A Night of Hardcore Energy: Show Me The Body at Toronto’s Axis Club

Written and Captured By | Magaly Bocangel

On the evening of Wednesday, September 25th, 2024, The Axis Club played host to an electrifying lineup that music enthusiasts won’t soon forget. With Show Me The Body headlining and a dynamic trio of openers—Friction, Special Interest, and High Vis—the Toronto crowd was set to have an exhilarating concert experience.

As doors opened, a palpable excitement filled the venue. Friction, a Toronto hardcore band, kicked off the night with their song “Kick It,” which then led into “The Physical”. Their electric guitar riffs combined with raw vocals captivated the audience. From the moment they took the stage, it was clear that Friction was there to make an impact. Every sound drew in the crowd, with each member’s energy amplifying the other. Their set, though short, left an indelible mark, setting a fierce tone for the night ahead. Friction ended their set with their song “Bad Dogs Bite” off their EP released in 2020.

See more photos of Friction HERE

Following Friction, New Orleans ’Special Interest took to the stage. Known for their fusion of punk, electronic, and dance elements, they quickly turned Toronto’s intimate venue into a euphoric space. The band’s vibrant energy was infectious, with Alli Logout’s charismatic and high-intensity performance driving the audience into a frenzy. Tracks like “Disco III” and “Nothing Grows Here,” their latest single, had the audience jumping and dancing. Special Interest’s performance showcased their ability to blend genres seamlessly; their sound seems to only continue to evolve.

See more photos of Special Interest HERE

As the stage was reset for High Vis, the atmosphere thickened with anticipation. This English rock band is known for their high energy performances, and they did not disappoint. The band’s style pays homage to classic hardcore punk while incorporating other styles like post-punk and indie rock. The first song off their setlist was “Talk For Hours” off their album “Blending” released in 2022. The crowd was fully engaged, with bodies swaying and fists pumping. The energy of the venue became even more exhilarating when High Vis performed their latest single “Drop Me Out” off their album “Guided Tour” set to release on October 18th, 2024. The band ended off the set with their hit song “Choose to Lose”.

See more photos of High Vis HERE

It was then time for headliner, Show Me The Body, to come to the stage; the anticipation in Toronto’s Axis Club reached a fever pitch. Emerging from the New York underground scene, this trio has built a reputation for their boundary-pushing sound and relentless energy. The band launched into their set with intensity, immediately immersing the audience with their unique mix of post-hardcore, noise rock, as well as hip-hop influences.

The band’s setlist included tracks from their latest album, “CORPUS II”, blended in with fan favourites that spanned their career. The frontman Julian Pratt’s gritty vocals and beautiful playing of the banjo, paired with the talented guitarist Harlan Steed and drummer Jack McDermott created a sonic landscape that was both chaotic and masterful. Throughout the performance, the audience became a vital part of the show, with Pratt frequently engaging them. The crowd was moshing, stage diving, crowd surfing and throwing drinks—everything you want at a hardcore punk show.

See more photos of Show Me The Body HERE

Toronto fans left the venue still buzzing from the adrenaline of the performances. Each band brought their own distinct flavour to the evening, creating an ambience that resonated deeply with the crowd. Toronto was only the second stop of Show Me The Body’s North American tour, so be sure to get your tickets for a city near you.

Photos By | Magaly Bocangel