The third and final day of Hevy Fest kicks off in blistering fashion with Southsea’s Attack! Vipers! delivering an enthralling set with a blend of intense punk rock, and full-throttle metallic hardcore. For new listeners, the quartet make a sharp and strong impression. (SR)
Photos by Sarah Louise Bennett.
London punk scoundrels Pacer are quickly gaining a reputation as a tight unit that play short, fast and fun punk songs and this is why a sizeable crowd has gathered at the Red Bull stage for their set today. The set is comprised mostly of tracks from recently released debut, ‘Making Plans,’ as well as some older EP tracks which stand out as noticeably less complete songs and less well received. Despite this, they still bathe the crowd in good-time punk vibes, which is always pleasant. (TW)
Super charged hardcore band Cruel Hand carefully orchestrate and time a mosh wakeup call onto an eager bunch. Whether it’s the slight nod of heads or the side to side wind milling, they sure know how to sneak into the Sunday afternoon consciousness and smash one’s skull with a much needed adrenaline buzz to prepare you for the rest of the day’s incoming mayhem. (AL)
As Lewd Acts have pulled out of the festival at the last minute, SGR management’s recent signing Black Shapes arrive to fill in the void for some fast, noisy hardcore. The band has a relentless energy but it isn’t enough to keep the dwindling attendees drawn in. (AL)
Over on the Red Bull Stage, The Smoking Hearts are probably having better luck keeping their curious audience drawn in with their raucous rock ‘n roll hardcore punk style. Whilst their sound is a common one, their does appear to be a potential uniqueness about the band, something which has yet to be cracked. (AL)
A small crowd should surely considered a crime especially if it’s for one of the most iconic bands in the Punk and Hardcore community. Nonetheless, 7Seconds perform an enjoyable set of positive-hinged anthems. Classics such as ‘Not Just Boys Fun’ and ‘Young ‘til I Die’ are played with such consistent passion; this group of old punks haven’t spiritually aged one bit. (AL)
Swedish emotional hardcore crew Suis La Lune are an unusual sight to behold. Their combination of curling melodies and raw, heartfelt vocals wrap around you with such ease that it’s hard to become detached from it. The urgency and unease of their craft is powerful enough to creep into the souls of the onlookers and will no doubt begin an epidemic message that will pass on how brilliant this band is. (AL)
Having their lead vocalist Zoli Teglas become ill isn’t enough to halt melodic hardcore punk veterans Ignite from playing Hevy Festival today. Aided by former Reason to Believe and Sense Field vocalist Jon Bunch, Ignite are probably one of the only bands of the weekend to be able to deliver a phenomenal performance in such a huge tent. The band launches their massive anthemic sound with ease, making the ears of all those present light up. They are a truly wondrous feast for two of the five senses. (AL)
Despite having released one of the best records of the year, Belgian metallic hardcore crew Rise and Fall fail to deliver the potential wrecking ball of a set that many here were expecting. Whilst the songs themselves are superb, it’s the delivery that fails to reach the promise of their ability to hammer nails into the brain. Even during fan favourite ‘Forked Tongues’ there is a sense that there is something lacking in this set. It’s probably better to see them in a club. (AL)
I, probably like many others today, was very intrigued as to how this kind of music would be pulled off in a loud type of environment such as today. Listener is “speak music”. Poetry accompanied by the perfect blend of music. Folk, mixed with instrumental deep parts. You’re slowly beginning to get the idea. As Dan enters the stage I become very aware of the fact that despite saying very little, and actually doing very little, he has commanded the whole tent. There is complete silence as they play (apart from the occasional kids singing along). He has an air of a very intelligent guy, and I think this is picked up on by everyone as people are interested in what he has to say. There was a moment when someone turns to me and says “this is the most powerful thing I’ve ever seen”, and I can agree. Listener leaves people pretty astounded as to what they’ve seen today. I only see more positive things for them in the future. (RK)
Photos by J Leadbetter.
The Chariot’s return to the UK is all you ever want from Josh Scogin and company; chaotic, frenzied and utterly mental. With their forthcoming ‘One Wing’ set to be the bands “weirdest” release to date, their set today is a fitting example of what to expect. Relentlessly energy combined with fierce, twisted metalcore. Stand out moments include ‘Calvin Makenzie’ and brief and slightly odd cover of The Who’s ‘My Generation.’ Nevertheless one of the highlights of the weekend. (SR)
Photos by Sarah Louise Bennett.
Lemuria never fail to put on a beautifully simple and elegant affair of a show. Today, despite the festival atmosphere, was no different. As they seamlessly glide through tracks from, ‘The First Collection’, ‘Get Better’, and ‘Pebble’, the crowd reaction is at most participation for tracks from ‘Get Better’, which is as expected. As they finish on ‘Mechanical’, the final crowd chants begin in the song, and only end once Lemuria have finished their set, packed up their gear, and completely exited the stage.
Photos by Sarah Louise Bennett.
For Hundred Reasons today is a celebration yet with a hint of sadness. Their set is nostalgic and a reminder of how great the bands debut ‘Ideas Above Our Station’ was and for many it brings back youthful memories, including me. From ‘I’ll Find You’ right through ‘Avalanche’, Hundred Reasons leave a pleasing, lasting memory before heading off into the sunset later this year. (SR)
Photos by Sarah Louise Bennett.
H20, what can I say? They’ve been around longer than most people at this festival have been alive, but that’s the fun of them. H20 have always spoken of positive messages and if they can continue to do so today, then at least someone is still trying to reach out to the people of this festivals age. Straight away, Toby is in with the crowd, over the barrier and teaching people how to circle pit. They play a collection of songs from all their releases, and I can turn all around and see every single person in the crowd with me smiling. There’s no way you can watch this band and be down. They have that incredible power, to create positivity, not only with their words, but their presence. H20 are almost band of the weekend for me (only just shadowed by Vales) and I think everyone at the festival can see why they have remained a relevant band. (RK)
Breathing honesty into the lyrics they shout is nothing but admirable in any band especially when the band refuses to talk down on their fans from a high platform and instead ambitiously wants to communicate on an equal term and level. Newly reformed Verse play their first UK show in three years to impatient fans who are relieved to be able to sing along to the likes of ‘Story of a Freeman’ and ‘The New Fury’ with no compromise i.e. a huge 50 foot gap. Keeping the intimacy is a difficult task to do in such settings, but it is done with the best possible outcome. Welcome back Verse, we sure have missed you. (AL)
Putting rumours of their pulling out to shame and rest, Madball live up to their name sake and roll their fury around the circle pit that has been opened by their eager fans. The relentless delivery of this staple New York hardcore mob is unchallenged, but at the same time there is a lingering frustration amongst the band. Continuously urging those that are standing still to get involved in the mayhem proves daunting, but they eventually submit to what it is and use what they have to deliver a bone crushing set of street poetry. (AL)
Photos by J Leadbetter/Sarah Louise Bennett.
Combining artistic integrity with sheer destructive fury is all that can be described about Converge. Providing a show that is both exhilarating and mesmerizing just proves how much of a phenomenon this band is. Tonight is a display of the inner workings of the human psyche, of how it can fall with such grace into a chasm of absolute despair. (AL)
Punk veterans Descendents are the perfect closers for a festival like Hevy. Opening with an insanely good version of punk rock standard ‘Everything Sucks’ the crowd respond with delight and spur them on through a hit laden set. Front man Milo Aukerman is on fine form, with no vocal problems like those which plagued Descendents last visit to the UK. Barely taking a breath between songs, the band play a high-energy hour long set, capped off by ‘Descendents.’
Photos by J Leadbetter/Sarah Louise Bennett.
It is a euphoric experience to see such an important band in a headline role, rightly taking their place amongst one of the most important punk rock bands of all time. Bringing the curtain down on Hevy 2012, their set is one that no one will forget for a long time. (TW)
View more of Already Heard’s coverage of Hevy Festival 2012 here.
Words by Sean Reid (SR), Aaron Lohan (AL), Tom White (TW) and Rosie Kerr (RK).