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Intense support from Leeds alt-rock outfit “About-Faces” sets an early marker down tonight in terms of the levels of energy, volume and edge.  Driving fast into recent releases, the Faces, welcome’d in by a large-ish crowd who’ve got their early to see what the press fuss is about, blitz through their set with loud guitars and fierce energy at the core.  Not quiet punk, but certainly carrying a punk attitude, the show is framed by lead guitarist, Cormac Connolly, who’s deft touches and textures force the outfit into interesting spaces.  A quick turnaround, and a chance to rest the ears, is welcome’d before the sound is turned up even louder for desert-rockers The Howlers.  Laced with QOTSA drones, and very similar in places to local rock Gods DUNES, the Howl’s live up to their name by firing up effects peddles, distortion and loops, to create ‘Bloody Valentine levels of screeches and effects.  Layering their sound heavily in places, the cockney trio, combine to create a cinematic, texture- their drones and ‘hard shell’ covering up a warm, soft, heart filled with pop melodies and interesting insights about mental health, struggles, and trying to find a place in the world.  Two loud bands with two loud sets of ideas.  Excellent.