Music

Review: A Day To Remember lead an eclectic celebration

A Day To Remember lead the charge at London’s Wembley Arena, with New Found Glory, Neck Deep and Moose Blood in tow.

Mirroring their broad sound, effortlessly displayed tonight, A Day To Remember’s supporting line-up offers some of the best in alternative music, both old and new. From emerging British superstars Moose Blood playing one of their biggest stages to date, to New Found Glory’s celebration of 20 years of pop-punk, there’s something for everyone.

An early set time doesn’t faze Moose Blood, who energise the crowd with a predominantly upbeat song selection. Bukowski and Knuckles round off their eight songs, offering more than enough evidence of their ability to command a room this big. Their comparably subdued tones carry more than enough melodic hooks to please tonight’s audience.

Neck Deep are clearly adored as they launch into a high-energy set, led by charismatic front man Ben Barlow. Their internationally recognised unapologetic pop-punk remains rough around the edges; just enough to pack a little extra punch. Serpents gives them an opportunity to showcase their more precise melody, but it’s the likes of Gold Steps and set closer Can’t Kick Up The Roots that really get the crowd going. Neck Deep are no strangers to shows of this size, and handle them with absolute ease.

It’s an ease that New Found Glory demonstrate on a daily basis. Celebrating 20 years as a band, they never let up on unashamed fun. From the opening moments of All Downhill From Here to the exuberant My Friends Over You, they prove just how they’ve managed to succeed for all that time. Newer material like Vicious Love (recorded with Paramore’s Hayley Williams) and new track Happy Being Miserable sit comfortably next to the many rock-club staples. For sheer, unadulterated enjoyment, New Found Glory are right up there.

Taking on headline duties, A Day To Remember embody elements of all that has come before. Be it the melody of Moose Blood, the energy of Neck Deep or the fun of New Found Glory, every element is packaged perfectly as they power through their eclectic set. The intensity of 2nd Sucks shakes the arena, with the crowds’ voices achieving the same effect during favourites All I Want and newer track Naivety. By the time Downfall of Us All merges all their styles in one ferocious pop-punk breakdown, it’s clear that A Day To Remember’s forthcoming Main Stage slot at Download Festival is more than well deserved.

A Day To Remember - The Downfall of Us All (Official Video)

A Day To Remember and Moose Blood will appear at Download Festival from 9 – 11 July 2017. Grab tickets now through Ticketmaster.co.uk.