HOAX at Camden Rock, June 1st 2013.

HOAX are a five piece rock band from London, founded in 2013 and made up of Adam on vocals, Dan and Doug on guitars, Joe on Bass and Jonny on drums.

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1pm on a Saturday afternoon in Camden and the activity was mostly the usual; the hustle and bustle of tourists and traders, the aroma of exotic dishes and the sounds of buskers plying their trade and those that were not out shopping on what was a beautiful sunny afternoon were probably at home recovering from the night before. However, a small handful of people had gathered at the Camden Rock bar on Kentish Town Road for the first band of the day at the Camden Rocks Festival 2013 where 13 live venues are taken over by 100 bands for the day. 

I had already listened to HOAX previously, because with twelve bands all starting at the same time I wanted to ensure I picked a good one to kick start my day. Although when I saw how sparse the room was I became apprehensive, not because I doubted they were any good but in case they were discouraged or put off by the low turn out. This was on top of the fact they had just come over from Ireland, after supporting The Cancer Bats. It did feel very awkward especially as where I was sat meant I couldn't see anyone other than the band, and if I was in their position I'm not sure I could have performed to my best ability. 

There were other people there, they just happened to be behind me.

I am happy to say that I have never been more wrong. From the very first bar of Burn It To The Ground they owned the room with a sound and enthusiasm that was unrelenting. Adam quite literally claimed Camden Rock as his own, abandoning the stage and energetically bouncing around the room. It was wonderful to not only see them give it their all but to embrace the people who had made the effort to turn up so early in the day, giving high fives, dancing with them (more like dancing AT them because it took the audience by surprise!) and taking the time to talk. Some slight stage destroying did occur with various pieces of equipment falling, but that was just testament to their passion opposed to being 'rock and roll.'

As they were the starting act they didn't have as much time as I would have liked them to have, but they played six tracks including their latest single Bitter Angry Fake, which in my opinion could have woken the dead! The track slows halfway through and you're given the chance to hear a softer side with gentle vocals and some heartfelt guitar solos before the tempo is turned back up again for a hard hitting finish. If up until then anyone in the audience had not been fully placed in the festival mood, they should have been after that.

HOAX won't be to everyone's liking because they do have aspects of metalcore, although you cannot fault them for effort and the fact that each member can be distinctly heard. Many times I have seen bands where the bass cannot be heard or the drums drown out...everything, but that didn't happen here. I wish that more people had of been there but at the same time I'm selfishly glad I got to experience such an intimate gig, something I doubt will occur again as the boys are taking on Download 2013 next which I'm sure will lead to more recognition for them and bigger and better shows.

Setlist

Burn It To The Ground
High
Hold On
Jekyll Meet Hyde
Bitter Angry Fake
Mindgame

For more information on HOAX you can find them on facebook or go to their official page: http://hoaxofficial.tumblr.com/