LIVE REVIEW: Heriot, Grove Street, False Reality, Manchester Rebellion, 13/04/2025
Photo Credit: Andy Davies (9th April – G2, Glasgow)
Rebellion was alive and thrashing as three distinct hardcore acts, False Reality, Grove Street, and Heriot, tore through the final night of their tour, leaving no room for stillness at the heart of Manchester’s underground scene.
Kicking off the night, London-based hardcore band False Reality immediately set the tone with all the urgency of a war siren like intro sound piercing through the venue like a call to battle. “What’s up Manchester?” yelled vocalist Rachel Rigby before launching headfirst into the first song, Chained, which was full of heavy guitar riffs, punchy breakdowns and a pounding drumbeat. With this show marking the final night of the tour, the band provided maximum energy and presence. The crowd was locked in, heads nodding to the weight of a song called Pressure, showcasing thrash-tinged and rhythmic riffs while the bass grinds under layers of shouted refrains. It also included a thrilling guitar solo that was bolstered by vibrant, solid blue and green lightning. Elevating the band’s sharp, commanding sound. Between tracks, the band expressed genuine gratitude to the crowd. “It’s a pleasure to play for you,” Rigby said, and the connection felt real. Closing with Opposites React, erupting the stage with exploding instrumentals and the sheer energy that the band fed back to the crowd. False Reality left the stage with the venue already energetic and the pit just beginning to warm up.
Hailing from Southampton, hardcore band Grove Street hit next with a gritty fusion of hardcore aggression and 80s/90s rap nostalgia. The set opened with the song Regressing Forward, which depicts a 90s-style futuristic intro, prompting an immediate surge of energy from the crowd. As they were preparing for what was about to commence with the song Hunting Season, which brought confrontational energy and shout-along choruses. “Manchester, move this floor!” shouted vocalist Ben Sullivan before the band introduced the next track, Lessons of the Past, bringing tempo changes by balancing groove and speed instrumental soundscapes. Moshing, two-stepping, and freeform movement broke out as red and blue lights flashed across the venue. Tracks like Ultimate Penalty brought relentless aggression, filled with thrash influences and tight, rapid-fire guitar work. A groovy hip-hop interlude slowed the chaos just long enough to catch a breath before they demanded a circle pit for their next song, Ulterior Motives. Showcasing a more layered and technical sound of complex guitar structures. The crowd erupted again, only to be brought back together for the closing track, The Path To Righteousness. A fan favourite from Grove Street that had the room’s energy shifting from wild movement to near-communal chant.
Swindon’s hardcore headliners Heriot closed the night with an explosive and emotionally charged set that captivated from the first note. Having first witnessed their intensity at the No Play Festival last year and with the band already renowned for their visceral live shows. Expectations for Heriot were high, and they did not disappoint. The stage bathed in yellow light; Heriot began with a commanding energy that swallowed the room whole. As if they dragged the audience into the depths of hell itself. From the first guttural scream showcased by vocalist Debbie Gough, with their opening song of the set Sentenced to the Blade. The band felt like something beyond the usual hardcore band. Gough’s command, “Open up this pit, Manchester. Don’t let me down”, came as both a warning and a promise. Setting the tone of defiance and brutality, as the ruthless opener brought a sharp, immediate and punishing soundscape.
Continuing with this theme was Siege Lord, which is menacing in terms of the paired ferocious vocals from bassist Jake Packer and Gough and the rhythmically tight, militaristic breakdowns that are warlike. Demure depicted Gough’s range, from ethereal melodies to bone-rattling screams. Making it both haunting and unnerving for the audience, especially with the lyrics of “You face your judgement”. The smoke and strobe lighting throughout the set made it feel like the crowd was in another realm. Mourn made for a track in the set that showcased a range of slow and fast tempos with mournful guitar tones. These were combined with Gough’s sorrowful vocals, giving it an emotionally charged feel. When Opaline arrived, everything shifted. As it is a song that lives in the duality of all-consuming screams layered with angelic and sensual undertones from the lyrics of “Locked way to serve you. For longer”. Mixed with textured and ambient guitar tones. At The Fortress Gate closed the set with the same devastating grace they’d carried throughout. Heriot didn’t just play; they immersed themselves, demanding every ounce of the crowd’s attention and energy. With the last chance to show the band what they are capable of, it was not just a concert. It was a ritual.
As the final night of the tour came to a close, Manchester proved why it’s a stronghold for hardcore. Raw energy, tight musicianship, and a crowd that gave everything back, this was Rebellion at its finest.
