Don Broco @ Keele University Student’s Union, 1st May 2018

Don Broco, on their second UK tour of the year, tonight play in the Student’s Union of Keele University, the venue is sizeable but only half the size of the main room Birmingham Academy which the band ripped up back in Feb during a sold out show.

Kudos to them, they work hard to get their music out there to as many different cities as possible and this run of smaller venues is admirable.

Entering the stage, lead singer Rob is awash with deep red lighting, a struggle photography-wise but without a doubt it is eyecatching. The chorus to the opener ‘Pretty’ (2018) is timed with spiralling search lights and the strong voices of the young crowd. ‘Everybody’ ensures the band’s rowdy entrance with two bangers unleashed early on. The venue is buzzing.

‘Good Listener’, a full house from their latest Technology (2018) album so far, and lead singer Rob gets up on the barrier to high five some fans; a massive grin on his face throughout. They really are a band who love what they do. ‘Stay Ignorant’ followed suit, Rob jumping about like a madman backlit with harsh strobes and guitarist Simon perfecting his acrobatic leg stomp.

Wall of deaths are commonplace at a Don Broco gig. It took some encouragement from Rob to see the first circle pit crop up but that opened the flood gates.

‘You Wanna Know’ (2015) another big one from their ‘Automatic’ (2015) album, it’s crazy to watch them perform so many songs that have an impact in a live setting. Matt’s vocals here are simple but effective, harmonizing the powerhouse that is Rob and allowing him to catch breath inbetween verses.

A few more from Technology with ‘Greatness’, ‘Porkies’ and ‘Something to Drink’, quieter reactions from the crowd in a venue which now resembles a sauna. Singer Rob is evidently tiring but the fans are still having a great time. ‘Thug Workout’ (2008), the old classic. The song is essentially a tongue-in-cheek critique of the post-hardcore genre and the music video is equally entertaining. It’s hilarious watching people in the crowd doing press-up’s.

The band retired backstage for a moment or two before hitting back out with a strong encore, ‘Come Out To L.A.’ and the massive ‘T-Shirt Song’. The first one being a self referential exploration of their antics in America and a critique of Hollywood’s fake values and the latter being a song to jump up and down to until your legs give way.

Until next time Don Broco, see you soon!

Review and Photographs: Neale Hayes

About Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *