LIVE REVIEW: Leeched & ITHACA @ The Star & Garter, Manchester
UK metal has really come into its own in recent years. The past decade has seen a whole host of homegrown talent kick down the door and announce themselves to the world, thanks to healthy combination of breakneck ferocity and musical innovation. And yet, look a little deeper, and one movement is leagues ahead; metallic hardcore. Whilst our transatlantic neighbours of KNOCKED LOOSE and CODE ORANGE continue to decimate crowds aplenty, the UK scene is spawning bands of equal quality. Two of those in particular, LEECHED and ITHACA, are two of the UK’s bright sparks, and now, they join forces on a co-headlining run, one in which promises total annihilation.
Before the main course, tonight’s show in Manchester is treated to an extra two bands, making for a four band-strong bill of heaviness and local lads WOLFBASTARD have the task of kicking proceedings off. Sure, the venue is sparsely populated, but the trio don’t care in the slightest; proceeding to deliver their d-beat meets black metal sonics at relentless pace. Guitarist Dez and bassist Si combine ferociously with their dual vocal deliveries packing a mighty punch and Dave Buchan on the drums, keeps the pace flowing in top gear. Splashes of humour are a welcome addition and as they power through their relatively short time on stage, it’s clear that the Mancunian lads have given just a taster of what we can expect for what remains of the show.
Rating: 7/10
Whilst attention may be firmly directed towards tonight’s headliners, to disregard MASTIFF would be doing the band a complete disservice. The Hull-based noisemakers have been riding high on the success of their latest record, Plague, and tonight gives those in attendance a fine chance to get better acquainted with their latest material. Technical gremlins delay their entrance but when the band get rolling, they are intimidating to say the least. Phil Johnson and James Andrew Lee‘s sludge-driven riffs threaten to buckle The Star & Garter‘s foundations and the dynamic switches from high-tempo gallops to hardcore-esque beatdowns work an utter treat whilst Jim Hodge‘s monstrous vocal deliveries are a force to be reckoned. The only blemish in the performance comes as the aforementioned technical issues make an disappointing reappearance, stuttering the flow of the set somewhat. Despite this, MASTIFF can rest happy that they have further fuelled the flames to what is a promising rise up the metal underground.
Rating: 7/10
It’s hard to tell what the crowd is more excited for, ITHACA or LEECHED. Sure, LEECHED‘s brand of musical devastation (and the fact that is very much a homecoming show) speaks for itself, but the chance to see ITHACA in this Northern Powerhouse has felt like a very long time coming. Now, armed with their explosive debut record, The Language of Injury, the band replicate their wicked brand of metallic hardcore with absolute ease. A resounding performance of New Covenant kicks the set off as Sam Chetan-Welsh and Will Sweet‘s deranged guitar-work plays off beautifully with Djamila Azzouz‘s strong vocal deliveries.
From there, the band keep the momentum high and they go from strength to strength with each passing moment as riffs come thick and fast and the ease at which they deliver their brand of musical ferocity is astonishing. (no Translation) serves as a perfect interlude to let the audience catch their breath, immersing those as tranquil guitar play washes across the sea of heads whilst also showcasing the more melodic side to their sound, before rolling back into a thunderous rendition of The Language of Injury. It’s a phenomenal performance and capping it off with Impulse Crush proves to be a masterstroke. At this rate, it won’t be long until ITHACA square up with the big players in the upper echelons of our world.
Rating: 9/10
Given the glistening quality of ITHACA, you’d forgive LEECHED for not being able to match their intensity, but LEECHED aren’t your average band. The Mancunians have a devilishy monstrous sound and a formidable live reputation to boot, and the instant the band start the pummelling, they instantly squash any doubts under a firm curbstomp. Riffs, laced with metallic fury, dominate proceedings whilst Laurie Morbey‘s bellowing vocals hold their own in the sonic maelstrom.
Ploughing through a set that greatly cover’s last year’s breakout debut album, You Took The Sun When You Left, LEECHED keep the ferocity at its highest possible rate. By The Factories‘ beatdown-driven riffs incite chaos down the front whilst Guilt‘s industrial undertones conjure a sinister atmosphere and the band’s dedication to replicating their musical devastation is awe-inspiringly impressive. It’s a set of real punishment, with the band rarely allowing you to draw breath, and with little to none crowd interaction, the band let their music do the talking and quite right; this is music that doesn’t pull its punches. From start to finish, LEECHED give you a pummelling. And it’s glorious to witness.
Rating: 8/10
