Underoath @ HMV Institute, 14th April 2011
They may have lost their last original member in the departure of drummer and clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie but Underoath are still charging on regardless, hitting the HMV Institute in Birmingham tonight supported by rising British talent Devil Sold His Soul and Deaf Havana.
It was only last month that Devil Sold His Soul were last in Birmingham headlining the smaller Temple upstairs. Their relentless touring schedule seems to be paying off though as the Library is pretty full when they take to the stage. Opening with Tides followed by the epic Drowning/Sinking DSHS once again prove why they are one of the best British bands to come out over the last couple of years. The music lends itself perfectly to larger venues and the extra space on stage is welcomed giving vocalist Ed Gibbs space to prowl the stage. They are one of the tightest acts around and some impressive drumming from “Leks” Wood holds it all together.
Deaf Havana actually pull in the biggest crowd of the evening and like Underoath they have also recently lost a member in the form of Ryan Mellor who provided the screamed vocals which has changed the dynamic of the band and the sound into a more pop infused rock. Things don’t exactly go to plan as sound issues force them to stop halfway through the first song they don’t seem phased by it though as front man James Veck-Gilodi chats; all be it a bit awkwardly; to the crowd as the sound problems are dealt with.
With everything all back up and running Deaf Havana blast back into it as if nothing happened. They showcase some new tunes like Youth in Retrospect, which go down well but it’s Friends Like These that has the crowd singing along.
The room has significantly emptied for the headliners which is surprising and a huge faux pas on Birminghams part as the next hour or so sees a pretty awesome performance from Underoath. Spencer Chamberlin is on fine form; with the departure of Aaron he’s taken over the clean vocals becoming the primary vocalist helped out on occasion by bearded guitarist Timothy McTague.
Speaking of beards ex-Norma Jean sticksman Daniel Davison is behind the kit sporting some mighty fine facial hair pounding the skins like a mad man. They are one man short though as keyboardist Christopher Dudley is back home due to just having a kid but he pre-recorded his parts meaning the songs still sound as full as they’re mean to.
They kick things off with In Regards To Myself and it only takes Spencer a few bars before he jumps into the front row much to the delight of the crowd. He’s one hell of a frontman, the combination of long dreads, a great voice and some very interesting dance moves make him a joy to watch.
The new songs sound great live but its when It’s a Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Back Door gets played that the crowd really get going opening up a pit in the centre of the room as everyone sings along.
There’s some oldies thrown in amongst songs off the new album like Moving For The Sake Of Motion and To Whom It May Concern. It’s the huge anthems though that get the most action from the crowd and this is defiantly the case for A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White.
They end the night on Writing on the Walls a song that they apparently have never played live before which makes the show that little bit more special. After putting in a performance as good as this Underoath have proved that even with the departure of a once key member they still kill it live, in fact you may find yourself asking the question, Aaron who?
Set list
In Regards To Myself
Breathing In A New Mentality
In Division
It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door
The Created Void
Catch Myself Catching Myself
Paper Lung
A Divine Eradication
Moving For The Sake Of Motion
To Whom It May Concern
A Boy Brushed Red…Living In Black And White
Who Will Guard The Guardians
Encore:
Illuminator
Writing On The Walls
Review – Hannah Sebestjanowicz
Photos – Katja Ogrin