Kings & Queens Tour 2018 at Wally’s Pub – 5/8/18
▣Wally’s | Hampton, NH ▣Tuesday, May 8th 2018
Let me start this review with the shameless plug for the club it took place at. Wally’s pub is on my list of must stop venues when I’m in Hampton Beach. Clean, open concept bar, beautiful and attentive bar staff, and the best damn fried pickles I’ve ever had. Also, the club surprisingly has one of the best mid-size stages in the immediate area. Light and audio set up is great and the event staff has always been cordial (Let’s be honest, we’ve all been to a show where the bouncers were dicks.) Basically, next time you’re on the Hampton strip, stop in and check it out.
Canadian 4-piece Sumo Cyco blasted open the show. Energy and diversity are the first two things that come to mind reminiscing about their performance. Not a single instrument stood out over another but together, they self-describe their sound as Dancehall, fyyah! Punk, hey ho! Rock. I immediately got a Hed-PE vibe but the more I listened, the more I felt Skindred and rightly so, they’ve featured Benji Webbe on a track. Reggae rock for days and it worked. The crowd loved it. I loved it. They really sold it. They appear to be completely self-produced which has resulted in 2 albums, 16 singles, and 17 official music videos. Definitely, check these guys out.
Butcher Babies graced the stage next. Described as “The hottest band in the world” by journalist Keith Valcourt, they are comprised of dual frontwomen Carla Harvey and Heidi Shepherd, guitarist Henry Flury, bassist Jason Klein, and drummer Chase Brickenden. The frontwomen are full of energy and have a great presence but besides the occasional pop up by Henry, the rest of the band really gets side staged. I would have loved to see more of the other members but the crowd loved it regardless and the show sounded great. I caught them once before at the first ever Chicago Open Air and they worked the crowd here as well as they did for the thousands in that parking lot 2 summers ago which is the mark of a true performer. Each show is as important the last and the next. Don’t miss your chance to get in front of these badass ladies.
Nonpoint entered to a simple backlit stage. First thing I noticed was the drum kit set up facing sideways. Second thing I noticed was the same amount of dreads as Korn. Third was the hard-hitting opening song “Bullet with a name” to which the crowd responded violently to. NU Metal is still alive folks and it brings me so much joy to see these venues packed for bands like this. Arguably some of the best metal to exist, bands like Nonpoint are keeping NU metal relevant. Their sound was tight and singer Elias worked the crowd like a pro. These guys have more than a handful of dates left on this run so be sure to get to your local venue.
In closing, get to Wally’s ASAP, Check out Sumo Cyco at your earliest convenience (literally stop what you’re doing and download some tunes), Throw some love to Butcher Babies (Very deserving), and help keep NU metal going by getting your ass out to see Nonpoint on this tour.
Peace and blessings.
Review & Photos: Anthony Coy
Check out the band’s websites for more info!
Sumo Cyco
Nonpoint
Butcher Babies
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