LIVE FROM THE PIT: Destiny Bond, Big Laugh, Flesh Creep and Closed Hands

The New Cross Inn in London has been steadily growing a reputation for hosting some of the most exciting and high-energy punk and hardcore shows around, and this night’s stacked lineup delivered on that promise from start to finish. With a bill featuring Closed Hands, Flesh Creep, Big Laugh, and headliners Destiny Bond, the night was loud, fast, and full of moments that reminded everyone why small, DIY-feeling shows are often the most memorable.

Closed Hands kicked things off in full-force. From the opening seconds, their vocalist made it clear this wasn’t going to be your standard stand-and-sing kind of set. They were off the stage and in the pit almost immediately, blurring the line between performer and crowd. That directness created an atmosphere of unity—like we were all in it together, not just watching but participating. Musically, they were tight and urgent, giving the set a punchy start that set the tone for the night. It was the kind of opening performance that pulls you in before you've even fully settled into the space.

Flesh Creep followed with a grittier, more chaotic edge. Their sound was raw and aggressive in the best possible way—unpolished but purposeful. They didn’t hold back, and there was something refreshing about how unapologetically loud and confrontational their set was. You could tell they weren’t performing for approval—they were performing to release something, and in doing so, they created space for the audience to do the same. For a second band on the bill, they held their own and brought a noticeable shift in energy, keeping things heavy and immersive.

Flesh Creep

Then came Big Laugh, who added a twist to the night—not necessarily with their sound, but with their presence. Sonically, their set was sharp and well-rehearsed, but their choice to spend a large part of the performance facing inward- toward their drummer rather than the audience- was unusual. As someone who hadn’t seen them live before, it threw me off a bit. It felt like they were playing to each other, not to us. While that inward-facing style might be their way of staying locked in rhythmically, it also created a disconnect with the audience, especially following two bands that had leaned so hard into physical crowd engagement. That said, their musical tightness was undeniable, and the set had a solid momentum that kept things moving. It might not have been the most interactive performance, but it was still a strong one, and still a lot of fun for those watching.

Finally, Destiny Bond took the stage, and instantly the energy in the room shifted again. From the very first note, you could tell they were here to play, and not just in the musical sense. Their set was full of personality, movement, and humour. The lead vocalist bounced between being a commanding presence and the funniest person in the room, cracking jokes between songs that made the room feel casual and communal. At one point, they joked about not wanting to jump too much in case they gave themselves another concussion from the venue’s low-hanging lights- a moment that got a huge laugh and added to the feeling that this band doesn’t just perform to an audience, they connect with one.

What made Destiny Bond’s set even more memorable was their decision to perform unreleased songs, tracks that no one in the room had heard before. It was a bold move that paid off, making the show feel exclusive, like we were part of something special. There’s a trust in giving your audience something they can’t stream later, and it’s that kind of interaction that builds lasting fan relationships. Even when the vocalist spent time in the pit too, the band radiated this infectious energy that made it impossible not to move.

One of the most impressive aspects of the night overall was just how tightly run everything was. Each band started on time, the transitions were quick, and there was barely a moment where the energy dipped. It’s rare to see a four-band bill run so smoothly, and credit goes not just to the bands but also to whoever was managing the backline and transitions.

In the end, all four acts brought something of real value to the night. Closed Hands drew the crowd in. Flesh Creep shook it up. Big Laugh confused a few but played with total conviction. And Destiny Bond sealed the deal with a set that was as engaging as it was fun.

Destiny Bond

More than anything, what stood out was how much all the performers genuinely looked like they were having a good time. And that feeling, when shared between band and audience, is what turns a good gig into a great one.

This night at The New Inn didn’t just showcase great music, it highlighted the importance of community, energy, and joy in live performance.

Words: Con Macadam

Photos: Artemi Falzon