This post was originally published on this site
Alt metal band DEFENCES are basking in the success of their latest album Shadowlight. They rounded off their UK tour in Leeds on February 2nd, giving it the send off it deserved.
The bands on this tour are filled to the brim with alt rock talent and charisma. Three bands take the stage before DEFENCES kicks their headline slot into gear. Starting the night LIA RYE. Right off the bat, it’s clear the stage is the place this band should be. With anti-establishment messaging throughout the set. There are some evident punk influences in not only their sound but also their ethos. Although the band could use a little more confidence on stage, they’re only at the start of a long successful road in music.
Rating: 6/10
Next on the lineup is STARVED. Let’s just say the crowd is far from starved for entertainment when they take the stage. Think if ENTER SHIKARI had a bit more metal in their repertoire. The lead singer’s moves could rival Rou Reynolds, that’s for sure. Neither he nor the crowd stopped moving from start to end. From headbanging to fast-paced bassy dance tracks, there’s an element of whiplash to this setlist, the patron doesn’t exactly know what will come next. However, this is by no means a critique! Their intriguing combination of sounds not only wakes up the body but also the mind. And it is abundantly clear that they are having the time of their lives on stage with great engagement with the crowd.
Rating: 7/10
CRUSHED BY WAVES, the penultimate act of the night. This alt-rock foursome knows how to get a crowd going. Leeds being the last day of the tour, all involved could be forgiven if they didn’t have 110% left in them to give. This was not the case. With a perfect balance set of songs from their debut album More To Life, and older fan favourites, they clearly wanted to end on a high. For those unfamiliar, CRUSHED BY WAVES are a band that formed in 2020 with a sound packed with tight melodies and a mix of clean and gravelly vocals from lead singer Aaron Prime.
Although hailing from Manchester, they make it clear Leeds is a home away from home, referring to it as their “northern brothers”. The crowd engagement is next level as Prime seems to spend more time moshing and interacting with music lovers down in the crowd than he’s on stage! Performing is this band’s happy place, with their energy igniting the crowd. They are totally in sync as a quartet and their enthusiasm is boundless. If there is ever an example of a Leeds seal of approval, it’s the Yorkshire chant. Their hard-trilled riffage had the crowd well warmed up and ready to end the night with defences.
Rating: 9/10
Finally, it was DEFENCES turn to take to the swiftly transforming stage. All of a sudden it seemed more of an altar with new lights in place, black and white roses cascading down mic stands and ethereal candles in the corner. Before a note was uttered it was clear this performance would be special. There’s a clear message that lead singer Cherry Duesbury wants to get across this tour and that is gratitude. Given the situation of grassroots venues and the struggles in the music industry, it is no easy task to pull off a tour. The appreciation and respect were mutual as they put on a stunning performance.
Their latest album Shadowlight, released late last year, has received rave reviews. The duality of gritty screams and stunning clean vocals makes it perfect for live shows. Duesbury’s voice is just as superb on stage as it is on record as she belted out her notes. Meanwhile, keyboardist and screamer William Young kept things rough and ready in the best kind of way. The artistry of contrasting voices is what makes this band so special and keeps people coming back for more.
Captivating the vulnerability and passion the entire band expresses as a group. DEFENCES seem at home on the stage and could easily tackle bigger venues and crowds. Their showmanship and communication on stage is a testament to their professionalism as musicians. Everyone in the room, band, crew and patron are a part of something special when DEFENCES take the stage.
Rating: 9/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Leeds from Orla Joyce here:
Like DEFENCES on Facebook.
The post LIVE REVIEW: Defences @ The Pack Horse, Leeds appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
