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Beach Slang, Think Tank, Newcastle

As we take cover from the freezing rain into the relative warmth of Think Tank, we’re greeted by Pennsylvania’s Petal. Who without her band may have easily been lost on the stage, her usual grunge tracks toned down to a singular guitar. She serenades this attentive crowd, with her heartfelt songs ringing out whilst being shrouded in fuzzy guitar.

There’s even a brilliant Prince cover in case we needed any further reasons to be completely enamoured by Petal. Yet this is all rather subdued when compared with what follows. Beach Slang erupt on to the stage in ferocious form, with lead singer James Alex winning over the crowd instantaneously. Although it doesn’t take much, this boisterous crowd are clearly in the mood tonight.

With Beach Slang feeding off this energy, tearing through the early part of their set with unbridled passion. James backing off from the microphone throughout the night yet the noise level doesn’t drop as this enthusiastic crowd scream back the words at the tops of their lungs. Beach Slang’s angst filled words packed with harsh riffs it has the entire crowd in awe, their set flies by in the blink of an eye.

It’s not without some incredible highlights, ‘Bad Art and Weirdo Ideas’ goes down a storm, this anthemic punk anthem everyone besotted by Beach Slang. Yet it falls to ‘Punk or Lust’ to truly bring down the house tonight, this foot stomping hook laden masterpiece has everybody screaming along in unison. This boisterous Saturday night crowd are in full voice, yet James’ control over them is effortless.

Despite blasting through the songs they had scribbled on a bit of paper, they power on taking crowd requests and for those hardened fans yelling Replacements covers. They’re rewarded with not one but two almighty singalongs, ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ is first up and regardless of how awesome this is, it is eclipsed by an rabble rousing rendition of ‘Bastards of Young’ complete with mini stage invasion. Despite a sore throat, James Alex’s voice holds out brilliantly.

He joins the crowd to hug those who’ve sung along to every track with all of their hearts, holding them in a tight embrace, as they close out the night. As James cites his earlier feelings that this would be a good show, and it turned out to be a great show. Packed with energy, enthusiasm, angst, and powerful riffs but all was eclipsed by the love in the room for the band.

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