Architects at Chalk, Brighton – 24/10/22

 

    Prior to first seeing Architects at the Brighton Dome last October, they weren’t a band on my radar; I liked metalcore, but never felt I could truly relate to its sound. So, when my dad - a big fan of theirs - told me he had gotten us tickets to see them, I didn’t know what to expect. 

We arrived at venue, found our seats in the rear circle, and immediately felt a buzz in the air. Fans were riled up down below in the standing area, already moving to the pre-show playlist and its ever-so-subtle increase in volume. When the music reached a pinnacle and the band took the stage, I knew it was going to be an unforgettable show.

    Admittedly, I didn’t know a single song on their setlist. I’m one of those gig-goers who likes to scream every single word with no shame, so I worried that not knowing the songs would thwart my enjoyment. However, Architects proved me completely wrong. I felt entirely immersed from start to end, to the point where I couldn’t stop moving. One thing that inspired me most from that first Architects gig was their ability to convey an immense amount of emotion and passion through their instrumentals, set apart from the lyrical content. Not knowing their songs highlighted this. When the gig was over, there was no doubt in my mind that I would see them again.

    Almost a year on, I had become a fully-fledged fan of the group and was itching for them to come back to Brighton. They finally announced a solo headline show at Chalk, celebrating the release of their new album, to which I immediately snapped up a ticket. The day came, and I struggled to contain my excitement; this time I’d be seeing them at a smaller, more intimate venue where I could sing every word, the way I love to, because I knew their songs. I related to their songs. 

    Upon entry, there it was again – the buzz I felt from fans at the Dome. A mix of anticipation, curiosity, exhilaration. However, this time, the buzz was coming from me as well. Another admirable quality of the band is the community they encourage within their fan base. It’s all love and it’s all respect – even if we do inadvertently beat each other up in the mosh pit. 

    They opened with “deep fake” a track from their brand-new album – “the classic symptoms of a broken spirit” – only released a week before their tour. I thought they were good when I didn’t know their songs, but boy were they incredible this time around. The moment I heard that juttery synth intro broken by the power-house combo of down-tuned chugging guitar and unrelenting drum hits, I was energised. Within the first minute I was reminded of why I fell in love with this band. Not only do they put a solely unique spin on metalcore, but they consistently push boundaries in ways you can’t always put your finger on. The intrigue is attractive, and makes you want to hear more. And Sam Carter’s unparalleled hoarse growl cuts deep - tapping into emotions that most fear to confront. You have no choice but to confront your own. This was evident within the crowd, where fans were surrendering their entire bodies to the music; some were even tearful. 

    On top of their impressive instrumental and vocal abilities, each member puts on an engaging visual performance which deserves an honourable mention. It feels like they absorb every particle of energy that the crowd is giving and give it right back. They are equally as engaging to watch as they are to hear, and come across as a bonded unit who can’t get enough of what they do. 

    The band played a satisfactory mix of new and old material, which was extremely well received by the audience. At some gigs, you can tell when the band is doing new songs because the crowd doesn’t know them; they won’t dance as much, or maybe they don’t know the words. Oftentimes, new material kills the vibe. But one thing about Architects fans is that they are committed and, if I still wasn’t a fan myself, I wouldn’t be able to tell what was new and what was old. All of this is a testament to the band’s consistency in releasing remarkable music. 

    It's safe to say that Architects are now on my radar and will continue to be for a very long time. In November they begin touring in support of Biffy Clyro, another favourite of mine, which will no doubt be mega. Architects’ new album “the classic symptoms of a broken spirit” is available to stream and purchase on all platforms. I could not recommend them with any more sincerity.