WORDS WILL MAXWELL / IMAGES JOE JONES
Opening up tonight are Fearless Vampire Killers. Arriving on stage in matching uniforms – blue shirts and black stab vests – they receive a warm welcome from the early arrivals, several of whom are obviously die-hard fans of the lads from Beccles, Kent. This intimate venue – the smallest of the four Academy venues in Manchester – allows for close-up interaction, as a debate about when their last appearance in Manchester was breaks out mid-set. The aforementioned die-hards insist it was ten years ago when they were supporting the likes of Black Veil Brides and Escape The Fate. This half-hour set showcases why they were hyped up so much by the likes of Kerrang earlier in their career. Inciting crowd participation throughout, their beautifully theatrical style is embraced by all and set closer Neon In The Dance Halls has the room bouncing.
Next up are Michigan’s Conquer Divide. Kia Castillo (vocals), Kristen Sturgis (bass), Izzy Johnson (guitar), and Sam Landa (drums) are joined by temporary touring member Spencer Maybe to deliver a powerful blend of metalcore and alt-rock which definitely gains them new fans tonight. Most recent offering Slow Burn makes up the bulk of the setlist. I saw Conquer Divide support The Warning last year and I was really impressed, but I feel the addition of Spencer takes their live performance to new heights, as his pure aggression delivering the harsh vocals seems to push Kia’s soaring vocals even more. The pair had a great connection and dynamic with the likes of “system_failure” and “welcome2paradise” sounding absolutely epic.
Returning to the UK for the first time in five years, New Years Day take to the stage for the last of this six-date run. Ash Costello (singer), Nikki Misery (guitar), Jeremy Valentine (guitar) and Tommy Rockoff (drums) arrival is met with huge cheers in this intimate but packed out venue.
“Vampyre” and “Half Black Heart” kicks things off, as you can tell just from the song titles, the perfect introduction to the goth-tinged pop-punk that will follow.
The punchy attitude of “Come For Me” and “Shut Up” are early highlights. The stage is small, with little room for manoeuvre, but Ash Costello is a mesmerising presence whose high-energy style takes hold of the attention of everyone in the room.
A cover of “Gangsta” by Kehlani – from the iconic Punk Goes Pop! Album series – and “Hurts Like Hell” keeps the momentum going nicely, but they do run into some sound problems later on. It wasn’t noticeable to us but they were clearly struggling with something. A fairly long pause sees Ash do her best to fill, thanking Nikki for “being the Twiggy to my Manson”, and bringing out their tour manager, bus driver, sound engineer…I think the crowd understood what was happening, and played along, even chanting bus driver at one point!
A free t-shirt was up for grabs for the fan who was going the most wild, and as Ash identifies two winners at the front, a playful chant of “Fight! Fight! Fight!” circles the room to much amusement.
“I’m About To Break You” sees Ash and Nikki join us in the crowd, and Ash’s heroine of the scene’s status is clear as many take the chance to embrace her as she makes her way around the entire room.
“Kill Or Be Killed” brings the night to a close, with everyone in attendance hoping that we don’t have to wait so long to see them back here again.
SET LIST
1/ Vampyre
2/ Half Black Heart
3/ Come for Me
4/ Shut Up
5/ Fearless
6/ Gangsta
7/ Disgust Me
8/ Hurts Like Hell
9/ So Sick
10/ Skeletons
11/ I’m About to Break You
12/ Defame Me
13/ Kill or Be Killed
FOLLOW NEW YEARS DAY
FOLLOW CONQUER DIVIDE
FOLLOW FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago