tone of the EP. The guitars become lighter as they zealously inject juicy zest between punchy punk flavoured rock. Its sun kissed melody melts upon the gritty soundscapes like butter as a slick guitar solo and sing along ready chorus slaps on a glossy finish. The “buzz kill” ‘Sweater Forever’ follows. This is my kind of tune. It’s a moody sunny day wallowing blast of grunge that is just magnificent. The drums trudge through a gloopy sweet melody while the piercing sting on guitars lament and soar over this sullen tune. It’s both vibrant and sulky all at once as their vivid use of instrumentation and shaky percussion creates gripping heart wrenching turmoil for us to immerse in. Those twinkling keys add a light innocence through the heavy monotony. The scale of emotion presented through music in this track is masterful and exactly how I hoped these guys would progress. The sheer musical depth containing perfectly timed multi facets glimmering through emotional honest lyrics make for a completely absorbing listening experience. ‘High’ closes the EP bringing everything full circle. It’s upbeat, powerful, catchy and filled with scorching guitar lines. The vocals lure you into the relentless onslaught of crashing drums, brawny bass lines and mouth watering guitar work.

‘True Love’ is a flavourful and tantalizing EP from the trio and proves Fangclub have a lot to offer – they are just coming into their prime.

Stream ‘True Love’ below


Alt Rock, Garage Rock, Grunge, indie rock, New Music, Rock

Fangclub ‘Knife’

 

Fresh from their first UK headline tour Dublin trio Fangclub have have announced the release of their highly personal new EP titled ‘True Love’ along with their new single ‘Knife’. The 5 track EP, set for release on June 29th, is a fiery collection of Fangclub’s unique brand of alternative rock. 2018 has already been a busy one for Fangclub, having toured with The Cribs, Milk Teeth and Nervus as well as rocking the UK with their first headline tour. 2017 was a hell of a year for the band too. Not only did they release their self titled debut album (available now on Vertigo Records) to mass critical acclaim but they also toured the UK and Ireland with their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies, and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart) with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words.

Now this track raises the bar. ‘Knife’ introduces a more aggressive mind destroying sound that is just fantastic.It bulldozes in with pure unruly aggro as the rooted bass boils and bubbles beneath a chilled eerie vocal line before the chorus bludgeons you with its crashing wall of sound -screaming vocals and distortion galore. It’s a thrilling, electrifying whack of gritty, rugged, garage rock at its most fermented. The drums bash your skull while the melody still firmly grips the pop infectiousness of their previous tracks however, the intensity is at dangerous levels. I love the energy in this track the destructive, barbaric, chaos churning and coiling for the verses becomes effervescent and erupts for the riveting chorus. This is something special.

Speaking honestly about the music and its lyrical content, enigmatic frontman Steven King said this of the EP.
“True Love is a collage of an intense year that almost ended the band.Last year I became infatuated with the idea of True Love. But not just love of a person. Love of drink, drugs, people, actions & habits. Anything can be your “One True Love” if you let it. Love can be painful. True Love can cut deep like a Knife. “Knife” was my skewed idea of an obsessed love (at the time). It’s the introduction to the EP’s theme. Am I using you or are you using me? I don’t care, I need you. Keep me alive, kill me, keep me warm, make me cold, make me happy, make me sick, wake me up & make me sleep. I don’t mind being chained to you under the blanket of True Love.”

You can catch the band live at the following shows this summer

June

1st Vestrock, Hulst, The Netherlands

2nd K-Fest, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland

July

13th 2000 Trees, Cheltenham, UK

20th Truck Festival, Oxford UK

27th Sunflower Festival, Lisburn, Northern Ireland

Stream ‘Knife’ below


Alt Rock, Garage Pop, Garage Rock, Grunge, Grunge Pop, Indie Pop, indie rock, New Music

Fangclub ‘All Fall Down’

2017 was a hell of a year for Irish rock band Fangclub.  Not only did they release their self-titled debut album (out now on Vertigo Records) to mass critical acclaim, including an RTE Choice Prize Album Of The Year nomination, but they also toured the UK and Ireland on their own headline dates as well as playing shows with Biffy Clyro, Muse, Pixies and SWMRS. Fangclub have gathered major attention from the press (Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Upset) and specialist DJ’s at BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Daniel P.Carter, Phil Taggart), RTE 2FM, Today FM and Kerrang! Radio with their monstrous tracks ‘Bullet Head’, ‘Loner’, ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘Bad Words’.  The trio are now back with their new single ‘All Fall Down’.

‘All Fall Down’ is the trios turbocharged, heavy-riffing follow up that shows these guys are here to stay. It’s a blood pumping, adrenaline fueled anthem laced with the blistering sound Fangclub do so well. Rumbling drums and a running ground shaking bass summons the dead from their graves while the shredding gritty guitars drag you to your knees with an almighty defying fuzz filled rush. With chilled eerie vocals creeping in the infectious melody, this buzzed inflamed banger is a high intensity lightning bolt announcing the exciting return of Fangclub. With a solo that makes your hair stand on the back of your neck and a catchy as hell chorus, it’s an explosive return.

The band are currently writing new material for the follow up to their acclaimed debut album… so stay tuned for more news on that soon…

Catch the band live at one of the following shows:

**With Milk Teeth and Nervus

Mar 21            Crauford Arms Milton Keynes, United Kingdom**

Mar 23            The Underworld London, United Kingdom**

Mar 24            The Anvil Bournemouth, United Kingdom**

Mar 25            The Junction Plymouth, United Kingdom**

Mar 27            Tsunami Cologne, Germany*

Mar 28            Sunny Red Munchen, Germany*

Mar 29            Goldener Salon Hamburg, Germany*

Mar 30            Badehaus Berlin, Germany*

Apr 6               Trinity Ball Dublin, Ireland

Apr 13             Mike The Pies Listowel, Ireland

Apr 14             Cyprus Avenue Cork, Ireland

Apr 18             Roisin Dubh Galway, Ireland

Apr 21             Kasbah Social Club Limerick, Ireland

Apr 26             Whelans Dublin, Ireland

Apr 27             Kavanagh’s Portlaoise, Ireland

Apr 28             Central Arts Waterford, Ireland

May 6             Hit the North Festival, Newcastle, United Kingdom

Jul 12              2000 Trees Festival, Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Jul 20              Truck Festival, Oxford, United Kingdo

Stream ‘All Fall Down’ below


Live Music, Live Music Review, New Music

Fangclub at Whelan’s Dublin with support from The Wood Burning Savages and Thumper

Whelan’s was buzzing Sunday night as it was the triumphant return of Dublin Garage/Rock trio Fangclub. The last show of the tour they were determined to make it one to remember slotting in an impressive two shows – a matinee for their under 18’s fans and the main show later that night. The stage was dressed with wreathes and green foliage around the drums and mic stands, their logo in place and a sublime piece of artwork for the backdrop, they have upped their game.

Derry’s The Wood Burning Savages kick started the antics. These guys emit an explosive energy with their punk driven rock and roll. With a set brimming with explosive tracks like the swagger driven ‘We Love You’ and the sharp slick ‘Rat Race’ they have the crowd bopping and dancing in no time. Frontman Paul Connolly is an intense performer he hops and jumps rigidly. With guitar kicks and poses he is insanely charismatic and energetic. He whelps and howls with striking fiery attitude while smiley guitarist Michael Woods blasts out some shredding riffs. Their infectious rhythm and slick display for ‘I Don’t Know Why I Do It’ has the crowd fluctuating between grooving and moshing. The tracks are anthemic the guitars frantic and blistering and that rhythm – nimble gritty and snappy. They are compelling to watch delivering a full bodied dynamic set that leaves you craving more. They close their set with the fantastic ‘Thoughts Of You’, now this track was my favourite its intense dark and explosive all at once. It’s one to just go mad to and a fantastic mouth-watering way to end their set.

Noise-pop quartet Thumper followed with a killer live set. Their proficient use of distortion, scalding guitars and punchy drums was mesmerising not to mention the running elastic bassline driving the tracks it was a fierce no nonsense set. It was loud ear bleedingly thrilling. Oisin’s vocals are subtle under the mammoth wall of crashing guitars and pummeling drums. There are plenty of vocal screams and jumping about from both the crowd and the band. Guitarist Alan is a force to be reckoned with he manically wanders about the stage while blasting out piercing guitar lines. Their set is an assault of frenzied punk slapped against bubble-gum pop melodies its quite the deadly cocktail. The crowd loved it heavily moshing and just plain going crazy to every track. The last track sees Oisin jump into the crowd while bassist Joey (who is preforming his last show with the band) smashes his bass off the stage. The crowd swarmed on the stage to gather the remaining pieces of his guitar until nothing was left even a small splinter that was overlooked was swiftly snapped up by an audience member. They removed every trace of his guitar. Thumper’s set ignited the crowd turning the mosh pit into a blur of flailing limbs and tumbling bodies with their speed-riffing tunes.

Blur ‘Song 2’ gets the crowd riled up and ready for Fangclub as they belt out the “Woo-hoo” lyrics. Once Fangclub hit the stage its total anarchy. Kevin Keane throws a mask into the crowd and they blast into ‘Better To Forget’ and the crowd erupt. ‘Dreamcatcher’, ‘Psycho’ only three songs in, and the trio have the crowd eating out of their oh-so-talented hands. It’s all high energy and vigorous sound blasting turmoil as the crowd mosh jump and push. Frontman Steven King, barely looks up when performing, his face hidden behind his hair but when he does he takes on his frontman role zealously. He wastes no time in jumping into the crowd singing and playing in the middle of them. Appearing more comfortable on stage and learning a few new tricks they are adding swagger to their list of qualities. Their set is as fierce and dynamic as ever but there is a change from the first time we saw them a new confidence and slick panache with some stage help at the ready to keep things running smoothly. Kevin Keane and Dara Coleman control the audience like puppeteers by keeping a steady pounding skull bashing flexible rhythm which pummels through the audience making them head bang frantically. With his boyish smile lurking amidst the shadows King takes a sip of water from a cup with flashing lights on it saying “this is what all the strobe warnings were for” before an electric rendition of  ‘Bad Words’. The crowd bellow back the lyrics to each track fist pumping the air and soaking up the trio’s dense brand of garage rock. They dedicate ‘Lightning’ to Kings younger brother who is in hospital, live this track displays the bands firm grip on hooks and melody. They slice through with sharp guitars and strangle you with a melodic ecstasy that hooks you in with its sugar-coated buzz. ’Loner’ is announced to cheers and whoops, it’s raw unadulterated and unfiltered bliss. Naturally crowd surfing happened as King was lifted above the heads of their adoring fans while confetti fell at the end of ‘Bullet Head’. The band returned for an encore with a shredding dark eerie cover of ‘Suspicious Mind’.

These guys are learning new tricks of the trade all the time and each show is gaining momentum and building as they grow. This time around they know how to work a crowd, and the crowd loved it all. People were screaming, beer was spilt, hair was everywhere (I got whipped by someone with dreadlocks) but smiles were aplenty and once again Fangclub kicked ass.