Following the successful release of their debut album, Catch Fire returned home to headline the newly-labelled Beta in the iconic Rock City.
Sheffield natives Midnight Son opened the show and, despite having only three songs released, sounded more polished than most openers. Frontman Thomas Hoyland was dancing around in the crowd as he sang across the shimmery emo tunes which gained some interaction - no mean feat for a lesser-known artist.
Next came Layover, who were playing their first ever set since the departure of frontman Luke Rainsford last week. Where most bands would crumble, the addition of Dru Lintott of Safest Spaces and Craterface fame meant they have fallen on their feet with a very strong new vocalist. Breaking through a blend of songs old and new, the future looks very bright for the new lineup - with Kei of Coast To Coast commenting they sounded the best they ever have.
Next up were UK pop punk favourites Coast To Coast, fresh from the release of their new EP The World Doesn't Work back in October. Known for their punchy riffs and frontman Keiran Hyland's unique vocals, the band broke through songs from the new record and 2017's The Length of a Smile with ease and huge energy.
Despite the band being disappointed with a couple of niggling issues within the set, Coast To Coast are most definitely one of the small bands to see ASAP before they blow right up.
Last up came the local favourites Catch Fire on their return for their Karma Owes Me a Lifetime of Happiness album release show after a performance with Luke Rainsford in Birmingham and a London headliner earlier in the week.
Notorious within the pop punk community as being technically excellent with catchy tunes, it was clear from the off they were not messing around tonight. The setlist spanned both 2016's A Love That I Still Miss and their debut album, but also featured an unplanned performance of Introspective Pt II by Miles Kent - much to the adoration of the crowd. The fantastic musicianship of all five members alongside their welcoming, infectious enthusiasm will most definitely send them shooting up bills in the very near future.
PS: The show was filmed so keep your eyes peeled, it was certainly one to remember.
