25/01/2025
It’s New Years Day in Southampton! “But that was weeks ago,” I hear you say. Well, not quite— If you haven't heard Ash Costello and her band have stormed into the south coast’s largest independent music venue for a night of electrifying rock mayhem.
New Years Day are kicking off their 20th year as a band, having formed in California and worked their way up from local venues to commanding stages at Warped Tour and beyond. With their striking stage presence and an ever-growing legion of fans, it’s no surprise that tonight promises to be something truly special.
New Years Day launched straight into Vampyre, instantly setting the tone with its dark, brooding intensity. The moment the first riffs hit, I was engulfed in a surge of energy, with Ash Costello’s fierce vocals cutting through like a knife. The band wasted no time in delivering a relentless performance, captivating the crowd from the very first note.
They followed with Half Black Heart, the title track from their latest album. The song’s darker, more atmospheric tones showcased the band’s ability to create depth with haunting melodies and intense vocals. It felt like a moment of contrast before the night truly reached its peak for me.
Then came Come for Me, which instantly ramped up the intensity. This track quickly became my favourite moment of the night—its fierce energy and unapologetic power filled the room, with Ash commanding the crowd’s attention. The combination of raw aggression and catchy hooks had everyone moving, and the connection between the band and the audience was undeniable.
From there, the energy remained high as the band powered through more of their intense anthems. Songs like Gangsta and Skeletons kept the adrenaline pumping, each one adding its own unique intensity to the night. New Years Day’s commanding presence never let up, with Ash’s powerful stage persona matched by the band’s relentless drive. The audience stayed locked into every moment, feeding off the raw energy that poured from the stage.
Nikki Misery, as always, brought his own dynamic energy to the stage, adding to the raw power of the band's performance with his impressive guitar work. The rhythm section, driven by the tight drumming of Anthony and the solid bass from Frank, kept everything locked in a relentless groove. Each member brought something unique, but it was clear that they were all in perfect sync, delivering a performance that felt as much like a shared experience as it did a concert.
One of the most intense moments came when the band launched into their Fucking Hostile (Pantera) cover. The raw aggression of the track had the crowd whipped into a frenzy, feeding off the band’s energy as they tore through the iconic metal anthem.
As the set drew closer to its end, it was clear that New Years Day had crafted a night to remember.
A highlight of the night was Ash Costello's venture into the crowd, breaking down the barrier between performer and audience. This gesture exemplified her dedication to fans and added an intimate touch to the electrifying atmosphere. She even gave someone her bracelet! Such moments of connection are a testament to the band's commitment to delivering memorable live experiences.
Hopefully, it won’t be as long until they return to the UK again—after all, their last performance here was in Bristol before the pandemic, and fans are clearly eager for their next visit! Someone get them to play Download!
NEW YEARS DAY - Southampton