Live Review : Pupil Slicer + Coilguns + God Alone @ The White Hotel, Manchester on April 19th 2024

Pupil Slicer have long been championed by Rockflesh, from the very seeds of their chaotic genius to the full bloom of their current status as underground darlings of every hardcore and alternative genre going. It’s fitting then that for their first headline UK tour they’re playing second album ‘Blossom’ in full. They’ve picked some unusual venues for this tour, and Manchester’s date sees us making our first ever trip to Salford’s art organisation The White Hotel.  It’s neither a hotel, nor that white, and is in fact a repurposed industrial warehouse housing bohemian acts and events.

Kicking off the night are first support band God Alone, hailing from across the water in Cork. They set the stage alight with their unique blend of math-rock and dance punk, immediately captivating the audience with a sound reminiscent of 90’s dance-infused punk-rock intertwined with hardcore elements. While they share some atmospheric qualities with bands like Loathe, it's their infectious blend of dancefloor vibes and indie rock sensibilities that evoke memories of bands like Friendly Fires the most. 

Their guitars effortlessly transition from dreamy, atmospheric delicacy to the raw, energetic drive of post-grunge metal, showcasing a dynamic range that draws the crowd in. Backed by a solid foundation of drums and bass, God Alone deliver an engaging and gritty sonic experience. Fans of Greg Puciato's solo work will find elements to appreciate in God Alone's sound, while those who reminisce about the 90’s club scene, perhaps dancing to Paul Oakenfold tracks, will undoubtedly feel a wave of nostalgia wash over them if you catch these cheeky folks.

Main support this evening are Coilguns, and they waste no time diving headfirst into their visceral blend of Swiss hardcore punk metal. Consisting of previous members of The Ocean, from the get-go, they strike a captivating balance between ferocious aggression and relentless groove. Their frontman, Louis Jucker, prowls the stage with spasmodic intensity, punctuating each vein-popping song with drops to the floor and interaction with, and in, the crowd. Every aspect of their performance exudes the DIY punk ethos, as they attack each chord, beat, and vocal with a fiercely kinetic musicality. 

Echoes of early Cancer Bats reverberate throughout much of Coilguns' set, intermingled with elements of Will Haven's intensity and Fugazi's high-octane energy. Their guitar work oscillates from jagged chaos to dirty, groove-laden riffs in the blink of an eye, while the bass drives forward with relentless force, complemented by the thunderous precision of the drums. Jucker’s vocals never miss the mark, and there are moments of harmony that sync seamlessly with layered vocals across the band. He continues to command the stage with dynamic hardcore vocals and captivating stage presence, delivering a performance that is as brutal as it is enthralling. Coilguns deliver a phenomenal performance that leaves a lasting impression. Wherever they play next, we'll be there, eagerly awaiting more hardcore fun.

This is headliner Pupil Slicer's inaugural headline UK tour, and the excitement for them playing second album ‘Blossom’ fills the chilly room. As the opening track unfolds, it grants the audience a brief moment to brace themselves before plunging headlong into the band's captivating fusion of mathcore and death-grind. Both sonically and visually, their performance is a whirlwind of enthralling and provocative artistry, a feast for the senses that deviates refreshingly from the norm. Channelling an even more extreme iteration of Rolo Tomassi's ferocity, they exude a raw, unhinged energy that defies convention. The variety of tracks on ‘Blossom’ exemplifies the band’s eclectic range, seamlessly transitioning from frenetic guitar riffs reminiscent of The Locust to Wes Borland-inspired clean passages. It's a symphony of avant-garde hardcore, math-grind, and punk, seamlessly interwoven into a coherent and mesmerizing whole—a testament to their prowess as musicians. 

Kate Davies, with their vocals reminiscent of a black metal version of Hanin Elias from Atari Teenage Riot, embodies the essence of Pupil Slicer's sound, oscillating between controlled precision and unrestrained fervour. Throughout the set, they navigate through a cacophony of screeching guitars, funky basslines, and pulsating drums, delivering a performance that evokes the surreal intensity of a Mudvayne fever dream—a mesmerizing amalgamation of auditory and visual stimuli. Once more, they command the stage with unwavering intensity, seamlessly blending mathcore and death-grind into a captivating sonic tapestry. A special guest vocal from Brady Deeprose of Conjurer (who we bumped into earlier is a real treat, and the pit only gets even livelier because of it. When I’ve seen them before I usually notice some in the crowd initially struggling to grasp their avant-garde approach, but tonight it’s packed with fans of their unbridled creativity and musical virtuosity. It’s surely only a matter of time before they’re headlining much bigger venues, taking the brutality and intensity to another level.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Pupil Slicer, Coilguns, God Alone