BEX @ Omeara

BEX:

Friday night saw Omeara packed to the brim ready for punk-rock star BEX to play her biggest headline show to date. The last 12 months have been nothing short of meteoric for BEX, starting with the release of her debut EP 'SCUM' at the end of October last year. This was followed by a string of huge live shows, including standout spots at Download and 2000Trees, all of which has led to this momentous headline performance. However, this was no ordinary concert, it was more a celebration of BEX and the community that has grown around her. The venue was filled with pop-up shops, in-person merch printing, and the loveliest crowd you could ever come across. All of this is testament to the effort BEX has made to connect with her supporters

Before the headline set began Michy Tree took to the stage. Michy is an insanely talented musical artist in her own right, but tonight she was there to warm up the audience with an impressive pole dancing display. Her ability was truly mind blowing, and the crowd made sure their appreciation for the talent on show was out in full force. In one short performance Michy showcased more core strength than I have probably used in my entire life. This, combined with the suitably hard-hitting backing music, meant the crowd remained upbeat and ready for the main event.

The headline set started with BEX hyping her adoring audience up even further from behind a red curtain, making the noise in the room stratospheric, and the energy palpable. As soon as the curtains were pulled back and the intro to 'Taste Better' began, Omeara erupted into a mass of limbs. The mosh pit had opened at the command of BEX, and hardly closed again for the rest of the night. BEX had become our leader, and we were a crowd of followers sat firmly in her hands from the second the lights went down.

Like many performers BEX will go above and beyond to make the night memorable, but what makes a BEX show so unique is her willingness to stamp her individuality in the face of heavy- rock stereotypes. How many other gigs could you go to where in one moment you're witnessing a wall of death, and in the next beach balls and inflatable guitars are sailing over the crowd. The fun didn't end there though, as bubbles and fake money were also sprayed into the audience, some of which contained prize vouchers further showing BEX's love for her listeners.

With an event made this big by all the happenings around the performance, it would be very easy for the quality of the actual live show to drop...but not if BEX is involved. The near-hour long set was a tour de force of punk brilliance, showcasing exactly why BEX has become one of the scene's most important figures. Her live vocals are incredible, her guitar playing is top-tier and the energy she brings to the stage is sensational, She is joined on stage by her brilliant live-band, Connor Griffiths (Drums) & Josh Paine (Bass), who take the songs to a whole new level.

'sunDae' and 'Sum Kinda Syko' provided the perfect songs to end the set with. However, the show itself ended with crowning moment as BEX crowd surfed over to the merch stand like the punk-rock royalty she now undoubtedly is.

GÜRL:

As incredible as BEX's headline set was, the quality live music started long before through the night's support acts Gürl and Eville. It was Gürl who took to the stage first delivering an epic set that wouldn't have been out of place headlining. Massive tracks like 'Last Night I Read Your Diary' and 'ANTIPOP' showed why Gürl have become such a highly regarded band in the space. However, it was 'Evil Twin' which perhaps highlighted the groups most important feature, their on-stage chemistry. The quartet looked to be having the time of their lives up there, playing through a set of heavy hitting songs with the biggest grins on their faces. A joyous paradox which was shared by all watching and moshing too. This was antipop-rock at its finest.

Eville:

Next up was Brighton-based fourpiece Eville who commanded Omeara like it was second nature. The group played with so much vigour that even the stage couldn't hold them, finishing their set in the audience. Their biggest songs like 'Leech' and 'Messy' went down a treat, but it was their upcoming single 'Ballistic' which arguably received the biggest reaction. The moment this song began a pit opened wide, and the moshing within would continue until the songs last note.

The line-up for this night could not have been curated more perfectly, with both Gürl and Eville being met with rapturous applause as their sets ended. These are two real bands to watch out for, as they'll be heading to the top.