Live Review: RedHook - Bodega, Nottingham
29th March 2025
Support: Eville, Defences
Words & Photos: Tom Atkin
RedHook brought their high-energy live show to a sold-out Bodega in Nottingham on Tuesday night, and it turned out to be one of those gigs that just clicked from start to finish. With Defences and Eville supporting, the lineup offered a full evening of female vocalists all delivering different shades of heavy music and the packed crowd was clearly here for it.
The night opened with Eville, who hit the stage with confidence and plenty of grit. Their sound leans into the classic end of metal, with big riffs, punchy drums and that no-nonsense stage presence that feels honest and raw. Front-woman Alice handled vocals with real power, keeping the momentum up even as the room was still filling out. By the end of their set, there had already been a wall of death open up and people had clearly taken notice, exactly what you want from an opener.
Defences followed and immediately shifted the vibe in a different direction. Their set was polished and energetic, blending melodic vocals with heavier screamed sections in a way that kept the crowd moving. The band didn’t just play their songs, they performed them, engaging with the crowd throughout and making full use of the stage. Front-woman Cherry Duesbury’s vocals were strong and dynamic, and the whole band felt tightly locked in. You got the sense they’ve really hit their stride live.
When RedHook finally took to the stage, the place was absolutely packed to the walls - no space left to move, and the anticipation was high. They launched straight into their set with the kind of chaotic energy they’re known for. Emmy Mack is a natural front-woman, full of personality, banter, and intensity. She had the crowd in the palm of her hand from the first track, switching between singing, rapping, and screaming with ease.
The setlist included fan favourites like “Cure 4 Psycho,” “Say” and “Bad Decisions,” which all got big reactions. A few newer songs were also thrown in and landed just as well, suggesting that RedHook’s next chapter is shaping up nicely. The rest of the band played tight and with plenty of presence, giving the set a solid backbone without ever overshadowing the fun and unpredictability that RedHook’s live show thrives on.
What stood out throughout the night wasn’t just the music, it was the vibe. Each of the three bands brought their own style and sound, but all carried the same passion and presence. It was especially refreshing to see a full lineup of female-fronted bands in a genre where that still feels far too rare. None of them felt like they were trying to “prove” anything - they just came to play, and they delivered.
With a sold-out room, three strong performances, and a crowd that was loud, responsive, and fully along for the ride, this was a gig that’ll stick with people for a while. RedHook might have headlined, but every band on the bill made an impression. If this tour is passing through your area, you need to make sure that you attend.
Photo Credit: Tom Atkin
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