On February 18, 2025, SPLIT CHAIN headlined their first-ever US tour at TV EYE in New York City.
Opening the evening was Bloodsports, a local band from Brooklyn. Although unfamiliar to me prior to the show, they delivered an impressive performance. As they took the stage, I initially assumed their female bassist was the vocalist. However, upon starting their set, their guitar effects evoked a Nirvana-like sound, leading me to speculate that her vocals might resemble those of Courtney Love's band, HOLE. For those acquainted with the band SUEDE, Bloodsports had a similar vibe as they played 7 tracks to warm up the crowd for SPLIT CHAIN.
Next up was Philadelphia's ASkySoBlack, making a remarkable entrance into the full-length album scene with their debut release, Touch Heaven. Known for their unique blend of nostalgic 90s alternative and the fiery intensity of early 2000s emo, the band features vocalist and guitarist Jordan Shteif, drummer Alec Martin, bassist Norman Staley, and guitarist Liam Coombe. Their 11-track album delves into themes of heartbreak, guilt, and emotional complexity, positioning ASkySoBlack among the upper echelons of contemporary alternative music. Their sound resonates with fans of the Smashing Pumpkins' grandeur, Deftones' atmospheric qualities, and Glassjaw's raw energy.
Finally, it was time for the main act. SPLIT CHAIN wasted no time with long introductions; they launched straight into a powerful set of nine tracks. Hailing from Bristol, this alternative band intricately blends shoegaze, grunge, and nu-metal influences, drawing from a diverse array of genres such as pop-punk, black metal, and emo. From the moment they stepped on stage, the energy was electric, and their sound was enormous. Their lyrics tackle themes of toxic environments, addiction, and burnout, striking a balance between aggression and melody. The audience was captivated, with every head nodding along to their performance. While they executed their vision with precision, there remains potential for growth in their hooks and musical variety.
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