Kicking off with punchy Red Flag Verified before fan favourite Was That Kiss Meant For Me?, the anthemic energy introduced by support acts Shadows of a Silhouette and M60 carry on as The Publics take to the stage.
Die-hard fans of the band instantly recognise the gritty riff of Art of War as it floods the dance floor and soon their arms are swaying before the high-energy chorus builds up and creates yet another mosh pit. Young Hearts, a rarer song, features on the set list; it's a more upbeat and poppy vibe - perhaps not a favourite, but it still has the crowd singing.
Despite some technical difficulties and guitar feedback, the energy of both the crowd and band remain high, a testament to not only their talent as musicians but also as showmen.
As well as some older hits, the band treat us all to three yet-to-be named new tracks. The upbeat energy that defines all three songs has the crowd bouncing. These live exclusives showcase the range of talent in the band from Josh Porter’s vocals, Ollie Siggee on drums and Taylor Gadsby on guitar. Perhaps this is just a taste of what the band has in store for when 2025 arrives.
The title track of The Publics' debut EP I Know the World Stopped, But Why Did You? sees half the crowd ascend onto the shoulders of friends, swaying to the propulsive rhythm, phone torches alight and held high. This slower, more subdued atmosphere continues in Murphny’s Law, an emotional track from the quintet with poetic lyrics, picked up by the high-powered chorus which sees a few people bouncing.
The night will be remembered for arguably the largest mosh pits I have seen in a live music venue; those opened up during D.B. Cooper, Gaslighter and festival favourite Karen’s Song, the latter of which also sees bass player Tom Scott crowd-surfing, the crowd belting, and confetti spiralling from the sky in an explosion almost as powerful as the energy in the room.
Aside from people on shoulders, mosh pits and the high energy, what stands out most is the closing comment from lead guitarist Elliot Stephenson: “I hope all of you leave tonight a little happier than when you came”.
That's the energy we can all take into the New Year and onwards.
The Publics performed at Rescue Rooms on 21st December 2024.
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