Hundred Reasons

UEA LCR, Norwich

The LCR last night became hardcore heaven as the pumped-up crowd was treated to three bands that set out to get the dance floor heaving – and largely succeeded.

The impressive Biffy Clyro, whose Cousin It-haired guitarist and singing drummer helped their lead singer produce some intelligent – and at times funky – rock, followed uncompromising openers Senses Fail, who showed no mercy on either the crowd or their instruments as they gave new meaning to the word 'hardcore'.

Hundred Reasons were the band that everyone had come to see, though, and from the moment they entered the stage the crowd came alive.

Their poppier take on emotional hardcore ensured the emphasis was firmly on fun and in no danger of descending into introspective gloom.

The opening three songs set the tone – singles If I Could and I'll Find You displayed both real emotion and catchy, driving bass lines, and new song Harmony implored the crowd to “sing this with me now” – a request duly granted.

Hirsute lead singer Colin Doran's pure yet emotion-wrought voice proceeded to drive a set that never let up, accompanied by the rougher tones of guitarists Hibbit and Townsend, and some stirring choruses that were echoed by the crowd.

Songs from new album Shatterproof Is Not A Challenge displayed a more mature edge to their sound and, despite a lack of variety in their material, Hundred Reasons impressed throughout.