DON BROCO / COASTS / ARCANE ROOTS | LIVE REVIEW
Tramshed, Cardiff, Thurs 3 Dec
The Tramshed is a welcome and overdue addition to Cardiff’s live music scene: a venue to fill the gap between the city’s numerous small live venues and the larger spaces of the Students Union and the Motorpoint Arena. Although this gig, headlined by Bedford’s fast-rising Don Broco, wasn’t quite a sell out, the enthusiastic crowd comfortably filled the space.
Don Broco were supplemented by tour supports Coasts, Arcane Roots and Symmetry. Arcane Roots pumped out a heady mix of melodic rock backed with heavy, rolling drums. The three-piece easily commanded the stage, letting wide power stances fill the space. Coasts, meanwhile, toned down the heaviness in favour of well-crafted indie tracks.
If Topshop were a band, you would have Don Broco. Fresh-faced and well turned out, it is obvious why these guys have a strong female following. The stage was adorned with three podiums, adding to the almost boyband-esque spectacle. Fortunately, this is backed up by a genuine talent, with the band launching into the wonderfully funky You Wanna Know. Following a Beverly Hills Cop-esque synth intro, the instantly catchy Whole Truth had the crowd returning every word. The set continued along the same vein of funk-inspired hooks, with heavier breakdowns in Hold On and Yeah Man.
Cardiff was the first stop on Don Broco’s UK tour, promoting recent album Automatic. It was obvious that they were revelling in the attention, with the crowd eating out of their hand. This culminated in the lead singer stage diving to a cover of Rage Against The Machine’s Killing In The Name. This heavier influence was obvious as the set wore on, showing that they were capable of much more than just smooth choral hooks.
Don Broco proved themselves a solid rock act with a mature sound, tight funk basslines, vocals that would stand alone without accompaniment and an exciting live show.
words and photos JAMES COLSTON