The modern rock scene presents a plethora of challenges and opportunities for emerging bands. Enter Two Year Break, a band that has recently captured the spotlight, offering a fascinating glimpse into this ever-changing landscape.

Two Year Break’s recent success in our poll to open the Mascot Records stage at PGM24 was a fierce and tight competition, underscoring the high quality and calibre of bands emerging in the scene in 2024.

Singer, Brad Howard, shared his experience of the tense moments leading to their win. “I got a bit obsessive over it, just watching it and being interested in the percentages going up”.

Evolution and Challenges of a Band from Essex

Two Year Break’s origins are deeply intertwined with personal relationships and expanding musical interests. Brad explains how the interaction between the current band lineup was a by-product of friendships and unforeseen coincidences, adding that the band members have brought various influences to the table.

While the band started as indie rock and pop punk, it gradually adapted more and more metal and electronic influences. Regarding their music and genre, singer Brad and drummer George Lilley note that it’s hard to step out of a place like Essex, not traditionally seen as a rock breeding ground, the close proximity to London often means a large portion of the talent moves to London for exposure.

George Lilley: I think people tend to go to London. Essex used to have a decent scene, but everyone just goes from Essex to London because it’s so close. So you don’t really see much happening in Essex.

Brad Howard: I think back in 2013 to 2016, there was a solid metal and rock scene in the Brentwood area. Do you remember the band Create To Inspire? They were a band that came out of Essex and were doing really well. Sean from the band performed on one of our songs at the Underworld recently. I do think the early 2010s, was quite significant. But as we moved into our 20s, that scene disappeared. We’re not as involved, so we might not be aware that it still exists, but I’d say the music where we live has shifted more towards a pop rave scene than rock.

There’s a smaller group of people into that music. I remember we used to go to a rock club every Friday back in 2015, and it was always packed. It was always the same people who loved metal, and we went to the same place all the time. It wasn’t just because we were getting older; there were simply fewer people going as time went on. It’s always hard to gauge, isn’t it?

Primordial General Mayhem

Primordial Radio is hugely excited to announce that the unique and ever-evolving London 2-piece BOB VYLAN is set to headline the main event of the Primordial General Mayhem on Saturday 27^th April 2024, with four-piece, loud, unapologetic, rock outfit from Nottingham, AS DECEMBER FALLS confirmed as main support.

Also confirmed for the Saturday event is BLACKGOLD, SAINT AGNES, CALVA LOUISE, NORTH ATLAS and TWO YEAR BREAK.

Live Shows & Keeping The Crowd Energized

Discussing the band’s philosophy towards live shows, Brad stresses the need for engagement and an energetic attitude. “If you’re not having a fun time, everyone else won’t be having a fun time”  he comments, explaining the necessity for a band to be actively engaged in crowd participation to get the most out of an opening slot at a festival.

Reflecting on their recent show at The Underworld in London, Brad states:

I really enjoyed that Underworld show and I’m actually happy it wasn’t 100 percent sold out. It was very close, but I think if it was completely sold out, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much if I were a punter in the venue watching the band. I’ve taken video and photo for other bands at that place, and the level we had it at is almost where it starts to get a bit too much and you can’t move around. I like that people could still move; they weren’t squished between each other. So, while it would have been nice to have it sold out, at the end of the day, as long as it’s a good show and it’s a decent-sized room that people have turned up to, I’m happy with that.

Unpacking ‘Take It Down’: An Anthem of Liberation and Joy

Speaking about the band’s latest single ‘Take It Down’ Brad sheds light on the deeper meaning of the song stating:

It’s a beautiful song. It is about being at live venues and being pumped and excited and feeling like you’re around like-minded people in a safe space where you can just be yourself and rock out to music. That’s essentially what Take It Down is about—letting go and just being okay with just dancing and enjoying music in your own way that you’d like to. It touches upon being okay with just trying to be happy and letting all the bad things…not let them control who you are, like, accept them for what they are, and get out of that bad headspace.

The song also features an intriguing music video that, according to Brad: “Doesn’t make any sense, but does have lightsabers in it!”. This fun element aligns with the band’s philosophy of mixing fun with meaningful messages, engaging listeners in a more light-hearted, yet impactful way.

‘Take It Down’ serves not only as an anthem for the live setting but also as a reminder of the power of music to transform and uplift spirits in times of collective struggle and personal reflection. As Two Year Break prepares to bring their vibrant energy to the Primordial General Mayhem ‘Take It Down’ stands as a testament to their ability to blend potent lyrical content with compelling live performances.

We can’t wait to give them a huge Primordial welcome, they just best bring those lightsabers!

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