Southcoast Rising.

On the 8th April bands Heart in Hand, Tench, Kerouac, Crestfallen and South Coats Rising came to Hamptons Bar in Southampton. The turnout was more than reasonable with dedicated fans obviously making an appearance at the front of the stage. I entered the bar as Tench were performing which I can only describe as electric. From the lead singer, Ike Rideout’s voice to the soaring sea of fans it was obvious that they had done this before…plenty of times. It may not have been my cup of tea but I felt the intensity of the band and enjoyed how they delivered their songs to the crowd. At one point I even saw myself dipping my head to the beat which one could only describe as cringe worthy however I was having a good time so I did not care. Then next came Heart in Hand...a band that describes its music as ‘melodic hardcore from the south’; a quote that I find very inviting. The lead singer Charlie Holmes took to the stage like he owned it…which in fairness he pretty much did, sending fans into a frenzy with songs such as ‘Getting married in Vegas’, ‘Give blood’ and ‘Indelible Mistakes’. At one point fans reached out to the lead singer and he just pulled them onstage to perform with him. When asking about the show Charlie said; ‘Tonight was amazing, so good to play a show with such good bands and with so many good friends their’. The power of the group’s presence shocked me, how they merged as one to bring one hell of a performance. With a great atmosphere and great bands, ITG fully succeeded in making it a great night for fans.