Words: Sofia Lavender-Callow
Photo Credit: Press

Tramshed in Cardiff city centre is an iconic venue that hosts local events and touring bands. The unique venue features a huge dance floor and a viewing area above if you prefer more room to dance. This Friday night it was filled with hardcore rockers and new wave fans filling their cups and claiming their space at the barrier to witness La Dispute and company in action. 

Pijn, who performed in their hometown of Manchester only the day before, opened the show. The primarily instrumental band consists of a violin, a keyboard, bass and electric guitar and drums. Their set was a musical experience, elevating the customary; performing songs from a setlist. Instead of a vocalist leading the band, drummer Nick Watmough took on the role, captivating the stage with the passion he put into each strike of his symbols. 

Following Pijn was midwest emo band Vs Self all the way from southern California. The three man band are known for their 2020 album ‘Everything Seems Better Now’ and following ‘Split’ releases. Their screaming vocals and heavy instrumentals ignited mosh pits and whistles. The band are known for being not only musically heavy, but lyrically too, adding a tambourine to the  mix gave some sparkle to a intense performance.  

As late evening drew on, it was time for the headliners La Dispute. Despite having already spent hours jumping and singing, the crowd were still full of energy and welcomed the band with a roar. 

The groups last release was in September of 2025, titled ‘No One Was Driving the Car’, inspired by the horrific event of a self driving tesla in 2019 killing young Naibel Benavides Leon. The group have always used their voice to amplify those with less people to listen and this has been a major anchor in their success. ‘King Park’ which tells the story of a 2008 murder-suicide is one of their most famous and almost blew the roof off with how loud the crowd was singing back. 

This show has been long overdue; it has been 10 long years since the band were last in Wales, acknowledged by lead singer Jordan Dreyer saying ‘I’m sorry for how long that absence has been’ but then saying how ‘an absence makes a return so much better’.

As they continued, their energy sent waves through the crowd, Dreyer was storming around the stage fuelled by rage and passion. As Dreyers stage riot inspired crowd surfing and mosh pits a sense of unity emerged. Using every breath to scream about the apocalyptic future looming, it began to feel like a protest. Making people realise they’re not alone in their fears, this is why the band have such a strong community, it’s all in consciousness.

They played fewer songs from the more artsy ‘Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair’ and opted for the more ‘rage against the machine’ music they make now, with sharper guitars and more intentional lyrics showing the growth and maturity that decades in the  industry achieves.  

Ending with the nearly nine minute ‘Environmental Catastrophe Film’ no effort was spared on their  performance, they’re well worth the watch if you’re a long term fan or newcomer, you just have to  be lucky enough to catch them near you.