LIVE REVIEW: ROLO TOMASSI @ THE EXCHANGE 6TH APRIL 2018
Background:
It has been ten years since ‘Rolo Tomassi’ arrived with their debut album ‘Hysterics’ and in that time they have rightfully cemented themselves as one of the most highly regarded bands in the underground UK hardcore scene. With the recent release of their fifth full length ‘Time Will Die And Love Will Bury It’ they have maintained a phenomenal standard of wildly creative and experimental material that has improved with every record. Off the back of their latest album ‘Spirit Level’ went to see their sold out show at The Exchange in Bristol, the penultimate day of a fully sold out UK tour.
The Exchange - 6th April 2018
As soon as the doors have opened, The Exchange is already full up to near maximum capacity before ‘Cryptodira’ have even set foot on stage. This is the first time that the New York quartet have played outside of the US and they are clearly thrilled to be here. Their debut record ‘The Devils Despair’ was released at the tail end of 2017 and is a vicious blend of ‘Converge’ and 'Dillinger’ style technical hardcore. Live the band are near note perfect, but the performance feels a bit flat as the band are still getting to grips with playing live. The set is still good and a few more gigs down the line, we have no doubt that they will be a well oiled machine and we highly doubt that this will be the last that we hear from them.
You could be forgiven for thinking that ‘Palm Reader’ were the headline act judging by the reception they receive as they begin their set. Today is the official release of their sensational new record ‘Braille’ and vocalist Josh Mckeown is beaming throughout. Since their debut record in 2013, ‘Palm Reader’ has been consistently great both live and on record yet they have never seemed to get the credit that they deserve. With any luck, this sold out tour will be the change in tide that they need as they storm through a phenomenal set. The new songs sound incredible live and despite the album being out for less than a day, people are already shouting the words back at them. Interim single ‘Always Darkest’ is brilliant and the finale of ‘I Watched The Fire Chase My Tongue’ is a sensational way to end the set. Mckeown is very humble and thankful for the turnout and it is clear that this show really means a lot to the whole band. We look forward to seeing them again very soon.
‘Palm Reader’ may have set the bar high, but ‘Rolo Tomassi’ rise to the challenge without breaking a sweat. Kicking off with the opening three songs from the new album; vocalist Eva Spence is one of the most captivating performers we have ever seen as the sways, dances and leaps across the stage. Within minutes she has the entire room wrapped around her fingers and refuses to let go throughout the entire set. Playing a mixed selection of songs from the last three records, there is barely a moment to stop for breath, but it is the newest material that truly stands head and shoulders above everything else. Spence alternates between clean vocals and screams with a ferocity that many bands lack and the whole time the band are on top form. It is easy to see why ‘Rolo Tomassi’ are held in such high regard by their peers and we can’t wait to see them again at Download Festival later in the year.
