Live Review : Don Broco + Trash Boat + Ocean Grove @ O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester on December 13th 2023

All the bands tonight share something in common – they are very difficult to pigeonhole. No doubt it is that eclectic nature that has led to them being found on the same bill. Headliners Don Broco have embraced that sometimes poisoned chalice of being unashamedly unique and genre non-specific, in turn they’ve risen to heights that we could only dream of when first seeing them debut their video for ‘Hold On’ on ScuzzTV over ten years ago.

First up though we have Ocean Grove, another Australian sensation, who take to the stage and unleash their own musical rollercoaster that seamlessly blends influences from Thornhill, Does It Offend You Yeah, and Grand Theft Audio. Their set is a dynamic mix of catchy, dancey tunes with sweet clean vocals, and sing-along gang anthems - a concoction that conjures the spirit of late 90s electro-rock metal, transporting this reviewer back to his uni days. The general vibe is reminiscent of Boston Manor, showcasing a versatile range, swinging from upbeat and happy moments to crunchingly heavy guitar sections, capturing the crowd's attention and maintaining an energetic atmosphere throughout.

In a surprising turn during the set, Ocean Grove adds a theatrical twist as the bass player hands his bass to the singer, taking centre stage with the mic. This unexpected manoeuvre, coupled with his move to the front barrier to warm up the crowd, clearly endears him to the punters. While there may be a lingering question about the extent of live instrumentation arises, especially concerning a lot of vocals possibly being backing track, the band's tight musicianship and overall showmanship overshadow any reservations. It’s an electrifying in fairness, and their unique Aussie spirit, complemented by a touch of eccentricity like the mention of a crazy mullet, leaves an indelible mark, concluding with the perfect chaos of all the ladies going crazy at the end.

Main support Trash Boat provide yet another musical genre rollercoaster, seamlessly blending elements of punk, pop, and heavier genres. At their best Trash Boat evoke memories of A Wilhelm Scream, delivering a refreshing fusion of poppy melodies and punk aggression. The Saint Albans outfit clearly channel influences from The Ataris, Boston Manor, and Young Guns, infusing a distinct British feel into their music you see with the vibe of Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes adding an extra layer of intensity. Their live set also introduces a heavier dynamic compared to their recorded tracks, leaning towards a Beartooth-like punch on tracks such as ‘Liar Liar’, and particularly during moments of harsh vocals. The grungy guitar riffs, sporadically scattered throughout the performance, add an element of unpredictability which creates an atmosphere that keeps the crowd on their toes.

While the harsh vocals shine brightly, the clean vocals prove to be a point of struggle. The inconsistency in the delivery of clean vocals creates a mixed bag of emotions from me during the set. However, the sheer energy and intensity of the harsh vocals manage to overshadow these occasional shortcomings. It’s worth mentioning the driving bass that contributes to the band's unique sound, providing a solid backbone to the eclectic mix of genres they explore. Despite the occasional hiccups and the hit-and-miss nature of their choice of genre for some tracks, Trash Boat's eclectic approach to their music adds an element of unpredictability to their sound and live set. If you're looking to get aboard a musical rollercoaster navigating through poppy punk melodies, heavier breakdowns, and grungy guitar riffs, then they’re a band worth experiencing live.

Don Broco take the stage, immediately transporting the audience into a jungle scene and setting the tone for a wild and energetic night. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, enhanced by the unique stage setup, and it feels like an explosion of joy as they kick-off with ‘Gumshield’ (see our crowd shots for elation, link at the bottom). People often find it hard to understand the heavy-rock-pop-80’s vibe of Don Broco on record, but live they are a very different beast with guitars much more to the fore, and a heavier feel and tone to the whole show which actually allows the whole band to breathe. The crowd, a mix of fans but predominantly alt-metal and rock enthusiasts, absorbs the energy radiating from the stage. They are truly a band crossing genres, and much like Skindred they are simply a great rock band to party to – especially by mixing old and new songs. The stage is adorned with an array of varying height light sticks, creating a visually dynamic experience. The band's presence is nothing short of dominating; they effortlessly own the expansive stage, making it evident that they are a band destined one day for stadium tours.

Don Broco seem to have fully realised their full potential tonight – unleashing their visual and musical superpowers individually and holistically. The minimalistic yet refined guitar work and stage presence of Simon Delaney is sublime with a guitar tone that tonight seems even heavier than normal, a seemingly filthy-djenty tone which adds a further raw and powerful edge to their music. The bass from Tom Doyle provides a solid and funky foundation for the entire performance, while Matt Donnelly provides dynamic drumming alongside perfect lead/backing vocals. Frontman Rob Damiani sports an impressive mullet and neck brace, the latter needed due to having jolted his neck out headbanging earlier in the tour. Despite the injury he continues to exude charisma and infectious energy, oozing stage craft and a uniquely warm and awesome voice, proving to be the only person who can lay claim to his unique performance style and vocal talent.

They all own the stage in their own way and draw you into watching them in their individual own right as well as together as a band. I’ll go so far as to draw comparisons to the iconic Duran Duran, which rightly suggests that Don Broco are a band that defines at the very least a niche in this current era. Their ability to connect with the audience and deliver a performance that transcends expectations solidifies their status as a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary music scene. A Don Broco gig isn’t just a concert, it’s an experience - testament to their evolution and the realization of their musical growth, and they’re still on that journey, so who knows how far they can go.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Don Broco, Trash Boat, Ocean Grove