New Years Day have been around for quite some time—twenty years this year, to be exact. But if you weren’t aware of this and were seeing them live for the first time, you’d be forgiven for mistaking them for a fresh-faced band on the early rise to stardom. In reality, the band gained momentum via Myspace in their early days and have since shown very little sign of slowing down in the two decades that have followed.
A true testament to their well-earned longevity in the music scene was the packed room at the iconic Thekla, leaving very little space to move on a befittingly dark and stormy Monday night in January. Dedicated fans were not deterred by the weather—many donning similar glam-goth aesthetics to the band—determined to see them live after a five-year absence from the UK.
The lights finally dimmed as the band took the stage, and vocalist Ash Costello called out, “Bristol, are you ready to get weird?” The brutal, chugging first notes of ‘Vampyre’ rang out, launching the crowd into a high-energy set that seamlessly blended tracks from their latest album, ‘Half Black Heart’ (2024), with fan favourites spanning their extensive career.
The palpable chemistry between band members was evident from the off, and Costello, ever the commanding and charismatic frontwoman, engaged the audience with ease and inclusion, her signature black and red hair catching the lights as she used the limited space on the stage to her full advantage and on one occasion entered the crowd area. This energy never wavered as the night went on with the meticulously crafted set keeping the momentum, offering moments of emotional depth and some surprises, like their cover of Kehlani’s ‘Gangsta’, which was originally featured on one of the Punk Goes Pop complications, showcasing their talents as musical chameleons by putting a dark spin on the R&B track.
As the night drew closer to its end, the band delivered a powerful selection of tracks from their 2015 album ‘Malevolence’, showcasing their ability musically to be darker, edgier and more aggressive. After a brief departure from the stage, the crowd chanted demanding one more song, unwilling to let the night end just yet. Answering their calls, the quintet returned for a final performance of the fan-favourite ‘Kill or Be Killed’, which provided a fittingly explosive finale.
Their performance at Thekla was a testament to why New Years Day continue to captivate audiences globally as years go by. From start to finish, their high-octane energy and polished performance left no doubt about their enduring electric appeal, drawing the crowd in on a wintery night and holding them there until the very last note had come to a close.
Words: Phoebe Messenger Images: James Crisp
Role: Reviewer
Outside of my day job, I’m a regular gig-goer and have always enjoyed writing articles to fuel the passion even further, whether that be through reviews for live shows or for full albums.
Available for: Gig reviews, album/single reviews and artist interviews.
First attended gig: The first show I bought a ticket to myself was 30 Seconds To Mars supported by Enter Shikari at the Brighton Centre.
First gig reviewed: The first gig I reviewed was a showcase of underground DIY rock acts dubbed ‘Deprestlemania’ at The Victoria in Dalston.
Dream gig: Alice in Chains (Layne era) or Pearl Jam in the 90s
I am a self taught Photographer and an aspiring reviewer.
I have been in and out of bands for the past 15 years and some, so thought it only makes sense to stay in the scene that has been the most important aspect of my life since I can remember, live music.
Available for:
I am available for small gigs, larger concerts, recording sessions and festivals.
First attended gig:
The first proper gig that went to that I can actually remember was Muse supported by a then lesser known Elbow and I think the main reason I remember that is because it was the first big concert that I was allowed to go to with just my friends. Obviously Muse were fantastic by the way.
First gig shot:
Im pretty sure the first gig I shot was for a friends band at a local social club with some sort of £30 Argos camera. You can only imagine the fantastic quality of the shots.
Dream gig:
My dream gig to shoot would most definitely be either Tool, not just because they are amazing but their stage and lighting is magnificent. Or I would love to shoot another one of my favourite bands which is Explosions In The Sky and that’s just because they are incredible.