Easily the heaviest band of the night, Lake Malice delivered a powerful blend of Metalcore and Hyperpop (a new but most definitely welcome addition to my repertoire of genres) elements. We've been to enough gigs to say with perfect utility that you never see this much of a turnout for the opening act on almost any bill. They were clearly more than capable of commanding a room this size and I highly suspect to see them headlining venues of this size and even larger in the very near future. Watch this space.
As December Falls took to the stage next, immediately shifting the atmosphere to one of relentless fun. The Nottingham-based four-piece, making waves online with an infectious brand of pop-punk and a healthy dose of breakdown - here and there mind you- they didn’t hold back. Their sound is enough to tickle those early 2000’s roots we all have and slap their own unique lick of paint on top. It was clear they were having the time of their lives, and that kind of enthusiasm is hard to ignore for even the most stoic of audience.
Songs like ‘Mayday’ and ‘Carousel’ had the crowd bouncing, with front-woman Bethany Curtis engaging the audience like a seasoned pro. The chemistry between band members was undeniable. They fed off each other’s energy the entire set. They didn’t leave a square inch of the stage un-touched and I was out of breath just watching. This performance proved they’re not just a studio band. They brought their songs to life with a rare variety of charisma and by the time they closed out their set, the room was buzzing, perfectly warmed up for the headline act.
Then came RORY. The night’s headliner, stepping onto the stage with the weight of experience behind her. An outlier in all the best ways. Many artists, especially in the mainstream genres, find success in their early twenties and even their teens. RORY’s journey took longer, with the many bumps along the way being laid out for all to hear throughout the entire set, making her presence on stage all the more powerful. There’s something profoundly refreshing about seeing an artist who’s lived through life’s ups and downs before stepping into the limelight—every lyric felt earned, every song more of a poignant reflection than the last.
Her set was raw, honest and drenched in emotion. Songs like ‘WOLVES’ and ‘Help Your Friends Get Sober’ struck a deep chord with the audience, with a large number of them holding up signs reading “We’re so proud to see you blossom”. We've never seen such a tangible connection between an artist and their fans. Most artists will give you the same old spiel on stage of how much they appreciate you and this, that and the other. This, however, was something completely different. Hearing people screaming what an inspiration RORY is, thank-yous for helping them get sober and much more. It was cathartic, raw and - most of all authentically Rory.
With a lineup that balanced intensity, energy, and raw emotion, the LCR hosted a night that truly felt significant. Lake Malice brought the pits, As December Falls brought the party, and RORY brought the heart. An almost sold-out show like this isn’t just a testament to these artists’ talents—it’s proof that alternative music, in all its evolving forms ( looking at you Hyper-pop), is alive and thriving. Even if it’s a little late.
Words and Photos: Joseph McCarthy
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