Wargasm, CLT DRP & Harpy – Rock City, Nottingham – 9th Nov 2023

November 14, 2023

*Milkie Way of Wargasm at Rock City in Nottingham. Photo by Carrie-Anne Pollard.*

Around this time last year, Wargasm were playing their headline slot around the corner in sister venue Rescue Rooms. Fast forward 12 months; the release of their debut album, live tours across the US and Europe, and several slots during festival season see them return to bigger, better things. Namely, the main room of legendary venue Rock City.

But first up, Harpy. Entering the stage in a skin tight black cat suit, Harpy spends the set prowling the stage. Her vocals are remarkable. Stand out songs include ‘Medicine’ and ‘Inside Out’, and the mid set reveal that this is only her second ever show makes it all that more impressive. Mixing nostalgic industrial and nu metal sounds with pop powerhouse vocals, Harpy is definitely one to watch in the future.

Next up are three piece CLT DRP, who bring their own brand of noisy, brash, electro punk that you can’t help but tap your feet to. Guitarist Scott spends much of the set leant over multiple pedals, creating every weird and wonderful beat, while Annie’s aggressive but beautiful vocals, and Daphne’s pounding drums crescendo together to create chaos in the best way possible. Speaking on multiple issues ranging from gender and body image, to relationships and trauma, CLT DRP are a breath of fresh air in a world so full of turmoil.

Both support acts were great, but the crowd have been lukewarm in response. Lots of cheers but not much movement. Maybe they’re saving their energy for the headliners? We are about to find out.

Last but certainly not least, Wargasm burst onto the stage with ‘Venom’, the title track from their recently released debut album. It’s quintessential Wargasm, mixing new-nu-metal, electro beats, screams, rapping, sing-a-long moments – this is the bread and butter of what to expect from this young but seasoned band. Guitarless, both Milkie and Sam are free to stomp around the stage, frantic and full of energy. Here to celebrate the aforementioned release of Venom, the set is heavily skewed towards the newer songs, but sprinkled throughout are older favourites like ‘Fukstar’ and ‘Pyro Pyro’.

Half way through the set, Sam seems to notice the audience as we did earlier, calling them out for the lack of energy in the room. After being rightly admonished, the spark ignites, the pit erupts and the crowd surfers surf. Smashing through a plethora of new songs, Wargasm round out the set with the first release from Venom ‘Do It So Good’, before returning with the one-two punch of ‘D.R.I.L.D.O’ and ‘Spit’ as an encore.

The band are as tight and energetic as ever, but the audience tonight makes me wonder whether their brand of sweaty, frantic, electro infused nu-metal is better suited to more intimate, compact venues. The success Wargasm have garnered over the past year though – supporting Corey Taylor in America and throwing their hat into every festival that will have them – quash that thought immediately. It’s just an unfortunate case of crap crowd.