BURY TOMORROW

PLUS: Shadows Chasing Ghosts
O2 Academy 2, Newcastle
01/10/2010

Words: Katie Wright Photos: Tim Easton

(Photos taken at Barfly, London 03/10/10)

Shadows Chasing Ghosts have always stated they love playing in Newcastle so as they take to the stage of the cities O2 Academy II as appetisers for Bury Tomorrow, we soon find out exactly why. Within seconds of their arrival on stage the crowd, showing their appreciation, went wild during their opener, Girls In Sheep’s Clothing, from their 2008 EP ‘Never Get A Wolfs Attention By Pulling It’s Tail’ . However, unlike some gigs, the overly enthusiastic antics of the fans did not die down. You Ain’t Got The Minerals, The Recovery and this years single Home all featured in the set list before S.O.S and their single, Searchlights finished off the unfortunately short set, even for a support band – containing only six songs it was the only disappointment from the boys. Fresh from their very own headlining tour, With The Best Intentions tour, Shadows Chasing Ghosts were the perfect support choice; getting the momentum high – with their rapid guitar work and well crafted melodies – and setting the pace for the headliners Bury Tomorrow. It is no surprise SCG thoroughly enjoying playing in this city that they call a second home, with their animated, friendly stage presence they are always, deservedly so, welcome here.

Bury Tomorrow followed after an unexpected delay which resulted in the set being shortened (Example’s DJ Set at the academy’s club night Dirty Pop also affected the setlists length). If the crowd reaction for SCG was impressive, it was far from the reception the headliners received. Let the antics begin. Playing tracks from their album Portraits, Bury Tomorrow are becoming front runners for this new brand of metal-core. Although they’re crowd pleasers, whether they have succeeded in creating an album which is truly brilliant is yet undecided. Their muscianship is something to admire, but nothing unique. However, what does separate them from the ever growing collection of metal bands is the effective, versatile and all round clean vocals of Jason Cameron. Filling in their set list with Confessions, Her Bones in the Sand, The Western Front, These Woods Aren’t Safe For Us and Evolution of Self (not in running order) lead to the fans been anything but disappointed. Although the crowds vocals were only heard during a united chant, brought about by bassist Davyd Winter-Bates, of “F**K ITUNES”. Rounding things up with Casting Shapes, after front man Dan decided now was perfect timing to be climbing up the walls of the Academy and diving into the crowd, the band could leave the stage triumphant. The band are overall more enjoyable live rather than on record but what is important to note for this band in particular is that acquired taste is necessary.

Shadows Chasing Ghosts

[Show as slideshow]

12►