To set the scene, this concert for American hardcore act, Better Lovers, took place in the Loft of the Arts Club in Liverpool, an intimate setting with a massive light rig above the stage, giving off grungy and industrial vibes.
American post-hardcore band Greyhaven opened the night. They had around 30 minutes to show the audience what they were made of, and they delivered, packing an instant punch. Kicking off their set with the new song Burn A Miracle from their recently released album Keep It Quiet, the track served as an explosive opener. It was a perfect blend of fast, chaotic, and cathartic energy, with powerful drums and guitar riffs hitting hard. Paired with vocalist Brent Mills’ vocals, which oscillated between rage and desperation, it set the night off with a sense of urgency and intensity.
Sweet Machine followed, carrying groovy and disorienting energy. Heavy yet infused with the math-rock tones Greyhaven are known for, it was full of polyrhythmic guitar soundscapes and snappy grooves that kept the audience on their toes. The song maintained high adrenaline while highlighting the band’s more experimental edge.
Throughout the performance, bassist Johnny Muench threw himself into the music, displaying pure passion on stage. Mills engaged with the crowd, at times handing them the mic, which they returned with the same chaotic, aggressive energy, a clear show of appreciation. Cemetery Sun, another new track, offered a more melancholic and atmospheric break. Merging post-hardcore with ambient sounds, dark instrumentals, and Mills’ harsh yet ethereal vocals, it created an emotional, reflective phase in the set. Greyhaven closed their destructive performance with Echo and Dust Pt. I. The song’s slow, haunting buildup invited the audience to clap along until the peak arrived and the drums dominated, finishing with a powerful, anguished breakdown.
Next up was the American rock duo ’68. All you need is a mic, guitar, and drums, as the band is formed by vocalist and guitarist Josh Scogin and drummer Nikko Yamada. For the performance, the duo faced each other as if in a sound-off, creating the feeling of walking into a bar and witnessing two men on stage with no idea what to expect, then suddenly, their creative and unique sound hits you. The set was like a magic show, with elements of comedy and unexpected twists. Mixing rock, blues, and hardcore, they masterfully played with chaos and control, ensuring the sound evolved fluidly throughout.
At one point, Scogin jokingly admitted they had just made the music up on the spot, and the audience would not have known. He also thanked the crowd for supporting human music, taking a playful dig at AI, which simply cannot replicate authentic creativity. Credit must also go to Yamada, whose drumming was striking and intense throughout. Towards the end of the set, Scogin even deconstructed the drum kit while Yamada continued playing, leaving the performance on a memorable, discussion-worthy note.
Finally, the American hardcore band Better Lovers took the stage. Before their arrival, the crowd enjoyed a playful prelude, singing along to Easy Lover by Phil Collins, All You Need Is Love by The Beatles, and other songs containing the word “love,” a clever nod to the band’s name that lasted about five minutes.
When Better Lovers finally began, they launched straight into A White Horse Covered in Blood, immediately igniting a mosh pit. Heavy guitar riffs and pummelling drums established a visceral, raw tone. Crowd surfers made their first appearance of the night. Tracks like Superman Died Paralyzed and Two Alive Amongst the Dead continued the theme of intricate guitar work, tense rhythms, and frantic energy, blending hardcore heaviness with punk-like urgency and keeping the audience moving with force.
Vocalist Greg Puciato interacted with the crowd, asking for ages. He discovered the youngest attendee was 20, while the oldest was 81, responding, “That’s f*cking amazing to have a mixture of people coming to the show.” The set peaked with God Made Me an Animal and Love as an Act of Rebellion, combining crushing breakdowns with anthemic choruses. Closing tracks 30 Under 13 and Lie Between the Lines delivered a relentless, almost chaotic finale. Throughout the set, the band balanced furious intensity with melodic tension, blending technical skill with raw emotional impact.
