To many, the name ‘New Years Day’ will stir feelings of nostalgia from the 2010’s where you couldn’t turn on an alt radio without ‘Angel Eyes’ blasting from the speakers, but on this tour they have more than proven their continued relevance and insane talent.

With support from Fearless Vampire Killers (another kick of nostalgia) and Conquer Divide, this tour is not only for those 2010 emo kids, but also bringing in a new hoard of fans that have discovered them in recent years.

Fearless Vampire Killers are a name I hadn’t heard in years, but had that warm feeling of a well-remembered memory when their name was spotted on the board, and as soon as they stepped onstage it became clear why. Clad in tactical vests and smothered in black eyeliner, they have returned to the scene better than ever and the audience were loving every moment. Their frustratingly short set was filled with audience participation, Kier Kemp (singer) climbing onto the barrier, and even some ass-shaking on the drum riser. They were a band to watch for many years, and now they’re back, they’ve taken their place on that list once again. If you’ve ever been worried about a well-loved band not being as good as they were pre-hiatus, let me assure you, these guys came back with a vengeance.

Unlike the others, Conquer Divide were completely new to me, and I am questioning how they flew under my radar for so long with how good they are. Frontwoman Kiarely Castillo has such a strong vocal tone that both juxtaposes and harmonises with the rock instrumental perfectly. With their current lineup only being formed in 2020, they are quite a new band, but looking at their performance you wouldn’t be able to tell at all. If you were a fan of Demi Lovato / Miley Cyrus’ rock phases, then you will adore Conquer Divide. They have all of the style and influence of rock powerhouses with the flex of a heavier twist. I was adding them to my Spotify between acts they are just that good.

New Years Day are stalwarts in the alternative scene, having formed 20 years ago in 2005, they have been consistently growing in both popularity and musicality, with most of their fans growing up alongside the band. A big portion of their set consisted of tracks from their latest album Half-Black Heart, as to be expected, but their setlist still featured classics like ‘Come for me’ and ‘Disgust me’. Surprises in their set were covers of Pantera’s ‘Fucking Hostile’ and Kehlani’s ‘Gangsta’, two very different genres but both were stunning. New Years Day have never wavered in their time as a band, being consistently impressive and always putting on a show with clear style and branding, even down to singer Ash Costello’s signature hairstyle helping them stand out at every turn. Whether you go to see them for nostalgia or as a continued avid fan, you are guaranteed a great show.

Review and all photography by Ely King (@_elyking)

THE SONGBIRD HQ