SINCERITY | LIVE REVIEW
The Parrot, Carmarthen, Thurs 5 Dec
Openers Arlington Heights have graced virtually every opening slot in recent weeks and tonight they prove that their keen ambition to thrive is worth chasing, as strong vocal work and early day Bring Me The Horizon-esque breakdowns shine as highlights to their set.
Debut performances often tend to go hand in hand with low expectations, but Without Shores manage to exhibit a diverse sound, fusing elements of metalcore and post-hardcore, which strikes more positives than negatives in a decent introduction to this fresh outfit. Although their clean vocal work is awfully timid (as you would expect), their drummer’s mighty screams coincide with clever progressive instrumentals to round off a performance brewing with potential.
Main support Oceans Apart, however, are no new kids on the block, and immediately let their melodic metalcore prowess shine – soaring instrumental melodies, punishing screams and euphoric clean vocals, wrapped nicely amongst their emphatic stage presence. The versatile nature of the song structures in their performance allows the outfit to execute clean transitions between stargazing, delay-soaked guitars and brutish, slow-motion breakdowns. Their outstanding set could be summarised as the closest we’ll get to an upbeat soundtrack of the end of the world.
Following an outstanding main support, headliners Sincerity would have every right to be afraid. However, their unrelenting energy and passion requires no acclimatisation as the outfit strike every chord with power and precision. Despite their tight instrumental execution and potent melodies being key factors to their brilliance, its vocalist Elliot Dixon who inevitably draws the attention of the crowd. The ballsy frontman makes sure he touches every surface in the room, as his aggressive screams match his presence.
Latest single Mountains expectedly stands out as a highlight to a surprisingly short set, but it’s enough to leave the crowd wanting more. Sincerity may not be soaring at the heights that they deserve, but their dedication and outlandish performance tonight beckons greater things for an outfit boasting hair-raising ability.
words GEORGE FULLERTON