The 12th of March saw SWG3 hold something bigger than a show, it was a community coming together to celebrate their highs and lows.
RØRY is an artist that has built her following through transparent vulnerability. This show was not only a “therapy session” but with the addition of As December Falls and Lake Malice it was a party not to be missed.
Taking to the stage with an explosive and fierce alt metal sound, Lake Malice got the crowd warmed up. I’ve not seen that many people jumping for an opening band in a long time and it was a refreshing change.
The wholesome family vibes began with this first band who rather than having the crowd take part in a normal circle pit, had everyone run around in a konga line. Throughout every song vocalist Alice Guala delivered untameable harsh vocals and softer melodic moments effortlessly, while the electronic fuelled, guitar heavy instrumentals thundered behind her. Songs like ‘Stop The Party’ and new single ‘Scatterbrain’ were clear crowd pleasers, as well as what I believe to be an unreleased track ‘Nobody Wants To Be You’, which is possibly the bands catchiest song on the setlist.
I know these guys are playing a few festivals over the summer, so if you get a chance to go see them, do it! I am personally looking forward getting to dance and jump around to them again at Slam Dunk.
Second on the stage was As December Falls, the emo rock group from Nottingham made a perfect addition to this tour with their energetic yet angsty vibe.
From the first song frontwoman Bethany Curtis came out with a bubbly energy that’s infectious as she jumps and twirls around the stage. This is a band I’ve listened to for years, but this was my first time seeing them live and that feel-good energy that’s packed into their tracks is felt ten-fold in a live setting.
As December Falls even took a moment to sign something for a fan in the crowd, making me love them even more. With deeply relatable angsty/emo lyrics yet pairing it with such a huge energy I bet the four-piece gained more than a couple of new fans that night.
After the great support acts the packed out SWG3 eagerly waited for RØRY to take to the stage. As a snippet of ‘In The Bible’ from her new album began the stunning backdrop became clear, gaining comments from the crowd like “she took the church with her”. Then the gorgeous backdrop was joined by band members and finally RØRY herself.
I went into this gig having heard stories of how emotional and inspiring RØRY’s shows are, but I honestly did not expect to sob as much as I did. The feeling of community and shared vulnerability throughout this gig made this one of the most powerful and amazing nights of my life. This is an artist who’s not afraid to be honest with her fanbase and in return everyone watching and listening is safe to be vulnerable as well.
This was a night that was full of moments, funnier times like when the audience completely overpowered the band singing ‘Baby Vendetta’ after being told we had to be loud to keep it on the setlist for other nights stood out. Or during one of RØRY’s many times she took to speak with the audience where her comment about “maybe your parent was your first bully” received a “woo” from the audience leading to everyone wooing about their trauma and RØRY stating “only at a RØRY gig would we be laughing at that”.
Then during the set ‘My Funeral Song’ saw Bethany Curtis (As December Falls) join the stage and elevate the track with even more energy than it already had. The artists interacted in such an animated way that everyone’s eyes were glued to the funny interactions.
I think I’d be writing forever if I wrote about every single special thing that happened throughout RØRY’s incredible night, but I can’t leave out things like when she had her partner come out on stage to say hello before she gave a speech about being truly loved. Also I can’t not mention how accessible this tour has been, including the show at SWG3, the venue even had posters on the walls stating where there was a quieter area that people could go, it is really amazing to see every music fan being taken into consideration.
As the night drew to a close with compelling tracks ‘Sorry I’m Late’ and ‘Blossom’ not a single person was ready for it to end.
I said it before but this is easily one of my favourite shows I’ve ever been too, all the bands stood out in their own ways and each and every one deserves to be seen live.