LIVE REVIEW: Casey @ The Exchange, Bristol
Given the current thriving state of British music, you would be forgiven for not realising that the demise of one of Britain’s brightest flames. CASEY had built a following through two albums and two EPs of emotionally raw post-hardcore, and were seemingly going from strength to strength before the announcement they were packing it all in at the end of last year. With this sad news in mind, catching this farewell tour was an essential endeavour for many of Bristol’s hardcore faithful, and what followed was comfortably one of the best gigs of the year.
There was a strong selection of supports for the farewell tour, and first up were American sad boys GATHERERS. Immediately they set the tone for a weaker performance than usual thanks to an affliction on vocalist Rich Weinberger‘s throat, but the band still take the time they have and run with it. Given this is the first time the group has come to the UK, GATHERERS captivate the crowd well with a sound that fits in well with the British take on post-hardcore. There are dense rhythms that populate the final moments of songs, and it’s clear that if there wasn’t a lurgy floating about the group there would be tonnes more energy thrown at the crowd. The set feels well paced, even if it ends far too quickly given how GATHERERS just blast through their songs and leave thanks to the aforementioned illness. It’s pretty unfair to judge the group on this first time visit to our shores, but the tremolo lead lines filled the room with sufficient atmosphere, and there’s enough here to warrant grabbing a ticket next time they come over.
Rating: 6/10
ACRES come up next, and there is a real novelty to a band who can set up their own back line and simply turn around and dive right into their set. The sound this time round is noticeably worse off, as the guitars fuse into a washing noise when the band hit their peak. The vocals cut out early into the set as well, causing visible annoyance to the vocalist, who quickly establishes himself as ill as well, albeit slightly less so than GATHERERS. ACRES do still have stand out moments, moments when the lead guitar work cuts through the rhythm sections, made stand out by the strong drum work and solid bass lines. The band are tight, and play off each other well, and there is a very natural feel to the way the set flows together. Given the blasé way the group come on and leave, there remains some tightening of their stage show, but so far ACRES are doing well to establish themselves as a group worthy of some attention.
Rating: 7/10
There has always been a modesty about CASEY, and it is arguably part of the reason they carved the niche they did. Their stark emotional honesty meant that at times, listening to them can be draining, but when imbued with the energy of an eager crowd, these songs are elevated no end. Opening with a modest and heart wrenching Making Weight, the set continues with a selection of the best songs from their latest, and last, record. Fluorescents is when the crowd begin to truly show their appreciation, as a wide pit breaks out and the rabid fans rush forward with arms outstretched and every lyric on their lips. It’s impossible to gauge just how important this band are to people, but hearing the crowd sing back every word during Darling, or the poignant Bruise, goes a long way to suggest that CASEY will remain lodged in the brain of everyone present for the rest of their life.
CASEY sound exceptional on stage as well, with the only gripe being that the vocals get drowned out in the full mix too often, but given the noise of the crowd, this doesn’t prove to be a problem. The guitars play off each other effortlessly, the bass rumbles confidently rumbles along, and the standout performance from drummer Max Nicolai all comes together to create a watertight final showing that reminds everyone of the raw talent leaving the scene as well as the band as a whole. The great mix helps create the amazing atmosphere that fills the room despite the depressing nature of CASEY’s music, and when combined with the rabid stage dives, turns this show into a true celebration, as opposed to a eulogy. This doesn’t feel like a farewell, and that will be the legacy left by this Welsh troupe. They were humble, from start to finish. The band has run its time, and with tours on Impericon Never Say Die, and a strong reputation remaining in mainland Europe, there is no argument that can say CASEY haven’t made lasting waves. With bands like HOLDING ABSENCE ready to take their place, CASEY can rest knowing they did themselves proud, and safe in the knowledge that there will always be room for them to return.
Rating: 9/10
Check out our photo gallery of CASEY’s farewell in Bristol from Serena Hill Photography here:
