LIVE FROM THE PIT: Heart Attack Man and Iota

The last time Heart Attack Man graced Leeds with their presence, it was in the grassy paddocks of Temple Newsam via the Key Club stage. The band played a nine song set, including the newest singles from ‘Joyride The Pale Horse’ and nearly blew the roof off! Their set was electric and fully echoed the atmosphere being curated by the tent bursting with old and new fans alike. In the months since the release of ‘Joyride The Pale Horse’, Heart Attack Man return to our shores again for a full fledged tour, this time with UK outfit Iota. 

Hailing from Bristol, Iota play a versatile alt-rock sound blending densely packed, fuzzy shoegaze riffs with powerful yet dreamy vocals. Iota’s stage presence is fantastic and it’s clear from watching them perform how much they thrive in this environment. Their newest single ‘Heaven’, in particular, is a knockout of a song, with an amazing hook and vocals so strong you can feel them in your chest. Iota are absolutely a band to watch out for and check out if you haven’t already. We’re already beyond excited for our next opportunity to catch one of their shows! 

As the anticipation for Heart Attack Man’s set begins to build, the increasingly spirited crowd stir, drunkenly singing to the PA’s music while the bands guitarist, Ty Sickels tries desperately to do a last sound check to ensure accurate levels. The anxious excitement and drunken fever of the room gives way to baited breath as the lights dim and the band takes to the stage. 

As the band jumps straight into the explosive ‘Lay Down And Die’, a horde of energetic fans nudge this DIY venue crowd into arena mode, allowing the room to break out in a collective hysteria of movement. Bodies bounce and pogo around, limbs flail and passion-strained voices almost reach choir status. Before long, a lone diver has risen above this human mound, taking to the stage's edge and beckoning those nearby to move closer and catch them. 

The band seems to capitalise from this wave ofbnthusiasm as they hurl themselves from banger to banger off their albums ‘Freak Of Nature’ and ‘Fake Blood’. Songs such as ‘Like A Kennedy’ and ‘Out For Blood’ get colossal crowd singalongs. Any discerning niche music fan will tell you there really is nothing better than being at a show surrounded by a like-minded fellowship who know the lyrics back to front! 

Between songs, the band entertains the audience with many musings surrounding their time in the UK. According to frontman Eric, "Leeds is the LA of England" - Now, don't come for us Blackpool but we feel like you've been robbed there! 

Additionally, among the banterous dialogue for the evening (because even Heart Attack Man know that northern audiences spoil their bands with the loudest chants), were the classics ‘YORKSHIRE!’, ‘ERE WE GO!’ - and others that we can't print for legal reasons. There was also a special mention from the band members to Slam Dunk for organising this frenzied fiasco. 

Heart Attack Man have thoroughly solidified themselves as one of the best bands to see live across the pop-punk and punk rock stratosphere. Their sets are full of boundless energy, hammering hooks, tight compositions and an undeniable atmosphere full of tension and

release. It’s impossible to quantify just how they manage to do it. Every album is timeless, every show is unforgettable. If you have the opportunity to see Iota and Heart Attack Man, we strongly suggest making the trip to one of their shows whether it be on this current run or any future tours that will undoubtedly follow.

Words: Spencer Cunningham

Photos: Katerina Stepanikova