la dispute // club academy, manchester

la dispute tear up manchesters club academy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

There’s a specific kind of atmosphere that only exists in the basement of Manchester's club academy, the perfect setting for an LA Dispute gig and with a sold out show you can feel it as soon as you walk through the doors. As the lights dim the crowd was instantly raring to go, the first support of the night was PIJN. A very fun night for this 5 piece band as tonight they are playing in their home town Manchester.

I'm going to be fully honest here, PIJN are a very fun, unique and unexpected group. Although the band doesn't possess vocals they certainly don't need to when they can play beautiful complex pieces of music together like they can. With a groovy post metal sound this band is "post-everything" that perfectly blends post rock, metal and ambient textures into a beautifully crafted and cathartic sound that is unique to them. This band was a lovely touch to tonight's set list and they really set the bar high for the night to which the other bands did not disappoint.

The vibe from the crowd summed up this performance perfectly. Everyone was in awe and almost shocked at this new sound that is very rare. Without vocals I feel you have more connections to the music and are able to transform it into a feeling you have that can't be described by words. Feeling a little change from the "norm" of metal? Try PIJN. They are definitely a band you want to listen to. I'd love for you to give them a listen and support this band by streaming their music.

Gracing the stage next All the way from Apple valley, California USA was a 3 piece band called " VS self". From the millisecond they stepped on that stage they brought some seriously amazing presents and vibe with their natural talent for music. Formed in 2018 this band is known for their classic emo influences from the 90s/00s emotive hardcore era but manipulating it into their own original style. The raw production of this band is unmatched from their hard energetic songs to the unmatched emotional expression that goes into their lyrics, VS self has a very strong talent of conveying feelings and thoughts we have all had before into incredibly powerful music lyrics. These beautifully composed lyrics are topped with some very impressive technical guitar riffs.

The love and respect they have for their fans is also extremely sweet, they even threw the crowd some flowers which was a very pretty touch to an already beautiful set and also makes for a beautiful souvenir for VS self fans to treasure. The crowd loved this band and showed a lot of respect and appreciation for them. If you love those emo anthems I couldn't recommend ‘VS self’ enough to you; it's like a breath of fresh air with a familiar yet original sound. Check this banger of a band out by either supporting them at local shows, buying merch and streaming their music.

There was a buzzing feel in the room while waiting for LA Dispute to hit the stage, and looking at the crowd you can see the anticipation in their faces. As the lights dim for the last time, the crowd erupts into cheers and LA Dispute hit the stage. This wonderful band consists of 5 members that are many miles away from Michigan USA so to say this is a treat for the UK LA Dispute fans is definitely watering it down. The club academy which was a perfect setting for this band with it being in the basement of the academy was filled with anticipation from hundreds of hungry fans waiting to devour the performance that LA Dispute has to offer us.

From the first note you can tell that LA Dispute is an extremely unique band that provides emotional lyrics and complex musical structures. Known for their emo revival and experimental rock LA dispute has been painting the stages with their art since 2004, these are very seasoned musicians who definitely know what they are doing when it comes to music. The proof is in their success with their most famous albums "Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair" that was released in 2008 and the following masterpiece "Wildfire" hit the metal community in 2011. Effortless is a great word to describe this band and there is clearly nothing they can't do; from their catchy infectious songs, strong stage presence and clear passion for music and their fans, if you are lucky enough to get barricade during a show there is a chance the lead will come sing with you which makes for a memorable and magical experience for any fan.

During their set they played "King park" one of their most famous songs from their album "Wildfire". I understand why this song is a masterpiece as the lyrics tell the story of a 2008 drive-by of a 16 year old boy that took place in the Grand Rapids, Michigan USA (which is sadly a true story). The band has turned this emotional story exploring gang related crimes, senseless violence and the importance and scarcity of life and consequences into a powerful ballad which has an emotionally strong ending (especially when the singer screams "can i still get into heaven if i kill myself"). The whole venue sang it back at him, and it was an extremely emotional and strong scene to watch live, showing emotions of grief, guilt, remorse and the saddening and chaotic aftermath that effects the victims family and friends, community, media, justice and the perpetrator of the crime (who realises by the end of the heart string pulling ballad that he killed an innocent 16 year old due to his actions of violence and he is struggling to come to terms with that). LA Dispute paints this event in a raw reality that one bullet affected so many lives in such different ways.

The stage presence LA Dispute brings to the table is seriously unmatched from their hardcore music playing in harmony to them bouncing around the stage full of energy and life. The crowd adored this entire performance everyone was singing and dancing along to amazing beats of this band, some even being brave enough to live in the moment and crowd surf during the performance! The air was filled with joy and excitement as the vocalist Jordan Dreyer blessed everyone's ears with his harmonious voice pouring through the venue. The entire set was just an absolute treat for everybody involved and overall was an amazing feel good night that was well needed. I think if you asked any fan they can agree this performance was an extremely well needed night for all LA dispute lovers out there.

If you are interested in emo music and songs that tell beautifully haunting tales checking out LA Dispute is pretty much a no brainer. I would definitely recommend you get tickets and catch them live at your next nearest show or tour and i extremely recommend you should stream their music and give them a listen, especially the masterpiece which is "King Park" to hear what this amazingly talented band has to offer for you just be ready to be moved and prepare yourself to feel many emotions.

REVIEW + PHOTOS BY: MEGAN BELLIS (MW_PHOTOGRAPHY.2019)