With the return of the infamous Pit Parties known for its 360 stage centred in the middle of the room and hosted by label Fluffer Records, crowds began to gather as the pit pried opened its jaws and welcomed Vancouver rock duo Japandroids to the cage.

The pit isn’t a stranger when it comes to hosting loud tenacious rock having had girl duo Deap Valley perform only a few nights ago. Tonight was no different as the boys fired things off with the opening track Near to the Wild Heart Life taken from their latest album of the same name.

The walls were awash with electric blue and blood-soaked red as speakers blared out belters such as Fire’s Highway and Younger Us whilst fans fervently shuffled and shook.

Security stood attentive as inflatable balls volleyed their way across the room and occasionally on stage but it was smiles all round as guitarist Brian King acknowledged the rowdiness coming from the crowd before swigging back a few shots and spitting out tracks such as North East South West and No Known Drink or Drug.

Boxed in by the masses, the band ploughed through their set with barely any room for breath as The Nights of Wine and Roses and The House That Heaven Built riled listeners into a frenzy and welcomed Brian with open arms as he embraced his devoted audience before calling it a night.

The word epic was sprawled across the venue doors and tonight undoubtedly lived up to its reputation.

 

Words and photos Jack Lloyd