YOU ME AT SIX / ALL TIME LOW / WALK THE MOON | LIVE REVIEW
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Mon 9 Feb
Passing the Motorpoint Arena on my way to work at 9am, hardcore fans have already begun queuing in the cold to ensure their place upfront for these Anglo-American double headliners. Launching their UK tour in Cardiff, these two bands promise one over-indulgent night of pop-punk festivities. Sitting high up in the centre balcony, I have a bird’s eye view of the sold out 7,500-capacity venue.
Support act, American pop-meets-indie group Walk The Moon, warm the crowd up with infectious guitar riffs and singalong choruses. After a quick set change and a powerful repetitive chanting of “ALL TIME LOW!”, the lively band run on stage, visibly as excited as their fans. An instant wave of ecstatic atmosphere sweeps the arena. A nod to the lighting director is deserved: the pyrotechnics and eye-watering strobe lighting are fantastic, and add to ATL’s fun-loving colourful vibe.
Next up, Surrey rockers You Me At Six. Front man Josh Franceschi hobbles on stage, admitting that the gig was on the brink of cancellation due to his broken ankle. The crowd roar in admiration: if Franceschi is in any pain, I’m sure the adrenaline rush from this pure adoration was enough to get him through the gig as you barely notice his hobble thereafter. YMA6 bring something that All Time Low don’t: a more mature professional charismatic vibe, effortlessly rocking out on tracks such as Save Me and Carpe Diem. Their staging is equally charismatic and noteworthy, with a giant screen backdrop displaying stunning graphics and short films to accompany each song.
The most breathtaking part of the night comes when the house lights are brought down for the chilling Crash. With just a star-lit night sky on the background screen, the venue looks suitably nocturnal as everyone holds up their phones in the near-pitch black venue. A night of two halves, but the contrast between these two bands makes for one super night of arena punk rock.
words DENIECE CUSACK photos MIKE LEWIS
