(((O))) Live: Ostraca • Worst Party Ever – Club Stomp, Osaka

I first heard Ostraca just a few months ago with the release of their single ‘Song for a Closed Door’, an absolutely pummelling screamo/post-rock hybrid that reminded me of the very best the genre has to offer. So, even though I hadn’t yet delved deep into their back catalogue, when I saw they were coming to Japan – and playing alongside three other great bands – I knew I had to be there. This double-headlining show with Worst Party Ever, organised by Tokyo-based label Ungulates, also featured local acts House of the Blood Choir and Poetry of Torch.

I’d caught House of the Blood Choir earlier in the year opening for Frail Body, where they had delivered a furious set that really caught my attention, so I was excited to have the chance to see them again. Once again, there was no doubting the passion on display, and the band ripped through song after song at breakneck speed. What they lacked in some of the polish of the other bands, they more than made up for with their raw charisma.

House of Blood Choir. Photo: Grayson Hale.

It was my first time seeing Osaka locals Poetry of Torch, and they turned out to be the day’s most welcome surprise. Like most of the bands on the bill, their set was a whirlwind of blistering emoviolence and hardcore, but their dual-vocal approach and emotional song climaxes stayed with me long after their set was complete. Each track ended with a simple “arigatou (thank you),” offering just enough of a pause before the next wave of sound.

Poetry of Torch. Photo: Grayson Hale.

Worst Party Ever were also new to me before this show, but it seems like they pull some pretty impressive streaming numbers and have a relatively dedicated following, so I may have been in the minority. Their blend of emo and pop-punk stood out among the heavier acts, but they didn’t necessarily seem out of place. On the contrary, their set was tight and energetic, full of short, catchy songs that lingered. While I can’t say I’m hugely familiar with of a lot of modern emo-pop, Worst Party Ever certainly delivered a set that piqued my curiosity and made me curious to check out some of their recorded material.

Worst Party Ever. Photo: Grayson Hale.

Finally it was time for Ostraca, and their set did not disappoint. In Japan, even at underground gigs like this one, crowds often don’t move around much, with most preferring to just stand in one place and take in the experience. Ostraca somehow managed to change that narrative, with the audience suddenly moshing and crowdsurfing, giving themselves fully to the catharsis unfolding onstage. Somewhere in the chaos, I recognised the first notes of ‘Song for a Closed Door’, before being swept back into the band’s relentless momentum. Vocalist and bassist Gus Caldwell mentioned that this was Ostraca’s first ever tour to Asia, and you could sense the gratitude in his voice as he thanked the crowd for their support.

Ostraca. Photo: Grayson Hale.

As if to underline how special the night was, the band gave a real, actual unscripted encore after the audience bayed for more — a rarity at shows like this, and a testament to the energy exchanged between band and audience.

All in all, this was a night to remember for those in attendance, and a triumph for every act involved. I hope to see all of these bands again the next chance I get.