Words & Pictures: Lorna Leahy
Chalk in Brighton set the perfect stage for one of the final dates of Touché Amoré’s UK tour. After kicking off the run in February following the release of their sixth studio album, the band’s stop in Brighton promised a more intimate experience than some of the larger venues they had played. With its compact layout and no barrier between the stage and the audience, Chalk created an up-close atmosphere that instantly raised the excitement in the room.
Opening for a band as intense and emotionally charged as Touché Amoré is no easy feat, but Trauma Ray took the stage with quiet confidence and a sound that quickly grabbed the crowd’s attention. Since forming in 2018, the band has been steadily making their mark on the alternative rock scene, and their recent album ‘Chameleon’ on Dais Records is earning them more recognition.
Trauma Ray
From the start of their set, Trauma Ray’s hazy, layered sound seemed perfectly at home in the intimate venue. The dreamy melodies, thick guitars, and dynamic shifts in their music drew the crowd in. Songs from ‘Chameleon’ stood out, with reverb-heavy guitars and airy vocals that nodded to bands like Slowdive and Sonic Youth, but with a heavier edge that gave their sound a bit more grit.
Though their stage presence was fairly low-key, the music itself spoke volumes. They effortlessly shifted from soft, drifting passages to heavier, more intense moments, keeping the audience engaged, even those who might not have been familiar with them before. Their sound has the scope for larger venues, and as they get more comfortable interacting with the crowd, it won’t be long before they’re headlining their own shows.
By the end of their set, it was clear they’d won over a good chunk of the crowd. It was a strong performance from a band on the rise, and they’re well on their way to bigger things.
Touché Amoré
Next up were the much anticipated headliners – Touche Amore! Their performance from the very start was nothing short of intense. The show began with Daniel Johnston’s “Devil’s Town” setting a moody tone as they walked onto the stage. They then dove headfirst into their familiar blend of post-hardcore, emo, and punk. The crowd, already buzzing, wasted no time as the moshpit formed instantly when the band launched into Nobody’s.
True to form, the band delivered a high-energy, full-throttle experience. Fans in the pit were moving in sync with the aggressive rhythms, pushing and shoving to the band’s fast-paced tracks. By the time ‘Art Official’ rolled around, the crowd was fully invested, with some fans even stage diving in the heat of the moment.
Jeremy Bolm, the band’s frontman, threw himself into the chaos, not staying confined to the stage. By the time Nine came on, he was in the pit with the crowd, adding to the madness. His vocals, ranging from powerful screams to more melodic moments, perfectly matched the crowd’s energy. In a rare break from the intensity, Bolm joked about losing a shoe in the pit, and moments later, the crowd tossed it back on stage, adding a bit of humor to the wild show.
Musically, the band was tight, with the guitarists, bassist, and drummer all playing flawlessly, supporting the emotional intensity of the tracks. Songs like ‘Flowers and You’ and ‘New Halloween’ showcased their ability to mix technical skill with raw emotion, creating a powerful atmosphere that carried through the whole show.
The setlist for the night was a staggering 22 songs long, giving fans the full Touché Amoré experience they had hoped for. From the moment the band stepped on stage until the very last notes, it was clear the crowd was getting everything they had come for and more. With a mix of fan favorites and tracks from their latest album, the band left no stone unturned, delivering an emotionally charged set that spanned their entire discography. Fans sang along to every word, embodying the spirit of the music and creating an unforgettable atmosphere of unity and passion.
As the night drew to a close, the band returned to the stage for an encore that included their iconic hit “Limelight.” The crowd erupted as soon as the song began, knowing that this would be a perfect end to the night. But there was a surprise in store – Trauma Ray joined them on stage, making the moment even more special. With the joint performance, Touché Amoré made sure the crowd left feeling fully satisfied, knowing they had witnessed something truly special.
While Touche Amore are known for their intense live shows, it’s the emotional connection with their fans that really makes their performances stand out. The intimate setting of Chalk only added to that personal feeling, with the crowd and the band feeding off each other’s energy. It was a perfect reminder of how live music brings people together in a way that’s both cathartic and fun.
SETLIST:
Devil Town (Daniel Johnston song) – INTRO
Nobody’s,
Art Official,
Nine,
Praise/Love,
Reminders,
And Now It’s Happening in Mine,
Uppers/Downers,
Come Heroine,
Honest Sleep,
Hal Ashby,
Face Ghost,
New Halloween,
Disasters,
Harbor,
Palm Dreams,
Savoring,
~,
Pathfinder,
Rapture,
Force of Habit,
Flowers and You,
Encore:,
Limelight (with trauma ray)
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