After hearing Agnostic Front’s latest offering (“My Life My Way”), you could forgive the average New York Hardcore fan for being a little sceptical in anticipation of last night’s show at Manchester’s Moho Live specifically with reference as to how the band would execute the lethal and brutal kind of set that has defined their very existence since 83’s "United Blood". If any such apprehension was present however, it failed to articulate itself amongst the shaven headed, Dr. Martens wearing fans gathered in this sweaty underground venue. Rather, any seed of scepticism was crushed under the slam- dancing heels of Hardcore fans before being allowed to grow. Instead, a mood of enthusiasm and uninhibited camaraderie is expressed, as the front line of fans soon become acquainted not only with one another but with lead vocalist Roger Miret as he makes his entrance from the side of the club, through his loyal fans and onto the stage. The message is clear: We are one.
Agnostic Front begin their set with a brave choice- “City Streets” taken from “My Life My Way” which has received mixed reviews (even being cited as a “mid- life crisis” of an album by one reviewer) and is sure to pale in comparison to it’s to mighty predecessors “Another Voice” (which defined their modern sound) and “Warriors” (which pushed the boundaries of this new sound in my opinion as far as it could go, hence why the latest album feels a little tired and redundant)- but the experimental opener- which even utilises vocal effects- immediately provokes the kind of crowd reaction that is the bench mark of a true Hardcore gig as the stage diving, sing-a-longs and moshing commence. The true highlights though, are when Agnostic Front rinse through their finest material: Songs such as “Peace”, “Crucified” and “Gotta Go” demand the crowd’s full participation as fans scream lyrics alongside Roger Miret only to jump back into the crowd seconds later. Even the band’s security seem a little apprehensive- and after the show I overhear the chief of Agnostic Front’s security telling a fan that he was seconds away from being kicked out! Miret, Stigma and co. seem to welcome the mayhem, however, recognising that this is what makes a show tangible and real. It feels more like a conversation than a concert as Roger and Vinnie regularly interact with individuals, shaking hands, laughing and joking. This is communication at its very best- surely the essence of punk rock.
Agnostic Front remind us of what they’re about by denying us an encore. None of that awful “cheers guys- you’ve been the best crowd ever- goodnight Manchester UK!” bullshit only to re- emerge five minutes later to play that song we’ve all been waiting for. No. It’s all been torn apart already- there are no more songs to thrash out- no more points to labour- and indulgence doesn’t sit well this audience so it’s just as well. The crowd got just what they wanted; no frills, no bullshit, no fringes- just pure fucking Hardcore.
Words by Seb Murphy- Bates. Photography by Gemma Luz
Words by Seb Murphy- Bates. Photography by Gemma Luz
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