A Wilhelm Scream
Live at Leeds Festival 2012 on Saturday, 25th August 2012
Saturday bought rain to Leeds festival; a camper's worst nightmare. Luckily for me, I had opted out of camping over. I was relieved as the day saw me surrounded by soggy, dishevelled revellers.
There's only one way to kick of a Saturday afternoon and that's with a powerful mash up of ska, punk and metal brought to us by Keighley chaps Random Hand.
The Lock Up tent was packed out. Sardines at the front had extended out slightly so that they were able to get their skank on. The band was as angry and vocal as ever, infusing impeccable harmonies between Robin Leitch and Joe Tilston; their performance polished to precision.
The talented four-piece know no bounds and everytime I see them live, they blow me away. They destroy the stage with their mix of trombone-infused skacore and heavy metal riffs. They played a blend of old and new; apparent favourites amongst the crowd being 'Bones', 'Floating Ghosts' and 'Play Some Ska'; all equally as ferocious as the next.
It wasn't long before a circle pit formed; dregs of revellers moving closer to get involved in the 'wall of death'; "not literal death, no shanking each other please- that's prison for knifing". The tent was crammed with shirtless loons, going mad for one of the best bands to come out of the UK music scene.
Random Hand closed their set with all time favourite 'Anger Management'. It won't be long before these guys are headlining the Lock Up stage at Leeds Festival.
Wandering over to the BBC Introducing Stage, I found myself surrounded by screaming teenage girls, fighting their way to the front barrier, arms reaching out trying to grab the tip of the week, Park Bench Society.
These four 16 year old gems from Loughborough bring acoustic indie to our ears, and our hearts. The group were awarded BBC Introducing National Tip. Their original, catchy tunes infuse xylophone, saxophone, guitar and trumpet alongside intelligent lyrics, a dash of ska and an enjoyable stage presence.
The band seemed confident in their work and it's obvious that their motivation comes from their screaming, adoring fans. I'm pleased to say that I've seen them live for now. There's still so much fun to be had with their music and I wish them all the success in the near future.
Seeing this band live had to be the highlight of my weekend. New Bedford, Massachusetts sure knows how to deliver melodic hardcore in the form of A Wilhelm Scream.
Vocalist Nuno Pereira entered the stage pointing out, "you guys look alright for a bunch of soggy bastards". I definitely felt alright, eagerly awaiting the five-piece to blow me away with their speedy guitar work and enraged drumming. This complex sound is that in which they are so very well known for.
The band played to absolute perfection, aside from the minor blemish of bassist, Brian J. Robinson's strap spontaneously snapping. Well, this just proved the immense amount of power going into the assortment of tunes played from their back catalogue. Pereira's branded vocals; as rough and raw as ever built up the energy in the room. The crowd were surfing, air pumping and just generally going insane. At one point, I saw a girl get bashed in the face by a thrashing Scream fanatic. After a second of looking in complete shock, she miraculously carried on dancing. She just didn't care; she was watching A Wilhelm Scream live for Christ's sake.
Watching Pereira react to the sound of his own music was such a buzz. He was chest thumping, head banging and creating gestures with his hands in time to the beating drums and odd chimes. His passion shone through and reflected onto everyone watching in awe. His enthusiasm made me adore the band more than ever.
They played my favourites towards the end; 'The Horse', 'The King is Dead' and 'Famous Friends and Fashion Drunks'.
Before exiting an ignited stage, Pereira announced that they are working on another album and should be set to tour the UK by next Spring. Excited isn't the word. I shall definitely be purchasing a ticket.
