Friday, 21 September 2012

Pierce The Veil @ Underworld, London 21/09/2012



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.  

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