Heavyskint – King Tuts 29th Aug 2025
Heavyskint delivered an extraordinary performance at King Tut’s, marked by intense energy and exceptional crowd engagement. The vocals were raw, scratching, and at times almost drunken, perfectly complementing the edgy tone of the music. Guitarist Jaime Kelly was excellent at setting mood and texture, but the undeniable star of the show was Jacob Hunter. He commanded the stage from the moment he appeared, moving with effortless charisma and holding the audience’s attention completely. His energy was palpable, and it was clear he was genuinely enjoying himself — a rare and infectious quality. The band’s live presence far exceeded what their online material conveys, demonstrating the power of performance in bringing music to life. The set culminated in a striking final moment: Jacob stepped off stage, leaving the rest of the band to finish the song, with the bassist dramatically throwing down his instrument as a bold statement — a risky move that worked flawlessly. Heavyskint’s combination of musicianship, stagecraft, and raw charisma marks them as a band to watch. Their live energy suggests genuine potential, and this performance was a compelling demonstration of their talent. Rating: 4.6/5
No Bad News In Heaven – King Tuts 29th Aug 2025
No Bad News in Heaven delivered a set that struggled from start to finish. Technical execution was poor: instruments were out of tune, the guitarist was inexperienced, and vocals were largely shouting rather than singing. Basic stage preparation offered little support, with tangled cables and pedals connected via daisy chains rather than a proper pedalboard — issues that could have been easily addressed. The band’s stage presence, framed as “We’re not like other bands, we move around,” appeared more an attempt to compensate for uneven playing than a creative choice. On-stage shots and swapping instruments mid-set further highlighted a lack of cohesion. The performance was so difficult to follow that I had to step away for a break from listening. The drummer was the only consistently musical element, but even this was not enough to salvage the set. While marginal improvements might be possible, the fundamental gaps in musicianship, equipment management, and stagecraft make it unlikely that future performances will be significantly better.https://www.instagram.com/nobadnewsinheaven/ Rating: 0.2/5
Bambitos – King Tuts 29th Aug 2025
Bambitos brought a solid half-hour set to King Tut’s, full of energy and strong crowd work. Their stage presence leaned into Red Hot Chili Peppers-style antics, with the singer dancing across the stage, while the vocals carried a clear Rage Against the Machine edge. At times, though, that delivery slipped into an almost Christopher Walken-esque tone, but the energy was kept and it was definitely a unique style of vocals. Musically, the band were tight, with guitarist Joe McLean and bassist Callum [surname unknown] standing out as genuine talents. The material itself was quirky — lyrics about Tesco Clubcards and strange dreams — and while not to everyone’s taste, it certainly made them memorable. Overall, Bambitos were good rather than great: flashes of real potential, but still rough around the edges. With time to polish their sound and rein in the excess, they could grow into something special. https://www.instagram.com/bambitosband/ Rating: 3.8/5
Whissker – King Tuts 24th Aug 2025
Whissker’s recent performance at King Tut’s highlighted a clear divide between strong musicianship and weak vocal delivery. The instrumentalists deserve real praise—the guitar work was intricate, the basslines were complex and engaging, and the drumming was powerful and precise. Unfortunately, much of this talent was overshadowed by the vocals. The singer’s limited range, rarely rising above middle C, sat uncomfortably in the same sonic space as the bass and guitar, creating a muddy and indistinct mix. The vocal tone felt flat and drawn out, with little energy or variation, which left the performance lacking impact. Stage presence, too, came across as awkward rather than engaging. It’s frustrating, because the four instrumentalists clearly have the skill to elevate Whissker into something special. With a stronger vocalist—perhaps one whose range and energy could cut through the dense instrumentation—the band could genuinely thrive. As it stands, their sound came across as mumbled and washed out, which held them back from reaching their true potential. https://www.instagram.com/whissker_band/ Rating: 2.7/5
Dalmatic – King Tuts 24th Aug 2025
A classically solid band, Dalmatic performed just before the headliners and delivered an impressively energetic set. Their sound—a gritty, punk-infused pop style reminiscent of Blink-182—felt both familiar and refreshingly raw. The chemistry between the two guitarists was particularly striking, creating dynamic interplay and engaging stage presence throughout the performance. Their cover of Best Friends by Palma Violets was a standout, evoking nostalgia while maintaining high energy from start to finish. The band’s unpolished, authentic sound, paired with low-hanging guitars and relaxed, oversized attire, complemented their style perfectly. In fact, Dalmatic’s performance arguably overshadowed the headliners, offering a fun, captivating, and memorable experience for the audience.Rating: 4.0/5 https://www.instagram.com/thedalmatic/