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RØRY needs to give a masterclass in how not to give up. As she herself said, “I’m 40 and finally got a top 10 album, independently.” We see first-hand why perseverance pays off, just two years ago she was headlining a 250-capacity venue, and now she’s headlining 1000 capacity venues. Touring her long-awaited second debut album, RESTORATION, her dedicated fanbase arrives early, with the barrier crew eagerly awaiting her show.
Opening the show is LAKE MALICE, a high-energy band whose infectious hyper-pop/metal mix grabs attention from the get go.
Having had an incredible few years themselves, it’s great to see the duo on this tour. They make the perfect opening act, delivering energetic and catchy songs. The crowd warms up quickly, heads bobbing along, a few people already singing. It’s always great to see fans who know the support acts beforehand and can join in with the songs.
Just three songs in, guitarist Blake Cornwall heads into the crowd, becoming the centre of the first circle pit of the night, though it hilariously turns into a fun conga line around him instead. Blake isn’t the only one drawing attention. On stage, Alice Guala stuns on vocals, never missing a note while commanding the crowd with kicks, jumps, and spins. The whole thirty minute set flies by, and we don’t think we could have asked for a better opener.
Rating: 9/10
AS DECEMBER FALLS are no strangers to playing with RØRY, having joined her on Misery Loves Company last year in Bristol. That show gave us a taste of what to expect, and tonight, excitement fills the venue. Cheers echo as the band takes the stage, launching into their signature fun, pop-punk sound.
Bethany Curtis jumps and prances around the stage, a constant smile on her face as she sings to the crowd. Both guitarists take turns stepping onto risers, ensuring even those at the back get a good view of the action. As the set progresses, more people sing along and get involved. We even get our first crowd surfer of the night, who manages to high-five Bethany on their way past. These little moments make live shows extra special.
With so much fan crossover tonight, AS DECEMBER FALLS is an easy sell. But that doesn’t mean they slack off, they deliver an incredible performance, as always. We’ve already been treated to an amazing night.
Rating: 9/10
With her new album RESTORATION taking centre stage, we know tonight will be filled with its tracks. Opening with In The Bible and if pain could talk, what would it say?, we dive into the heavier side of RØRY‘s music, something that continues throughout the night. Darker, more intense songs mix with the emotional weight of ALTERNATIVE and Jesus and John Lennon, while pop-punk energy shines through on Baby Vendetta and Uncomplicated, creating a true roller-coaster of emotion. One standout moment comes when Bethany of AS DECEMBER FALLS joins RØRY for My Funeral Song, adding a fresh dynamic to the track.
A hallmark of RØRY’s shows is the time she takes to connect with the crowd. She openly shares her experiences, struggles, and the stories behind her songs, making her performances feel deeply personal. While some artists only throw in a quick comment or check-in, RØRY engages in full conversations with the audience, making us feel part of her journey.
A particularly special moment occurs when RØRY moves to the balcony to perform One Drink Away and the apology i’ll never receive acoustically – a beautifully intimate segment, though slightly disrupted by a few people at the bar loudly chatting about something that clearly couldn’t wait.
Ending the night with SORRY I’M LATE and BLOSSOM, we see just how far she’s come. SORRY I’M LATE was first debuted at Misery Loves Company, where silence fell over the room as people listened intently, unfamiliar with the song. Now, the crowd screams “Sorry I’m Late!” right back at her.
This entire set was perfect – seamlessly showcasing the new album while treating long-time fans to older deep cuts. We’ve witnessed RØRY’s growth, from online success to filling venues with passionate fans. We already know that whatever she does next will be bigger, better and even brighter.
Rating: 10/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Cardiff from Serena Hill Photography here:
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The post LIVE REVIEW: RØRY @ Tramshed, Cardiff appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
