I know I haven't spoken about it too much on this blog, but to quickly update you all before I dive in to this post, I've just returned home from my year to Canada! What was originally supposed to be just six months of living out in the mountains to experience a real winter, turned into a full year of living in the magical Banff National Park, and a little tour of the west and east coast...sorry to the family and friends I promised I'd be home by May!
It was undoubtedly the best year of my life; everyday there was something that made me stop and contemplate for a moment how amazing this experience was. I in no way expected my life to take this turn, but I am so, so grateful it did. I might do a post explaining properly my life there and why I decided to move to Canada, as I'm not sure I've really gone into full detail on it, so stayed tuned if you're interested!
But update over, lets dive headfirst into a review I've been so excited to write for a gig that reignited a much needed fire within me...
On Saturday night, I was lucky enough to attend the third show on Tonight Alive's November 2018 UK/EU tour and oh my good God was it an incredible show! I've been struggling to find words powerful enough to properly translate how much of an amazing show they played, and how uplifted I felt as a witness to it. Supporting Tonight Alive on this tour were two artists I hadn't come across before; Bournemouth based quintet, Wolf Culture, and metal veteran, Jamie Lenman. Before I attempt to relay the details of that evening, let me enlighten those of you who perhaps haven't come across Tonight Alive before...
I have been a devoted admirer of Tonight Alive for a number of years now; I think I first heard of them about six years ago, and saw them live for the first time at Slam Dunk North in 2013, when they played the debut tracks of their forthcoming, and utterly brilliant album, The Other Side. I enjoyed their music prior to the release of this album, but The Other Side was definitely a turning point for me and my love of Tonight Alive. It received glorious reviews and commendations across the alternative rock community, and truly cemented Tonight Alive's position as trailblazers of the genre. Every song on that record is a hit in its own right; the singles they released, such as Lonely Girl and The Ocean, were of course the key tracks the band felt best represented the album, but the remaining songs were just as much poignant and owned the same depth of emotion. Over time it has helped me process so many emotions that I didn't know how to address, their music has been like therapy for me for a long time.
The process of writing and releasing their next album however, turned out to be demoralising and exhausting chapter for Tonight Alive. Amid personal struggles and clashes with their label concerning their sound, as well as the band's image following its release, their third album Limitless is a snapshot for the band of an unhappy period in their story. They wrote about realising the power of the human spirit but also the oppression they were experiencing. This created a feeling of two extremes within the record; the fierce and resilient side of Tonight Alive, and then some severe lows. While The Other Side was similar in this duality, it felt more connected, whereas Limitless felt a little disorientated. Don't get me wrong, it is still a very good album with some great tracks, but it's sometimes hard to listen to from start to finish because it takes your emotions just about everywhere. Limitless being a difficult album to record, it was then a difficult album to take on the road. The record dealt with pain and frustration, but without healing. After their extensive touring following its release, the band walked away from their label, Sony, and the projections they had for a band that Tonight Alive were never going to be.
In the months following the Limitless era, Tonight Alive worked through their harshest personal struggles to reclaim their voice. They each battled demons, powered through a creative all time low, and drowned out the voices that were attempting to suffocate their own. This time was especially challenging for their vocalist, Jenna, who struggled deeply with self image, her physical health and the frustration that followed Limitless. Through opening up about her mental health, finding inspiration through the power of spirituality and, as she's often quoted, shaving her head, she found liberation. This was a cathartic journey to rediscover their identity and direction as band, and after only three months of writing, they began production on Underworld.
Their fourth record, Underworld is a collection of songs that dive straight to the heart of their pain, analyses it, and grows stronger from facing their demons head on. It teaches valuable lessons about facing your fears instead of running from them, each one hurts but through it all they remain hopeful. This record flows so organically between tracks, each one tells part of a story as to how Tonight Alive have together reached a higher consciousness and contentment. It has been received delightedly by their fans, they recognised the struggles the band went though with Limitless and now their recovery and bravery in producing Underworld. With the freedom to once again be themselves, Underworld is a true portrayal of Tonight Alive's soul and that is why the fans have responded so well to the record. It is honest, fierce and beautiful, it is Tonight Alive as we have always know them.
I went into far more depth than I intended to then, but I think it's important to have an understanding of who an artist is and what fuels them to produce the music they do. My love for certain artists lies within their history, how I've matured in the same time they have and within their longevity as artists. So many musicians these days have hit singles but their albums lack any substance and so many don't break enough ground to make it more than a couple of years in the spotlight. On this tour, Tonight Alive are playing a number of acoustic shows to celebrate their 10th anniversary as a band, they are incredibly talented artists and that's why I delved into so much detail. Now you have the context, it's time for the review.
REVIEW
WOLF CULTURE
Already on stage when we arrived were Wolf Culture, a British band who this year released their debut EP, The Devil's Plans for Idle Hands. I'd quickly looked into them before the gig, their sound is solidly pop punk and I was excited to see how well they played live. Their tracks Killing The High Horse and The Side Effects Of Being Happy reminded me a little of early Neck Deep or Mayday Parade; their melodies have that exclusively British, alternative texture to them and their lyrics are wonderfully shady and sassy at times. Being the opening act is never easy, especially if you're an unknown to the audience. Wolf Culture played a great set but didn't get too much of a response from the crowd, which at that point only filled half the room. They did leave an impression on some and I hope that other members of the audience picked up on their talent. I think they'll definitely be one to watch as their sounds is already very polished to say they've only released one EP. I think they did a good job, they just need more a little more confidence and it should evoke more of a reaction from the crowd.
JAMIE LENMAN
Next up was Jamie Lenman, who I'm sorry to say was not my cup of tea. His music had much more of a post-hardcore sound with elements of metal, which was a bit too heavy for me. Jamie Lenman was once the frontman of rock trio Rueben, but has since released a number of albums as a solo artist. He had much more of a presence on stage and demanded the attention of the crowd, but that was mainly due to the volume and intensity of his music. He was engaging and rallied the crowd's excitement for Tonight Alive, but at times he came across a little arrogant. I can't deny he had a good voice, I thought his cover of Another One Bites The Dust by Queen was very good, but I can't help that I didn't enjoy his set, it was just not to my taste. He seemed a little of an odd choice as a support artist for a band like Tonight Alive, Wolf Culture made total sense, but I felt Jamie Lenman didn't really suit the overall feeling of the evening.
TONIGHT ALIVE
Then it was time for the headline. Stepping out of the dark into the view of a single spot light, Jenna began gently with "Never really knew what it meant, Just always knew that I was different", the opening line of The Other, from Underworld. All of us in the audience were in suspense; captivated, waiting for the kick of the chorus. When it came it light flooded the stage and the crowd were instantly on their feet. It was a promise that this show was going to be an epic performance. When the moment came, Jenna removed her jacket to reveal she was sporting one of the tees from the merchandise stand, featuring the lyrics "I will not apologise, Or lie for who I am", the final line of the second verse before the band dived straight into the second chorus, Jenna jumping about the stage and the crowd jumping below.
They paused the set here to tell the crowd that the show was dedicated to them; that it was for our enjoyment and it was their duty to deliver to us an amazing show. Jenna told us they were so grateful for our support, allowing them to do what they do and were so thankful that we had come out to see them. Their appreciation of their fans and the respect and love from the crowd inspired the most beautiful atmosphere throughout the entire show, the connection was so natural. They absolutely followed through on their promise, Jenna and the boys gave their all to every single number and the commitment they demonstrated was next level. They threw their hearts and souls into every moment they were on that stage, it was amazing to witness.
Jenna was dancing around the stage in every single number with a huge grin on her face, she looked like she was having the time of her life, totally in her element. Singing her heart out she was beyond confident, it was the knowledge that she was destined to create and play music like this.
I liked the above the shot for the two arms in the foreground on the right. You can't quite make out the words but they both have lyrics from Underworld tattooed on their forearms, with the five sunflower petals from the album cover. A testament as to how significant and inspiring their last album was to their fans.
They announced they were making a music video from the tour for their beautiful track, For You, also from Underworld. We were told the more we joined in, danced, went crazy, the more likely we would end up in the video, so of course everyone did. Jenna came down to the barrier to be face to face with the crowd, she wanted to feel the connection that had the whole room spellbound. During such a delicate and uplifting song, you could feel the love in the room between the artists on the stage and their supporters below.
Before they played Say Please, a fantastic and raw track from The Other Side, Jenna recited a powerful poem/mantra that I have desperately tried to find online but have failed to. "My higher self is my only authority" she told us, instructing all of our spirits to rise and live on an elevated level. It's this trope of strength and possibility that resonates in everything Tonight Alive do, and it is such a positive use of the reach they have as musicians, to encourage self belief and motivation in their audience.
Next came Crack My Heart and Disappear where Jenna invited us all to "bring out your freaky dance moves". She lead the way, cutting loose on stage, her body moving in perfect time to the melody. The entire room was moving, and the atmosphere was electric.
The show began on such a high, from the get go there was a current that ran through everyone in the room, but at certain points the voltage was increased. The second that the intro to Tonight Alive's most powerful anthem, A World Away, hit the crowds ears, we reached the peak. It was like something else, the whole room was magnetised as we chanted "This is not my punishment, this is my catalyst for growth, I know I will survive this, I'll be the strongest person I know". It was a moment of shared vulnerability and strength, and it was breath taking. A World Away has been one of my favourite songs since the first time I heard it and it remains one of the most empowering songs I know. From A World Away, they kept the feeling of vulnerability on full volume. They hit us with Waves, the only song they played that night from Limitless, one of the more authentic and powerful tracks from a bittersweet album. Its a cathartic song, and as Jenna sang out the final "Getting caught up in your riptide" there was a feeling of release as we gently came down from the A World Away high.
Coming to the end of their set, they treated us to some more fan favourites from What Are You So Scared Of? and The Other Side. Amelia and Wasting Away separated the original fans from the newcomers and the gutsy track, Lonely Girl, got a huge response.
They had to finish, of course, with Temple. The first release from Underworld, it was the battle cry that Tonight Alive were ready like never before; they were finally their authentic, unapologetic and untamed selves. The song has such a ferocity and energy to it, the perfect choice to close their set with. Again upholding her promise to deliver the best show she was capable of giving, Jenna came face to face with her fans and then, supported by them, climbed above the crowd and gave all of us in the pit a front row seat for the final track...
The current reignited during Temple and the whole room was alive again, the connection between Jenna and her audience was explosive. As I sang along to every word I was so thankful I was in that room, I hadn't been to a gig in over a year and they're usually a bimonthly event for me! I ached for that feeling of magnetism you get seeing your heroes play live. Tonight Alive not only satisfied that craving for me, they set my soul on fire. Their performance of Temple was pure fire.
You probably think I have written this review through rose-tinted glasses, but I'm telling the truth. I adore Tonight Alive, but they truly are doing something incredible right now. If you go and listen to Underworld you'll understand; the way they address and explore depression, love, body image and pain, gives hope to so many.
At a time where mental health is so topical in popular culture but still not openly discussed enough, it is vital that young people have a way to express feelings that they maybe don't understand or have difficulty talking about. This is especially relevant within the alternative rock community, in the wake of Kyle Pavone's recent passing, and the suicides of Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington last year, it's clearly a problem that needs to be faced. Not only have Tonight Alive had the bravery to write about these deeply personal struggles, but they perform these songs every night on tour, continuing the conversation and exploring their pain. The band experience this each night with their fans, many of who are teenagers and young adults, and it allows them to process similar feelings they may be having, and gives them a way to productively confront their anxieties.
In the spirit of open conversation and transparency, I will confess that over the past two years or so, I have dealt with anxiety and OCD and at points it's been pretty bad. I told a few close friends, but there were times when I wasn't completely honest about the severity of the issue. It's something that has come and gone and thankfully I've got a lot better at dealing with my issues and I'm in a good place now. Tonight Alive's music has been so helpful and remedial for me during this time; the motifs of personal growth and empowerment within their songs have been hugely inspiring for me. Of course that's intrinsic to why I admire them so much, but I don't think you can underestimate how important it is for people who are struggling to have a way to process the fears that are controlling them. Their music is transparent, authentic but most importantly hopeful, that's why people connect to it so strongly.
Whether you're a fan of alternative rock or not, I would seriously recommend listening to their music. Even if it's not to your taste, you may take something away from it you didn't anticipate. Tonight Alive are now halfway through their tour, if they're playing anywhere near you then I seriously recommend seeing a show. You may still think I'm biased, but ask anyone, they play one hell of a good show.
Thank you all for reading this post, and if you are struggling with anything then I've attached a link to the mental health charity Mind, who offer information and support across the UK to anyone who is struggling with their mental health. If you are going through something, please talk to someone. You are not alone and there are people out there that want to and can help you, it is not something that should be swept under the rug. You deserve to live your life to the fullest and your mental health is too important to ignore. Please seek the help you need to get better.
That's all for today everyone! Thank you for your patience and for reading this post, I hope you enjoyed it. If you want to continue the discussion in the comments feel free to do so, I welcome a safe conversation about this topic.
I'll speak to you all soon.
Holly
Tonight Alive
Youtube
Wolf Culture
Youtube
Jamie Lenman
Youtube
Mind
