The Canadian hardcore stalwarts take us back in time!
It’s strange to think that Comeback Kid started out as a mere side project, only to become its members’ main concern after their second record won them both critical acclaim and legions of new fans. That record, 2005’s ‘Wake The Dead’, was like a knife of hardcore authenticity cutting through so much MySpace-era posturing, and tonight, they’ve returned to London to play it in its entirety.
Of course, much has changed since its release, not least the Canadian quintet themselves, but given that guitarist-turned-lead-vocalist Andrew Neufeld has done the band’s early material justice ever since original vocalist Scott Wade’s departure, there’s no apprehension in the air tonight – only excitement. The Dome is completely sold out, and we’re ready for this.
“Move closer! It’s Easter, it’s what Jesus would want!” That’s Last Wishes vocalist Corin, who needs more from us – and kind of gets it, eventually. The Leeds-based quartet play with a certain gritty determination; we don’t know what they’ve been through over the years, but the likes of ‘Up In Smoke’ definitely sound like hardcore born of hard times. Check out their ‘Organized Hate’ record if you need the hardcore equivalent of a jolt of electricity in your veins; it’s not pretty, but my goodness, it’s beautifully bleak and brutally effective.
In the wake of recent government legislation, Shooting Daggers’ trans-inclusive message feels more important than ever. ‘Love And Rage’ was one of our favourite albums of 2024, and from the moment they kick off with opening track ‘Dare’, it’s clear that the London trio can more than hold their own tonight; they sound bigger and more confident every time we cross paths, and this evening is no exception.
It’s a shame there isn’t more crowd involvement, but ultimately they make do with plenty of applause, a small circle pit during the closing ‘Missandra’, and – surely – the knowledge that they are one of UKHC’s most unique and promising bands. Goodness knows we’ve sung their praises plenty – it’s up to you now.
A grin-worthy intro tape of A-ha’s ‘Take On Me’ reminds us that tonight is supposed to be a celebration, and everyone sings along happily as Comeback Kid take the stage. The pit opens up like a human sinkhole as the ‘False Idols Fall’ intro kicks in, and then explodes into action. As we all scream the “all my heroes are dead” refrain, it’s a genuine spine-tingling moment. The band sound as fantastic as they did all those years ago at the Kingston Peel (RIP), and as Neufeld and guitarist Jeremy Hiebert bounce around the stage like a hardcore tag-team, it’s clear that they haven’t lost an iota of their hunger or love for what they do.
The highlights come thick and fast. Neufeld is almost drowned out by the crowd on the intro of ‘Partners In Crime’; ‘Losing Patience’ is shot through with an extra dose of urgency, and once they’re done with ‘Wake The Dead’, they go on a brief but satisfying rampage through their back catalogue. Be it early gem ‘All In A Year’ or the much more recent ‘Heavy Steps’, everything is greeted with open arms, a maelstrom of a pit and a steady stream of stagedivers. Like all the best hardcore shows, there’s a sense that the band are in the metaphorical eye of a hurricane, and the way they hold it all together amidst the chaos is genuinely awe-inspiring.
After cheekily wrong-footing us by omitting the anthemic title track of ‘Wake The Dead’ earlier, they finish with it, inciting utter mayhem both onstage and off. It’s a record that means a lot to those present, and tonight, Comeback Kid have repaid all our devotion in spades. Here’s to many more years of them waking the dead.
All Photos: ALEX GOOSE
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