LIVE REVIEW: RXPTRS AT THE BLACK HEART, LONDON 18/09/25
If you like your rock frantic and your genres fluid, RXPTRS may just be the band for you. Gracing the stage of The Black Heart in Camden, the Bristolian quintet brought the fun with their big, unique charisma.
Fangs Out kicked off the night, lights down low, singer Mikey White not stepping foot on the stage once during the set, instead roaming around the venue floor, up to all kinds of shenanigans - splitting the room in half for a call and response of “Show! Me!” during ‘Old Lows’, circling the room and at one point performing an impressive feat of endurance by doing press-ups over his mic while continuing with flawless vocals.
Fangs Out embody aggression, passion and technical prowess in an unashamedly honest down and dirty style. The Brummie natives are proud of their city's musical heritage while pushing the boundaries of their own brand of hard-core.
Blue Eyed Giant switched up the mood with big, soaring rock. With riffs reminiscent of the wave of early 2000's heavier Brit-rock, their style feels far bigger than the Black Heart's compact upstairs venue, switching seamlessly between growling vocals layered on heavy breakdowns and melodic math-rock.
'Expendable' is a standout track, hitting all the sweet spots and demonstrating the Brighton band's full capabilities while getting the room's mosh pit moving.
In RXPTRS world, picking a single genre isn't an option. Bringing together the unique musical tastes of each member and mixing them up into a fast and ferocious party is the objective and they are masters of their craft.
‘Stray from the Sociopath’ certainly draws inspiration from 80's glam rock, grabbing a direct melody from ‘I was made for Lovin’ you’ by Kiss, but changing the lyrics from love to torture, a witty but authentic adaptation.
The relentless ‘The World on my Tongue’ got heads banging in the room, transitioning flawlessly into Linkin Park's ‘One Step Closer’ and ‘Horror Show (Nobody Puts Nepo Baby in the Corner)’ demonstrates RXPTRS ability to craft catchy songs born from frustration and disillusionment.
Indeed, quite a bit of the band's catalogue is inspired by the darker sides of life - loss, grief and hard times, channelled into upbeat therapeutic party rock. This ability sets RXPTRS apart and has earned them a loyal and devoted fan base.
Rounding off a solid night, epitomised by variety and mastery, it is exciting to watch all three bands on their individual journeys. Whatever they are heading towards, it's going to be a hell of a ride.
Words by Imogen Bird
Photos by Florelle Servageon