Heading a four-band line-up, Cane Hill proved they are well and truly back with a vengeance. We were at Saltbox for their high-energy set...
Hearing that a band is arriving in Nottingham to play their first UK headline show shortly after releasing a new album, it would be easy to assume that Cane Hill are a brand new band breaking into the scene, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Having formed in 2011, Cane Hill have already amassed a strong, international following and are no strangers to huge shows having supported names such as Bullet For My Valentine, Insane Clown Posse and Atreyu.
The band's impressive CV clearly wasn’t lost on the fans in attendance. Shivering in the queue outside the venue, as the Saltbox staff shepherded out the final few UB40 fans who were spending the evening next door, I overheard an excitable fan declaring “they’re big enough to be playing Rock City or the Rescue Rooms!”. Perhaps the evening's entertainment would prove to be the perfect audition for such a show?
Opening the show were Derby-based electronic hardcore fusion band, Infirm of Purpose. The set was absolutely breathless, less of a series of individual songs as a continuous, seamless, interconnected musical performance. It is a thrilling era within the rock and metal scene, diversification is running rampant and whilst there will always be purists who insist that we have strayed too far from the true metal path, I am firmly a believer that all art should be allowed to evolve with the time and grow into new, equally valid creations.
With this said, it was an absolute joy to experience the show put on by this four-piece, challenging the norms of the metal scene with such confidence which was exemplified by the lead vocalist as he bravely asked the crowd “Does anyone like drum and bass?”, which I’m pleased to say was received favourably by the crowd before launching into a lively electronic mash-up. This isn’t the last we will see of this band locally in 2024, having announced a festive show just down the road in Derby on 20th December. It might just be the Christmas spirit, but I can’t help but feel compelled to grab myself a ticket.
Next up, Nottingham’s own Those Once Loyal, and with their arrival a completely different flavour of the metal genre. The band sports a sound that one could categorise as Metalcore which is unsurprising considering the influences they list such as Killswitch Engage and The Ghost Inside. The energy from the set is fierce, a primal and arguably more traditional metal sound made for an instant connection with the crowd, inciting mosh pits and headbanging galore. Since forming in 2019 the band have been going from strength to strength playing huge venues such as Rock City and even making an appearance at Bloodstock festival. If this appearance is anything to go by I am certain they will continue in their stride and have an extremely prosperous 2025.
If it seemed like Cane Hill had covered plenty of air miles to join us this evening, the next band will have you feeling jet lagged just at the thought. The Gloom In The Corner have joined this tour all the way from Melbourne Australia, “a 27 hour flight” the lead vocalist informed. A raucous presentation of dramatic, high-octane metalcore was well received by an already warmed, energetic audience - many of whom were clearly familiar with the band, cheering upon the revelation on the final song tThe Jericho Protocol, a fine example of the band's style, improved by the energy of the band mirrored in the audience.
Had I been told that The Gloom In The Corner were co-headlining this tour it would have been easy to believe and I'm sure that they’ll be picking up plenty of fans across the country with their compelling sound and vibrant live performance.
Finally we had our headline act Cane Hill who are far from new to the scene but seldom found in the British Isles. Last seen just down the road at Download festival in 2019, and last touring in 2018, it may feel like they have somewhat been in hibernation since the release of their 2018 album Too Far Gone, but listening to their live performance it is clear to see that there has been a evolution in their style between the earlier albums and new release, a piece of me i never let you find.
The new album seems poignantly named as it feels as though we are hearing a piece of their sound that they previously never let us find. While he previous albums were no doubt solid works of unique art, you could vividly hear the sonic influences throughout each song whereas with their new album I truly feel like I am hearing Cane Hill’s own personal sound, something which sets them apart with their own identity.
Their set was a roaring success, energy remained high and the band were entertaining both musically and through fan interaction in between songs, interaction which was gladly returned by supporters who were no strangers to the band and no doubt feeling extremely lucky to have the opportunity to see such an exciting and experienced outfit in a surprisingly intimate environment.
I have absolutely no doubts that Cane Hill will return to the UK, hopefully without another five-year wait, and I am sure their small army of heavily invested fans will be there waiting to offer their energy and excitement, whether it be the back of a small bar or in the Motorpoint Arena.
Cane Hill performed at Saltbox on 21st November 2024, with support from Infirm of Purpose, Those Once Loyal, and The Gloom in the Corner.
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