Show Me the Body kicked off the second night of their North American tour last Wednesday at Toronto’s Axis Club shortly after wrapping up their European tour just one month ago. They brought with them support from the New Orleans natives Special Interest along with High Vis all the way from London. Both were featured on their latest EP titled “Corpus II EP II” just released on September 27th. This lineup was a cohesive mix of punk, thrash, and trance, drawing a diverse crowd that danced, moshed, and grooved throughout the night. Toronto’s own Friction opened the show, attracting local hardcore scene enthusiasts. With a slight lineup change for the evening, their vocalist started off the set, then took to the drums while their guitarist took over the mic, keeping the energy high. This dynamic performance got the crowd moving and two-stepping, offering everyone a taste of what Toronto Hardcore has to offer. 
Next up was Special Interest, delivering an interesting shift in sound that added an electronic and euphoric dimension to the night. Their blend of synth-driven beats paired with hypnotic & raw vocals had loyal fans eagerly singing along and dancing passionately. The group was great at commanding the crowd’s energy, from their striking fashion sense to their entrancing music, fully engaging with the audience and intensifying the overall experience. Co-headliners High Vis took the stage next, delivering an exciting and energizing set that fused indie rock, punk, and hints of pop. This band seamlessly fits into almost any lineup or music festival. With a genuine passion for DIY and hardcore music, they encouraged fans to dive into music, start their own bands, and disregard outside opinions. Their performance had a groovy yet chaotic vibe, with the crowd dancing in the pit, headbanging, and reaching for the mic to shout along with their favourite songs. 
Bringing the night to a close, New York’s Show Me the Body delivered an incredible and intimate performance. Without a barricade, the trio really connected with their fans, getting up close and personal in true post-hardcore fashion. They preach community, mutual respect, and solidarity, and the energy reciprocated by the audience was felt throughout the room. The backlit light arrangement, devoid of flashy strobes, made it feel as if you were the only one watching their performance. At times, the songs were mellow with a spoken-word feel, but would suddenly switch up into melodic chaos, inspiring stage divers to join in. Special Interest’s vocalist, Alli Logout, joined them for “Peace Corps” followed shortly by Graham Sayle of High Vis for his feature on “Stomach”. Overall, the night echoed themes of DIY, connection, and community empowerment.
Check out our photo gallery linked in below from the Axis Club in Toronto on September 25th featuring all four bands. The tour continues across the states for the next month so check your local listings for concerts near you. Also, be sure to check out all the bands on their various social media accounts but you can follow Show Me The Body on Instagram @ShowMeTheBody.
Article & Photos By Claudia K (@ThinkTwicePhoto)
