LIVE REVIEW: Emarosa @ The Asylum 2, Birmingham
Less than three dates into EMAROSA’s long awaited headline UK run and word has reached social media outlets that vocalist Bradley Walden has been struck down with laryngitis. The Kentucky alt-pop rockers were forced to cancel their Cardiff show, but Birmingham will go ahead tonight – with Josh Carter from supports CHAPTER AND VERSE pulling double vocal duties at The Asylum.
Three cheers to local lads SONDER who have the unenviable task of warming up, in every sense of the word, a depleted crowd. Most of whom are either sat down guzzling drinks or trying to not succumb to frostbite as a result of The Asylum’s decidedly chilly interior. Offering up a modern twist on alt-rock, the four-piece’s sound bears many of the hallmarks of Seattle via the mainstream bothering school of BIFFY CLYRO. Pop-centric melodies collide with catchy rock ‘n’ roll riffs during A Wicked Place whilst Make Up Your Mind gives a heavier edge to the set – its crunching guitars recalling the grunge-soaked shores of the early 90’s and encourages participation from these reticent onlookers.
Rating: 7/10
Hearing Josh Carter’s harmonious tones swell and fill this venue’s small upstairs space is akin to being enveloped in a warm embrace or having your face delicately brushed by the lightest of winds. But make no mistake – London’s CHAPTER AND VERSE know how to work the hordes. The heady calm is quickly shattered with a bellow of “let’s keep this place up!” as the frontman leads his alt-rock brethren headfirst into a purposeful rendition of The New Breed. Flanked by two-thirds of the rhythm section, Carter paces the stage amongst a flurry of jangling riffs and punchy drum licks showcasing the band’s raw spirit and penchant for earworm choruses. A selection of brand-new songs from second (and upcoming) EP Glow deploy their hooks and stay there much to the delight the appreciative Birmingham masses. Eleven Hours in Real Time deploys its hooks, sliding into your ears and remaining there, whilst the slow-burning Ink is awash with searing emotion. It’s an energetic and enthralling set from a quartet brimming with promise.
Rating: 8/10
2018 would see Essex upstarts SUN ARCANA release their debut EP, grace music mags and introduce themselves to the Donington faithful at Download Festival. And judging by the reaction to the four-piece’s eclectic brand of contemporary rock tonight, their ‘one to watch’ status is entirely justified. Set material comes courtesy of that previously referred to debut EP, As I Take A Breath, which is six tracks of exuberant rocking fervour. Doffing its proverbial cap to MALLORY KNOX, alt-banger Frantic combines atmosphere with driving energy and When I Turn Cold serves up the type of choruses that bear-hug hug your subconscious. The melodies are catchy and vivacious, the vocals articulate the mood (chaotic, defiant and at times, introspective) and thundering riffs add chunky heft. An accessible but far from superficial display.
Rating: 7/10
Bradley Walden’s absence as a result of laryngitis has necessitated that EMAROSA play a shortened set tonight with CHAPTER AND VERSE talisman Josh Carter stepping in for the ailing frontman at the last minute. Any doubts regarding Josh’s ability to handle the job are immediately quashed as he takes the mic for a beautifully stark interpretation of Hurt; his lush, multi-layered vocals are perfectly suited to the song and the emotional depth on display reels the swelling crowd in and incites a sea of smartphones to be held aloft. Bodies are bouncing during the anthemic danceathon that is Helpless whilst elsewhere wild drum fills, intricate fretwork and plenty of groove-laden bass strike the ideal midpoint between heaviness and fragility. Opportunities to singalong come thick and fast but the loudest cheers are reserved for a surprise guest. Bradley (no doubt much to his doctor’s chagrin) makes a surprise appearance on stage performing alongside Josh for the encore and the entire venue erupts. The mutual respect between the two musicians is obvious and it’s a memorable end to a collaborative affair. EMAROSA AND VERSE hold Birmingham in the palm of their hand tonight.
Rating: 8/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Birmingham from Serena Hill Photography here:
