Hold On – Caught in the Crossfire

Don Broco
Esquires, Bedford
15th December 2012

One of the most spoken about new bands of 2012 decided to return to their hometown roots and perform a monster of a show in a tiny 400 capacity venue that very few had ever heard of, although it has hosted shows for bands as big as Coldplay and Supergrass.

The four piece pop-rock band with their hook-heavy and energetic songs wasted no time and got the show into full swing. The distinguishable routine ‘The Walk’ makes an appearance within seconds as the band open with the song ‘Priorities’. Somehow the band reminds you of a teen boy band as they perform their rehearsed dance moves. Band members and the rowdy crowd are not holding back tonight.

With a mixture of old material and songs off of their debut album ‘Priorities’, their performance is full of energy and the band work together fantastically; their timing is outstanding. Crowd favourite ‘Whole Truth’ involves the audience getting onto each other’s shoulders; lead singer Rob Damiani encourages people as people are flying high above the crowd as strangers become friends within the audience. All the band are interested in is making this show as fun as possible for everyone.

The smile on lead singer Rob Damiani’s face showed his amazement to the crowd’s reaction as the crowd screamed at the top of their voices right back at him. The sweat drenched crowd “really take the biscuit” as some audience members decide to join the band on stage with a bit of cheeky crowd surfing, it’s all fun and games here.

Although the show was disappointingly short, with the band only performing for one hour and five minutes, the show was truly one to remember. From a teenage dream to reality, it is clearly obvious that Don Broco still haven’t showed us everything they’ve got. Expect much more from them in 2013.

Don Broco are touring in 2013, see dates below

February
18 Arts Centre, Norwich
19 O2 Academy 3, Birmingham
20 Joiners, Southampton
21 Underworld, London
22 The Haunt, Brighton
23 White Rabbit, Plymouth
24 Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
26 The Cockpit, Leeds
27 Corporation, Sheffield
28 O2 Academy 2, Newcastle

March
01 Cathouse, Glasgow
02 Academy 3, Manchester
30 O2 Academy, Liverpool

April
13 53 Degrees, Preston
14 Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton
16 Concorde 2, Brighton
17 Academy 2, Oxford
18 KOKO, London
20 Hit The Deck Festival, Bristol
21 Hit The Deck Festival, Nottingham

Photo: Emma Wallace – taken at Red Bull Bedroom Jam Finals

Don Broco
Electric Ballroom, London
11th October 2012

‘This has been the one date on the tour we’ve been most looking forward to,’ frontman Rob Damiani cheekily tells the sold out venue. Anyone would think this was their show and everyone was here to see them. But in actual fact they’re just on a support slot to their good friends Lower Than Atlantis.

Not even half way through opening song ‘Priorities’ and Rob takes the lead to begin their distinguishable routine of ‘The Walk’, which see’s three of the members walk in unison on the spot. There’s something convivial about their practiced dance routines. And before you know it the majority of the 1100 people here tonight seem to be in a festival mood, singing back every lyric on their pals’ shoulders. It’s a scene to remember.

Future single ‘Hold On’ is well received and if the boys ever had doubts previously, tonight they have certainly got their foot in the door and one day managing pop-punk-world-domination wouldn’t shock us.

Of course though, it wouldn’t be a Don Broco performance without ‘Thug Workout’. Almost four years since its release the much heavier track calls the shots, enticing fans to get to the centre of the floor and simply, work out.

One thing Don Broco definitely are not short is being strangely entertaining. Playing ‘Whole Truth’ off their recently released first full length album, the performance is built around an abundance of sheer fun and a solid good hook which everyone takes a massive liking too. They excel at delivering an unpredictable energy that nobody would expect from a pop rock band, truly deserving a pat on the back.

Red faced, sweaty palms and a dose of adrenaline does not make the four-piece relinquish just yet as they go out with a bang with ‘Actors’. Sure, sometimes they may behave and look like a boy band but they’re making a name for themselves the right way with their fans ranging from young teens to those experiencing adult life; Don Broco have the ability to engage with every single one of the audience.

Expect to see much, much more of Don Broco.

Words: Jenny Chu