On the 21st of September the Leeds lads came down to the capital for their first London headliner show.
Armed with a new single released just days before the gig, “A New Beginning” which reads like a “starting over” anthem already, and two incredibly energetic bands: All Ears Avow and Omega Bad, FOXHAUNTs show was set for success before anyone stood in front of the stage.
Omega Bad kicked things off with early 2000s vibes, raw but intimate, sharp vocals but rounded at the edges, energy electrifying. Personally, it reminded me of gigs I used to go to way back when, just with better lighting and clearer sound.
All Ears Avow came next, band still running on a high from opening Download Festival this year, and it was incredible seeing them in a small venue, the same shining vocals and personalities. Their album HORRORS is out October 10th and it promises to be an unmissable one.
By the time that FOXHAUNT took the stage, the venue was now packed in, merch sold out, and energy at an all time high level. Didn’t quite matter that it was a Sunday night, and everyone had work in the morning.
Their tore through the set list, playing their most popular songs, Separate Me which gives early 2000s alt meets Don Broco and Bad Omens melodies, The Daylight Between Us, originally recorded with Sixth Wonder, touching on subjects of power imbalance and combining styles borrowed from Architects and Bring me the Horizon.
The new single was very well received, crowed erupting into a roar when frontman Ollie Swift asked if they’ve even heard it yet.
Throughout the set, the influences of Linkin Park, Alexisonfire and other metalcore and post-hardcore legends shined through, but what really pushed it over the top was the connection between the band themselves and their audience.
From commanding powerful choruses to looking in complete disbelief at what’s happening and at the crowd that they pulled in, the show felt more like a catch up between old friends, than a debut headline.
Check out the photos below, give them a listen on Spotify and follow them on social media!
Until next time,
Gabby Adler
BarricadeUK 