Expire came up through the hardcore scene — actually, the last time they played Heart Fest was on their rise — and expanded beyond it. Now the Milwaukee band are in the unique position of having to prove themselves again to a bunch of people who have already seen them a bunch and, in the case of some, might be too cool to like a band who occasionally plays with metalcore and pop punk bands now.
Reminding the crowd that wasn't the case, Expire started off their set insisting that everyone move up because "this is a hardcore show" — and it was, without a doubt. The energy was infectious, with vocalist Josh Kelting swinging his arms and stomping around, and his band mates matching him with leaps. Opening with the title track off their latest LP, Pretty Low, the Midwest Blood crew blared through choice cuts such as "Spit Out," "Bark," "Reputation," "Abyss" and "Old Habits" before closing out with "Just Fine," and they definitely were — awesome, even. Though the crowd was a little sparse compared to some other bands, those in the venue were definitely won over (again). Or maybe they never left in the first place.
Reminding the crowd that wasn't the case, Expire started off their set insisting that everyone move up because "this is a hardcore show" — and it was, without a doubt. The energy was infectious, with vocalist Josh Kelting swinging his arms and stomping around, and his band mates matching him with leaps. Opening with the title track off their latest LP, Pretty Low, the Midwest Blood crew blared through choice cuts such as "Spit Out," "Bark," "Reputation," "Abyss" and "Old Habits" before closing out with "Just Fine," and they definitely were — awesome, even. Though the crowd was a little sparse compared to some other bands, those in the venue were definitely won over (again). Or maybe they never left in the first place.
Heart Fest Day 2, Gatineau QC, 2015 09 05
