A Special Time

XIII Weeks played their first headlining gig at the Fighting Cooks in Kingston.

The emotionally driven melodic hardcore band comprising Charlie (drums), Ben (bass), Jack (vocals) and Jamie (guitar), self-released their first EP ‘In Memoriam’ earlier in 2019. Mixing atmospheric guitar sounds and heavy riffs with shouted verses and anthemic choruses, the quartet creates a unique and almost haunted vibe with their music. Driving drums and heavy breakdowns create an energetic opposite to the vulnerable atmosphere.

The cave like, rather dark, but very originally looking venue, which is located inside the Fighting Cock, opened its gates around 7.30pm, quickly filling up with an excited audience. First band on the stage was the London based pop punk quartet Overtheline started off with loads of energy and got the crowd moving. Next up was the pop punk outlet New, Again who mix punk infused pop sounds with emo elements. Third band of the evening was the London based emo influenced post-hardcore band One Last Daybreak. The quartet mixes raw and catchy melodies with heavy guitar riff which creates an energetic atmosphere during their live show. Rising the energy levels even further, they got the crowd moving and left them warmed up and excited for last band of the night.

After a quick line check and the addition of some further lights on stage, XIII weeks started their set with ‘Wide Awake’ and got the crowd right from the start. Opening up a big circle pit the audience enjoyed themselves moshing around and singing along, releasing all the energy they had left. The band gave their best on stage and seemed to have a blast with Jack lifting Jamie on his shoulders before finishing off the evening with a rendition of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’.

The sound inside the venue was fine given the small size of the room and the lights were kept simple and rather dark which added to the vibes of the music. It was definitely a special time with great music, talented bands and an energetic audience. Everyone had a great time weather it being the fans infront of the stage shouting the lyrics back to the bands and moshing around, or the bands them selves enjoying their time on stage. Grateful for the audience’s engagement, the bands couldn’t thank them enough four their support. XIII weeks is an amazing upcoming band who definitely deserves more attention and it’s exciting to see what the future holds for them.

Venue: The Fighting Cocks

Band: XIII Weeks

Support: Overtheline, New, Again, One Last Daybreak

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