After an incredible 2013 for all four of these bands, this tour put together some of the hottest prospects to take the world by storm in 2014. Kicking off the show, Handguns [9/10] blasted through a 7-song set filled with fan favourites such as Long October, Early Retirement and A Year In Review. While people were still filling into the room, fans already there were singing the words back to the band. Everyone involved could tell that the night was going to be special for everyone involved. Next band on, the only British band on the bill, Neck Deep [10/10] came on to a crowd full of support to them. Having only released 2 EPs and a single off their upcoming debut album meant that the set consisted of them playing nearly every song released. Closing with A Part Of Me, a song they rarely play live, fans were treated to Miss Laura Whiteside joining them on stage, something none of the other shows had. The treat was beautiful and it is hard to believe a song so good was their first release only a year ago. The overall set was simply incredible and with them embarking on their first UK headline tour in early 2014, as well as a debut album being released, it will be a band to watch next year. Playing only their second ever UK show, the bands first being the night before in Leeds, expectations for Real Friends [10/10] were varied. Within the opening song, every expectation had been smashed. Songs such as Anchor Down, Late Nights In My Car and I’ve Given Up On You sounded incredible. The sing-a-longs were massive with fans singing so loudly at points that frontman, Dan Lambton, wasn’t needed. Fans and the band were simply blown away by how good the set was, with bassist, Kyle Fasile, openly crying while nearly every person in the venue sang the closing words of Lost Boy back to him.
After incredible performances from all the support bands, the Wonder Years [10/10] had big shoes to fill and nevertheless the band came out swinging (pun intended). Opening with Passing Through a Screen Door then Local Man Ruins Everything the Wonder Years were simply breathtaking. Frontman, Dan ‘Soupy’ Campbell, was like a pop punk superhero while in breaks in the set cutting wrestling style promos, with the best being the intro into The Bastards, The Vultures, The Wolves. In their first proper UK since the release of The Greatest Generation in May, the songs fit seamlessly into the set with songs such as Chaser and Dismantling Summer going with Don’t Let Me Cave In and Washington Square Park. The highlight of the set, and maybe the whole night, was the encore which consisted of the Living Room Song and Came Out Swinging where it felt like over half the venue had jumped on top of each over and were all crowd surfing towards the front while everyone involved sang every word. Leaving the venue, everyone was sweaty however had huge smiles on their faces after witnessing one of the best Pop Punk tour line ups of all time and a night that was one of the closest things to perfection I have ever seen.
Sam Taylor
