_edited.jpg)
We interrupt your regularly-scheduled brutal slamming heavy metal content to bring you live coverage of Pennsylvania hip-hop duo Joey Valence and Brae. On their abrasively loud European and North American tour, these Pokemon-Go playing hoodlums have recently been causing havoc shaking ass in venues across the UK. Live from the Basement of Manchester Academy, we give you a full account of the evening's ‘mighty-morphing’ proceedings; how they hit us with their punk tactics, entered their BRAT era and then decided to start a fight mid-set.
Immensely sharp and staggeringly cool, Joey Valence and Brae have packed a punch in the alternative circles since their arrival on to the scene in 2021. Taking immediate sonic inspiration from Beastie Boys and Refused alike, they adorning outfits that flatter both Guy Fieri and Fred Durst in a flush street-wear kinda style. We accepted them into our circle when they released their debut album ‘Punk Tactics’ and when they played to the greebo crowd at Download in 2022, their set went down immensely well- in the same way that if by some miracle Andy Copping booked Vengaboys, it will be the single greatest thing to happen in modern metal. (Come on Live Nation- You know we love to party!)
Starting off the friday night rave was Ewook, JVB’s Star Wars loving friend and dj who warmed up the crowd fantastically to the extent that they were throwing hands at club-style remixes of ‘Break Stuff’. In his fifteen minute set, Ewook cycled through song after song without a break throwing trance and house beats at The Cranberries and Oasis. As a regular opener for the duo, laying down the beats for his friends during their headline set, you wouldn’t have Joey Valence and Brae without Ewook.
The dynamic duo arrived on the scene, throwing all the shapes they could to their song ‘THE BADDEST’. A track we were surprised to hear so soon, the crowd were absolutely feeling everything and giving it their all.
The energy carried into ‘PACKAPUNCH’ a song that features serious rapper (and honorary member of the hardcore community) Danny Brown. Some respite from the action came with ‘DANCE NOW’, a moment to fully take in the momentous surroundings. Joey Valence and Brae had an infectiously positive stage presence and it made the whole atmosphere absolutely sick.
With the invitation to join the Hooligang formally accepted by the audience, they raced through more fast paced hits, which both ‘STARTAFIGHT’ and ‘LIKE A PUNK’ opening the first and only mosh and circle pit of the night. Their reception went down so well that the audience started throwing Pokemon cards at them.
You heard all your favourite lyric choices, including: “I feel like Michael Cera in his swag era”, “Call me Ben 10 because I own ten Benz” and “I’m a boss-bitch like Judge Judy”. However, the absolutely phenomenal “John Cena the way I bing chilling” was absent from the setlist. However they managed to fit in their Teen Titans epic ‘DELINQUENT’ which is the Charizard EX of JVB songs.
‘Crank It Up’ their first song the duo ever released went down greatly with the crowd into BFF hit ‘NO HANDS’. Throughout the entire set, Ewook was there to support his boys with new remixed versions of the songs and his little dances behind the decks. He is a truly underrated member of the JVB experience.
Circling through their ‘365’ cover, Joey Valence and Brae extended Charli XCX’s BRATCHESTER welcome well into the fringes of the weekend. Heading towards the end of their set they decided to do what any good Limp Bizkit set would and play their best song twice. The second run through of ‘THE BADDEST’ was much more louder and unhinged than their first. With an oncore they finished with the almighty ‘PUNK TACTICS’ bringing a dazzling night to a close.
Ultimately, Joey Valence and Brae, you are the baddest bitches in the club.
Words: Amber Brooks
Photos: Izzy Scott
Comments