Don Broco @ Barfly 2012

Don Broco @ Barfly, Camden London 13/08/2012

A sea of bodies huddle together under the roof of a 200 capacity room and what better way to warmly welcome the official release of Priorities than a free show.

The long wait has kept the most dedicated of fans sweating and shaking with anxiety and intensity but tonight they sweat with pure music pleasure. A growing form of high hopes and ears clutching and ready to nit-pick the album yet Don Broco seem ever more so overwhelmed by the hype their strong fan base has been a catalyst too. If expectations were of predictable radio friendly tunes then they were hugely mistaken, the Bedford bunch hit out at full pop rock power.

Opening the exclusive show with single ‘Priorities’ it has to be asked whether it’s even possible for four guys to have so much energy and as the banter flows on top of the low riff it seems they’re dead likeable as well. Whilst keeping an eye on the mainstream and the alternative scene where bands try to mould themselves into something that they’re not to succeed Don Broco keep it original. Before diving into ‘Fancy Dress’ they walk on the spot in sync and the crowd are introduced to some new stage moves. The angry vocals set them apart from any thoughts that Don Broco were an easy listening/parental approved band a mosh pit sure verifies this turn to the dark and heavy side.

As they progress it becomes crystal clear that they are nothing short of impressive and even with the album only being released in the past 24 hours the lyrics are left on the tips of everyone’s tongues as they sing along out-chanting frontman Rob Damiani. Let’s face it, this isn’t really a gig it’s a party!

‘Hold On’ is track 2 off their new album and repeats those earlier cheesy stage actions but if there’s anyone really this catchy as these guys then two right feet certainly don’t make a wrong. Even if you have to ask yourself “did they practice this in front of their bedroom mirrors?” Rewinding back to 2008’s EP ‘Thug Workout’ is polished with Enter Shikari-esque screams that result in some serious gym workouts in replace of a circle pit. Sweeping the dust off year old mini album Big Fat Smile ‘I’m Good’ is hard evidence this quartet haven’t changed their sound since starting out to fit in but they’re here today because of that very sound.

‘Whole Truth’ is Don Broco at their very best, vibrantly distinguishable but without being annoying, addictive energy and pleasing hooks but with a mature sound and certainly the best thing to come out of East England. This band is sitting comfortably on top of the world tonight doing Priorities proud. Debut single ‘Actors’ is as boastful as ever with a melody full of muscle and bite that mounts the sheer endless talent that ignites within this bunch of fine young men.

Priorities is out now via Sony