Take two of the UK’s most promising underground bands and put them in a host of intimate venues, and you’re bound to be on to a winner. In the midst of summer, that’s exactly what Blood Youth and Trash Boat have been doing. Tonight their co-headline tour arrives in Nottingham where the small Red Room plays host. After local up-and-comers Layby showcase their promising brand of pop-punk with playful guitars and strong, anthemic vocals, it is the turn of Trash Boat. Having received plenty of attention in recent months; signing to Hopeless Records, playing the Slam Dunk Fest and Download, the quintet are part of a group of bands being on the cusp of becoming the next big thing in UK pop-punk. Whilst previous outings have been mixed, it’s clear on tonight’s showing their time on the road has been an advantage. Tobi Duncan’s vocals are stronger whilst their energy is more thorough. Sure their style is pretty formulaic but when songs like ‘Saving Face’ have such a boisterous chorus that demand to be sung in unison, we’re not complaining. Trash Boat’s rise maybe a work in progress, but they’re damn well among sure they’re heading in the right direction. (3.5/5)
Arriving on stage to Euro dance act Vengaboys and with their stage decorated with inflatables, you wouldn’t think Lincolnshire quintet Blood Youth were about to deliver a stellar showing of melodic hardcore yet that’s what they do. And they do it very well. Kaya Tarsus’ vocals blare out from the start whilst domineering, crunching riffs stir the crowd into a frenzy. For a band that is merely months old, they have an unrelenting energy that gives the impression that they’re a far more experienced band (Yeah we know 4/5 of this band were part of Climates.) Nevertheless with a mix favourable choruses and hard-hitting breakdowns in their arsenal, it’s no doubt we’ll be seeing more of Blood Youth in the coming months. Tonight’s showing is one that comes with intent and purpose. (4/5)
4/5
Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86)
