Opening for one of the UK’s fastest up-and-coming alt bands is never an easy feat, but BEX delivered an electrifying performance at The Sugarmill in Hanley, worthy of any stage in the country. Her unique stage presence and raw energy captivated the audience from the very start.
BEX opened with “Taste Better,” immediately setting a high standard for the evening. Her commanding presence and the song’s intensity energised the crowd, establishing an electric atmosphere from the outset. Her next track, “Filfy,” maintained that energy, leading into “Fight,” which ignited a circle pit and highlighted her ability to engage and energise the audience.
“Sum Kinda Syko” proved to be a huge highlight of the set, with another intense circle pit showcasing the song’s power.
As the set approached its conclusion, “SunDae” added a whimsical touch, with the use of a bubble blower adding yet another layer to the set. Closing with “SPYD4 K1NG,” she ended on a high note, leaving the crowd exhilarated and setting an incredibly high bar for the rest of the night.
Following BEX’s electrifying performance, Karen Dió took the stage, infusing The Sugarmill with a blend of nostalgic and contemporary punk energy. A Brazilian-born, UK-based artist, Dió has been making waves in the punk scene with her dynamic sound and compelling stage presence.
Her music, reminiscent of the 2010s riot grrrl revival, brings a fresh perspective to the genre. Opening with a confident presence, Dió quickly established a connection with the audience. Tracks like “Stupid” and “So Funny” stood out, showcasing her knack for blending witty lyrics with punchy melodies. These songs highlight her ability to craft catchy, dynamic punk anthems that resonate with listeners.
While her performance may not have been a personal favourite for all attendees, there’s no denying her talent as a musician and performer. Dió’s bold stage presence and commitment to her craft earned her cheers and applause throughout the set. Her inclusion in the lineup added a distinctive edge that complemented the evening’s punk ethos.
Karen Dió’s set served as a reminder that live music is deeply subjective. Even for those who didn’t fully connect with her sound, her professionalism and passion for her music were undeniable. Her performance at The Sugarmill further solidified her position as a rising star in the punk scene.
WARGASM brought their signature blend of electro-punk and riotous energy to The Sugarmill in full force, delivering a performance that had moments of brilliance but was hindered in parts by inconsistent sound quality.
The set began with “Circle Pit,” a track with massive potential but slightly lacking in vocal energy. Despite strong stage movement and showmanship, the opening track didn’t quite deliver the explosive start expected. However, the duo found their stride with “Bad Seed,” which brought their trademark chaos to life and energised the audience.
The middle of the set, featuring tracks like “Ride the Thunder” and “Death Rattle,” was unfortunately marred by overly boosted bass that overwhelmed the mix. This issue persisted through “70% Dead” and “Venom,” where low-end distortion detracted from the experience. That said, tracks like “Pyro Pyro” and “Bang Ya Head” were standouts. The latter was a highlight of the night, thanks to its quality and crowd enthusiasm.
WARGASM’s connection with fans shone during “D.R.I.L.L.D.O.,” where audience chants amplified the song’s impact, and “Spit,” which carried the energy of an opening song despite being near the end of the set. Closing with “Do It So Good,” they ensured the night ended on a high.
While technical issues may have dulled the edge of their performance, WARGASM’s charisma and crowd engagement made for a captivating, high-energy show.
Words: Vee Richardson
Cover Photo: Ollie Hayman
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