LIVE REVIEW: Bridear @ The Underworld, London
With the resumption of touring, there was always the question of whether international acts would be able to reach these shores and if so, when. Tonight, one of Japan’s premier heavy metal bands, BRIDEAR, are here to put those fears to rest.
First on are SEASON OF GHOSTS, who come on to a relatively sparse crowd, though it does fill somewhat more during their set. The lack of drummer – drums, some backing vocals and symphonic elements are instead all on backing tracks – makes their set sound oddly mechanical. They do address it later, mentioning that they would usually have one but tonight “we’re more cozy, like the Care Bears.” The band don’t exude much passion or presence either bar singer Sophia Aslanides who makes a concerted effort to involve the crowd and demonstrates some real vocal talent. The front row are responsive but past that, it’s a static crowd and the band feel flat and unenergetic. It’s likely to do with a dearth of live shows and their admission that their bassist has never played live with them before, so some allowances can be made. Hopefully soon they can be back to full strength and more used to playing together, but tonight is not that night.
Rating: 6/10
In stark contrast, BRIDEAR are positively on fire tonight. The difference in sheer energy is palpable as they storm onto the stage. Even with a still relatively sparse crowd they give it their all. The presence of a full live band simply can’t be overstated; there’s a punchiness and rawness to the sound that backing tracks simply cannot emulate. BRIDEAR exude passion and a genuine love for music and playing live; even a language barrier doesn’t stop that coming across. Singer Kimi does refer to notes during the show and forgoes occasionally them to speak in her native Japanese; even with meaning clearly being lost on the crowd, they’re swept up in the energy and exuberance. Synchronised headbanging and guitarists taking centre stage for duelling leads might be a played out trope but the air of fun and celebration means it’s exactly that: good, cheesy fun. The crowd yelling “I love you” and “marry me” does get old and reeks of middle aged desperation but the band laugh it off, refusing to let it deter them. As they tear through renditions of fan favourites like Keshia, Starlight and Sick, there’s nary a hint of ring rust, just a band that loves heavy metal and the stage.
That the merch area seems to almost entirely feature character shots of band members with only a CD or two detracts the focus from the band’s music, which is a shame. But, as the crowd filters out into the cool October air, the overwhelming emotion is one of joy at seeing a band on top form playing cheesy, exuberant heavy metal.
Rating: 8/10
Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in London from Ciara Wilkinson Media here:
