Finally got to see the brilliant Honeybadger at Cluny 2, Newcastle, last night. Been following this Brighton trio for about a year now whose ferocious in your face, punky, grungy style is really infectious. They totally smashed the roof off across their half hour support slot with wild abandoned energy.
The urgency of the sound was clear from the very start of the set. The first couple of tracks especially seemed to be elongated with a sense of fun and danger. Plus a chance to really let rip.
Joe’s drumming was so thunderously heavy throughout. Like a true pro, he just carried on when one of the cymbals crashed to the floor with the sheer passionate force of his attack. I was stood in front of Luca whose bass slapped so aggressively too and added to the wild side. And then adding Eddy’s squealing, spiky guitar licks and awesome vocals, and you have one tight, immensely impressive outfit to be reckoned with.
There were some ace new tracks in the set that show an exciting future for the band. And there were also some arrestingly brilliant tunes from last year’s awesome self-titled EP, including Gone Cold and Maybe I. They saved the latter till the end of the set where they absolutely tore the place apart. Those noisy Stooges style guitar riffs, chunky bass lines, and aggressive, pummelling drumming, were so impressive. That chorus is so catchy too. With a more familiar crowd, this would be a big mosh pit number.
This was an incredibly sweaty set for the lads. They really blasted through each of their tunes. Was an absolute pleasure catching up with them afterwards. Look forward to seeing them doing a full headline soon.
WORDS AND PHOTO CREDIT – STEPHEN LOVELL
FOR MORE ON HONEYBADGER HEAD HERE
CLICK HERE FOR MORE RGM MUSIC NEWS!
