Cheeky chappies, Don Broco have almost become a household name in the UK in the few months since the release of their debut album, ‘Priorities’. With their first UK headline tour in full swing, the band returned to the Haunt after an impressive support slot with Futures in June last year.
As support acts go, Mallory Knox did a mighty fine job of warming up the audience. They are one of the hottest new bands on the rock radar right now, and tonight’s support slot sees them blow away another crowd. They kick off with the aptly named ‘Wake Up’ pushing the adrenaline level ceiling height. Their debut album has been out for just a month, yet the crowd seems well versed with many of the songs.
Other highlights include the penetrating ‘Death Rattle’ completed by frontman Mikey Chapman’s glacial yet gruff vocals, gang cries and brutal lyrics. Their set is polished off with crowd favourites ‘Oceans’ and ‘Lighthouse’. Going by tonight’s reception, it’s safe to say the five-piece could easily sell out this venue very soon.
Now for the headliners. As the twangs of ‘Priorities’ ring out in the already steaming venue, the surprisingly male-dominated crowd throw shapes of all varieties to the blissfully anthemic rock. Moving onto more of the summery album tracks, upcoming single ‘Whole Truth’ is yet another song that the entire room is reciting at full volume.
The band then dabble in their older material including ‘Beautiful Morning’, the laid back and harmony-laden track from their ‘Big Fat Smile’ EP. This is followed by a regular feature of Broco shows: the ‘Thug Workout’. The very early and more metallic song has become a legendary soundtrack to an open circle pit of fans doing press-ups. Tonight’s workout even sees some girls doing good old-fashioned sit-ups.
Lastly we witness a triple-threat encore consisting of ‘Yeah Man’, ‘Hold On’ and ‘Fancy Dress’. Frontman Rob Damiani’s vocals are flawless, enticing the crowd into mosh action with both his charm and sultry singing. As per usual, the Bedford lads have done an incredible job tonight. It’s no wonder they’re coming back in April for an extra by-popular-demand show at Concorde2.
Haunt, Friday 22nd February 2013
Words by Lizzi Hart
Read our interview with Don Broco here.
