Live: Moose Blood @ Y Plas, Cardiff.

Live: Moose Blood @ Y Plas, Cardiff

On tonight’s line up are four young, hotly discussed and justifiably hyped bands ready to wave the flag for the new generation of emo, each ready to provide something unique. Although Cardiff was the last show to sell out, from the offset, Moose Blood’s crowd for the evening emit an excitement and anticipation that’s shared among every single member of the audience; each ready to prove their worth to the fanbase, religiously screaming their heart’s out to the soundtrack of the best night of their lives.

Luca Brasi start the show with an unusual but likeable combination of raw but mellow punk rock vocals and clean, pop punk guitar tones. Though newcomers to the UK, their lively performance and non-existent nerves show that the journey across the world is only an attempt to extend a well established career and fanbase from the land down under.

It’s been less than a week since the Blackpool’s own, Boston Manor’s debut album has been released and their eagerness to perform these tracks is apparent. From mini guitar spins instigated by the chorus of Lead Feet, endless jumping in Gone and Laika, and smiles permanently glued to their faces, they play the set of their lives. Adoring fans proudly sing whilst new admirers gaze with fascination. If anyone didn’t know who Boston Manor are today, they’re definitely not going to forget tomorrow.

Going in a more tranquil, composed direction are American four-piece, Turnover. They wear a look of both pride and grace on their faces, for having been the band that, two years ago, took tonight’s headliners out on tour to open for them. There is zero animosity there, which makes Turnover’s set feel even more genuine. Metaphorical, poetic lyrics heard in Cutting My Fingers Off paired with whimsical note combinations in Humming is what pulls the band apart from the rest of the lineup. Placing Turnover in this position of the bill was a smart decision. Their calming demeanour means fans have fully rested for the return of Moose Blood.

Some of the most obvious signals that a headlining act is about to play are the dimming of the lights swiftly followed by deafening cheers. Tonight is no different. Pastel’s melodious guitar chords acts as a command to the fans to immediately give away their energy, which, naturally, they willingly do. For a intermittent periods of the show, crowd surfers’ bodies come over the barrier like turbulent tide. The chorus of Glow is the biggest villain for this, consequently drowning the security with baggy band t-shirts.

The crowd are just as responsive to the newer songs as they are the ones from their debut album. Despite only being released a couple years ago, Boston and Pups sound nearly nostalgic, but only in a positive way. Being played next to Sway and Sulk indicates the already huge journey that Moose Blood are on and the progression that they’ve made as newcomers to the scene. But solidifying this is a mute Eddy Brewerton in their performance of Cherry, his voice replaced by the loud but emotional singing from fans. The singer doesn’t say a lot in between songs. Nor does he really need to. A faultless performance and an incredibly subtle quiver heard in his ‘thank you’ says all that there needs to be said.

Moose Blood need to buckle up and sit tight. They’re in for a big ride and this part of the ride is just the mere beginning.

Live Review & Photography by Natalie Lam.

Moose Blood, Y Plas, Cardiff on 6^th October 2016.

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