It feels that in 2016 there are two types of hardcore band. There are hardcore bands, and then there is Blacklisted. While their earlier material may have been derivative of the late 90âs east coast sound that was popularised by American Nightmare, Horror show, Panic etc, they outgrew that and became somewhat of an enigma. The deeply personal, diary entry lyricism of vocalist George Hirsch is some of the most open and introspective that hardcore has ever seen. Add to that the less than conventional song structures, a wide-array of influences, and an inimitable live performance, they are far from your average hardcore band.
Before Blacklisted return to a London stage for the first time in six years, we have some home grown talent to warm up the tonightâs audience. Relative newcomers Dropset seem intent on making their presence felt early on with their particular brand of heavy hardcore, and are riff-driven and tight. They are followed by Frame of Mind, who try to blend a youth crew style vocal with heavier guitar sections, which unfortunately ends up sounding a bit of a mess, and sloppy by comparison to their predecessors.
Itâs clear from the off that Renounced need no introduction, triggering some the crowdâs finest martial arts moves on the dance floor. They play some of the best material from their previous album, âThe Melancholy We Aceâ, and take the opportunity to showcase new tracks from their highly-anticipated forthcoming release, âTheories of Despairâ. Where Renounced shine is the way in which they channel the âmelodic metalcoreâ of early Poison The Well, Shai Hulud, and Skycamefalling, and find a way to put a current spin on a classic sound. Itâs refreshing, exciting, and a glimpse into the future of one of the leading bands in UK hardcore right now.
The last time Blacklisted were in the UK, it seemed like they were on the brink of self-destruction. They didnât appear to be functioning as a unit, and rumours circulated that they even unceremoniously broke up outside of Urban Outfitters in London. The Blacklisted that are stood on stage tonight appear rejuvenated and in high spirits, tearing passionately through tracks like âMemory Layneâ and âStationsâ. George Hirsch embraces the audience, who scream back every word of âOur Apartment Is Always Emptyâ, and seems in a better place than he was back in 2010.
The energy that emanates from Blacklisted is virtually non-stop for the duration of their short and sharp set. Tracks such as âInsularizedâ and âRiptideâ from their excellent 2015 album, âWhen People Grow, People Goâ, find perfect place next to the classic âI Am Weighing Me Downâ. It shows how they have transcended a generic hardcore sound, and between the four of them combine the fury of punk rock with a more interesting, experimental sound. Before you can blink, their set is over with no bravado or encore; Blacklisted simply came out and got the job done as they always do. Letâs just hope they donât leave it that long before they return again.
GLEN BUSHELL