LIVE FROM THE PIT: Hail The Sun, Love Rarely and Redwood

Hail The Sun launched their first UK headline tour at Manchester's Rebellion, delivering a career-spanning set that demonstrated exactly why they've remained at the forefront of progressive post-hardcore for over a decade. The California five-piece, now signed to Equal Vision Records, arrived with new material from their upcoming 2025 album - including the explosive single "The Drooling Class" - and a reputation for one of the most electrifying live shows in the scene. Supported by the contrasting energies of Love Rarely and Redwood, the show was a phenomenal showcase of dynamic, visceral performances.  

London's Redwood opened the night with an immediately engaging set of math-tinged alt-rock. Their tight musicianship and warm stage presence won over the early crowd, particularly during their new single "Owl", which showcased their knack for combining intricate guitar work with accessible melodies. The energy never faltered, their upbeat delivery providing the perfect contrast to what followed. If Redwood's goal was to win over new fans, they succeeded effortlessly. 

Leeds' Love Rarely took the energy up several notches with their brand of melodic hardcore. From the first song, they had the crowd moving with a sound that balanced crushing heaviness and soaring melodies. Tracks from their "Lonely People" EP demonstrated their dynamic range, shifting seamlessly between atmospheric verses and pummeling breakdowns. The five-piece has clearly built momentum toward what is sure to be a standout full-length album. By the end of their set, they'd pumped up the crowd with adrenaline, perfectly setting the stage for Hail The Sun's headlining performance.   

From the moment Hail The Sun launched into "Maladapted," it was clear this would be a special night. The band's signature drum assault - courtesy of Allen Casillas - sent shockwaves through the venue, creating a powerful and precise rhythmic foundation. Guitarists Shane Gann and Aric Garcia traded off intricate, dissonant riffs that blurred the line between chaos and calculation, while John Stirrat held everything together with thunderous basslines. Frontman Donovan Melero commanded attention whether at the microphone or behind the kit - his ability to deliver flawless vocals while playing demanding drum parts remains astonishing.

The career-spanning setlist sported fan favorites, deep-cuts, and new material. Early highlights included “Black Serotonin”, its filthy riffs inciting instant movement, and the live debut of “The Drooling Class”, a new single that slots perfectly into the band’s evolving sound. A mid-set run followed where Melero moved to the drums, showcasing incredible vocal control singing while playing for “Rolling Out the Red Carpet”, “Human Target Practice”, and a deep-cut surprise - “Ow! (Splidao!) [I Like It, Though]” from their 2012 EP. With Melero positioned at the drums, the audience had an unobstructed view of the guitarists' technical solos - a visual treat that highlighted their precision and skill.

Melero commanded the stage through each stylistic shift - launching into "Under the World" with its driving rhythm (preceded by a playful Everybody Wants to Rule the World tease), then inciting chaos during "Secret War"'s anti-authoritarian chants. The venom in "Tithe"'s indictment of religious hypocrisy landed brutally before the set's emotional reset with "Made Your Mark", where soaring melodies proved their heaviness doesn't rely on distortion. 

By the time the encore arrived - featuring ”Relax / Divide”, “Cosmic Narcissism”, and the fan-favorite “Chunker” - the crowd was a sea of flailing limbs and shouted lyrics, matching the band’s energy at every turn.  

This performance was a perfect blend of controlled chaos and emotional precision. With their new record to be released in Autumn and a live show this powerful, Hail The Sun are clearly entering a new peak of technical force matched only by their raw, cathartic delivery. The UK has waited too long for this headline tour, but if Manchester's reaction is anything to go by, they'll be back much sooner next time.

Hail The Sun has never sounded sharper or hit harder - If this is how they kick off a tour, their finale is bound to be earth-shaking.

Words: May Pierce

Photos: Isaac Laing