Review: CDC (US) and Frantic State @ LSQ

It was a Friday night and I was attending a two band line up in Leicester at the Leicester Square. It was US band CDC, supported by local band Frantic State; despite being a two-band bill, the gig was well attended, with what looked like the East Midlands Hardcore regulars and newcomers (including myself.) I was excited to see CDC, as it's not every day you get to see a US like that play a small UK City. Hardcore act Frantic State kicked off the night, I was up front and center ready.

I had seen Frantic State before in Birmingham and I was already a fan of their EP “No Stone Unturned” – the element of the catchy vocals, fun-filled riffs and that toughattitude hardcore was something I loved about the EP. This part of the band was replicated live; the set was very fun and the band was extremely tight. “Its great to be back,” said vocalist Will McLaughlan mid-set, very tired after giving it his all. It was clear it was an anticipated wait for Frantic State to play their hometown, from the band and the crowd. There was movement throughout with people singing along to the songs and the band excelled positive, but aggressive energy, throughout their whole set- Frantic State was an excellent way to start the show, bringing EMHC out in full force.

My highlight of the night was the last song they played, “Sink.” The song features Elliot Pittard and Harley Rowley from Full Contact, who stepped up to the plate to do the feature live. Both lads killed it. Everyone was singing along and getting hyped about the feature, getting all up in Will's face. I got the impression from this set is that both crowd and band were all amazing mates, just enjoying a hardcore show- it is moments like this that make me realize how much I love local hardcore shows.

The crowd was successfully warmed up by Frantic State and the EMHC crowd were ready to watch Pennsylvania hardcore act, CDC. The audience members formed a horseshoe crowd around the band and instantly started moving. The band were highly vivacious and this was passed on to the audience members alike. The band projected a positive attitude throughout whilst always encouraging movement- along with giving the women of the crowd a shout for killing it (which they were.) Both boys and girls were moving frantically to the band, showing the EMHC swagger. There was violent movement throughout and mic grabs from the audience members and EMHC certainly showed the Americans how it's done.

As a whole, CDC were excellent. The vocalist projected himself well as a frontman; he was polite and thankful for being there and came across confident. He projected his low, dangerous vocals throughout the whole set and his voice pushed through the venue with pure aggression. The band were insanely tight and polished making it clear that they are the type to go all out on every show. The songs were well structured, throwing in brazen beatdowns and groovy riffs at every given moment with a hefty sounding snare drum in the background of those riffs. Despite only being a 4 piece, the band sounded huge and offered the crowd an exciting Friday night. Good job CDC, good job!

By Sam Hennerley

Check out the full gallery of images from the night here