Pierce The Veil
Plus: The Getaway Plan,
Crown The Empire
The Underworld, London
21.09.2012
Words: Jenny Chu
Fast forward five years and Pierce The Veil have reached a
mighty stepping stone in their career, a show that sold out well in advance.
Half a decade ago they had a support slot for The Blackout in the basement of
the Astoria, now the band could simply say they had a “perfect day”.
A storming introduction for The Getaway Plan develops into a
hugely dramatic set for a band with certainly high hopes. Rich melodies
captivating and turning every head, the sweetness in frontman Matthew Wright’s
voice is the icing on the cake as one song blends effortlessly into the next.
The band from down under are on a rise and with such charm and charisma it
would be no surprise if they left a lasting footprint in the alternative music scene;
waving goodbye to their hiatus journey and saying hello to future shows like
tonight’s, it’s good to have them back.
Sure Crown The Empire are lively as hell but that only gets
them so far. Springing into their set all their members just about fit onto the
stage. Their theatrical sound engages elements of My Passion with Black Veil
Brides in one verse before attempting semi-heavy break downs then reuniting
Asking Alexandria-esque synths with Attack! Attack! energy. It begs the
question, are they post-hardcore, are they electronica, are they screamo? The
Texas seven-piece are yet to decide.
As the deafening screams welcome Pierce The Veil ‘May These
Noises Startle You In Your Sleep’ off 2012’s Collide With The Sky is the
perfect soundtrack to lead a set that is perfectly executed. If there was an
award for the band who puts in the most heart this quartet from California
would get it. The flawless set is mastered by immaculate vocals, exciting stage
presence and most importantly a band who present their music as if they need it
as much as they want it.
Cranking things up with ‘A Match Into Water’ frontman Vic
Fuentes does the US proud, conveying the highest of standards in terms of power
their experience in battling their way to the top from being a mere support act
is well and truly over, these four talented bunch were born to headline. Owning
every song like tomorrow might not come. Debut album Selfish Machines makes an
appearance with ‘Disasterology’ drawing attention to the hard earned talent,
genuine sweat and persistent courage Pierce The Veil nail through as champions.
‘Bulletproof Love’ has the DNA of legends in the making, and the fact that this
is the band’s first ever UK headlining tour has been long awaited for and they
really do deserve it. They may be
newbies but everyone in the sold out crowd tonight can see they belong nowhere
else but here. They’re simply failure-proof.
Before showcasing the beautiful ‘Bulls In The Bronx’ which
is definitely an incredibly touching and special moment for both the band and
fans, guitarist Tony Perry insists his part of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
but Pierce The Veil are a pact that make every individual fan feel like the 5th
member, and that’s something nobody tonight can turn down. With guitar solos
that send goose bumps they make sure this is
the show of the year. It becomes clear that this band do not rely on pretty boy
looks or having just an amazing
frontman, which they do, but they are all equally worthy of bringing the
capital to a mighty standstill.
‘Hold On Till May’, ‘Besitos’ and ‘The Boy Who Could Fly’ is
Pierce The Veil showing how to make music into an art. Though missing guest
vocalist Jeremy McKinnon the crowd’s adrenaline see’s through ‘Caraphernelia’
successfully. Throwing everything the band has into recent single ‘King For A
Day’ their set is nothing short of an explosion.
