Metalcore fans filled the Electric Ballroom in Camden for The Plot in You's sold-out show, originally scheduled for the O2 Islington Academy before being upgraded due to high demand. The venue filled early, with queues backing up far down Camden High Street, as people from across London gathered for a night of heavy music. With tickets sold out months in advance, it’s no surprise that many turned up early in the hopes of getting a good view of their favourite band.
First to hit the stage was Acres, a four-piece post-hardcore band from Portsmouth. The venue was already almost filled to capacity and the crowd cheered as the lights went down, signalling the start of the show. There was a low hum of guitars, building tension, before lead vocalist Ben Lumbar unleashed a powerful scream. It felt like they had really pulled all the stops for their supporting set, using every minute of their time to interact with their crowd and play as much as they could.
Following Acres was the metalcore group Invent Animate, all the way from Texas. Many in the crowd were sporting Invent Animate shirts, making it clear that the band was a major draw for the night as well. Dressed in bright white outfits adorned with small diamante crystals on the sleeves, the band gave off an almost whimsical, ethereal vibe—at least until the first note hit. As soon as the crashing drums and roaring guitars kicked in, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The two guitarists flanked the lead singer, kicking and spinning to the beat, channelling the band’s signature blend of aggression and melody, and this is when the crowd surfers started pouring into the photo pit. The set maintained a fast pace, broken up by softer, more emotive moments that showcased lead singer Marcus Vik’s vocal range.
As their set finished, work started immediately on setting up for the headlining act. A white curtain was draped across the front of the stage and the crowd grew excited for what was to come. The lights dimmed for the final act of the night and strobe lighting hit the curtain at the front of the stage. Slowly, a silhouette emerged amongst the flashing lights and then a deafening scream from the opening of ‘Don’t Look Away’. The curtain dropped and a confetti cannon exploded above the crowd, revealing four members of The Plot in You. From above, you could see mosh pits crashing together and crowd surfers beginning their journey to the front of the stage.
The band are often known for having incredible clean vocals to match their deafening growls, but tonight, it felt like they were asserting themselves as a much heavier band. Also, the whole band knows how to put on a show. Moving constantly with the music, thanking surfers and interacting with fans on the front row. The fans were putty in their hands.
Halfway through the set, Landon Tewers (lead vocalist), demanded that the crowd open up a pit - and I have never seen a pit open up so quickly! Some brave punters stood right in the middle, spin-kicking and egging on the crowd around to join in. When the drop in the music came, and everyone charged in, there was a sea of bodies and arms, and it just looked like everyone was having the best time.
There were also some pleasant surprises during this set, such as a live debut of “Been Here Before” and Marcus Vik of Invent Animate joined the band on stage to sing “Left Behind” with them. Of course, the band finished their night with a classic encore, telling the crowd that they had finished for the night. Roars of “One more song!” echoed through the building as the four-piece band returned for “DISPOSABLE FIX” and their hit track “FEEL NOTHING”.
The buzz carried on all the way to the underground station where I heard many fans saying that this was the best gig they had been to in a long time. It felt like I’d witnessed something special and I really hope all of the bands from tonight continue to grow, spreading such joy through their music and performances.
