Tonight Alive bring the #STANDFORSOMETHING Tour to an explosive close

All good things must come to an end. With December finally rearing its head and Christmas scarily fast-approaching, the 2014 leg of the Dr. Martens #STANDFORSOMETHING Tour in association with DIY is drawing to a close, but with Australian firecrackers Tonight Alive doing the honours of gracing Newcastle this evening, there’s no risk of this last show being anything but explosive.

First up to take on (the almost, sort-of near Byker Grove) Warehouse 34, Strummerville openers Mister Nothing blast through a set of guitary punk. With blue fairy lights draped around their primary microphone - it is nearly Christmas, after all – they’re a band who evidently have a clear vision and steely determination, it may just take a few more shows for them to perfect their stage presence.

Next up are relative newcomers Moose Blood. Fresh from a lengthy UK tour alongside Mallory Knox and Frank Iero (along with a ten hour journey to get here today), their time on the road is clearly paying off. While their intimate offerings feel personal and inviting, the sometimes gritty songs still resound well in a bigger room. They’ve even brought along a few fans of their own, proving that their schedule is paying off. Tinged with influences from their contemporaries Seahaven and Balance and Composure, they’re an inviting act - boasting both intriguing and relatable lyrics it’s clear why they’ve already garnered such a dedicated fanbase - that are undoubtedly set for much bigger things.

Tonight’s headliners however, are a completely different beast. Bursting into life amongst a flurry of intro music and dramatic lights, Australian five-piece Tonight Alive are all go. Darting around as though she’s the human version of the Speed bus, frontwoman Jenna McDougall boasts an endless supply of energy and flair, along with her head of shaggy sea-green hair. Dancing one second, clapping the next, there’s no slowing down: she’s constantly rallying her fans, dipping and diving towards them before launching herself off the stage, and all with the finest control and style.

Blitzing through a twelve-song set of high octane anthems, the crowd’s voices are raised and there’s a spark of electricity in the air. Even the band’s more mid-paced offerings have McDougall waltzing across the stage, her vocals gleaming brightly against the intricate guitar lines. When it comes to putting on a show there’s no stopping this band, and as McDougall’s call-and-reply chants for ‘What Are You So Scared Of?’ get louder with each line, it’s a safe bet that everyone’s going to walk away from tonight’s show tingling.

For all our coverage of this year’s Dr. Martens #STANDFORSOMETHING Tour in association with DIY, head here.

Tags: News, Tonight Alive