There are some gigs where it’s near difficult to describe in just words. SPRINTS at the Troxy was one of those gigs.

I arrived at the venue late, damp, and out of breath. My own fault really (just had to schedule a class before) but please permit me to blame the rain and the Northern for an inopportune major delay. However, I was able to catch some final songs of the Dead Dads Club set after a much needed run up to the bar upstairs for a classy cup of tap water. Definitely added Dog Race and Dead Dads Club to my list to try to see again.

In-between sets we were greeted by a montage of Johnny Cash and Perry Como. I was instantly transported to a mix between playing Fallout and my grandmother’s living room. A nostalgic and calming pre-setting to the brilliant chaos that awaited us. Jumping back to the present, I took my spot just beyond the barrier and on what I knew was the outer rim of the pit.

SPRINTS made their way to the stage opening with ‘Something’s Gonna Happen’ off their new album All That Is Over. Looking at the faces moving within the center of the pit, they were all waiting for “it” to happen. Amid cheers at the end of the song, the sound shifted to the heavy guitar riff of ‘Descartes’ and the moshers awakened.

Only two songs in and there were already people surfing. The band didn’t have to command participation, it was inherent. Usually there’s a distinct barrier between those who want to be in the mosh pit and those who don’t. But this was the first gig I’ve ever been to where the ENTIRE floor was moshing, including the three older ladies behind me. They were arguably the most passionate moshers of the night. I even heard them telling off two young guys for talking about the FA Cup during a slower moment in the set. “We’re not here for football, we’re here for the music.” I think those two guys joined the pit out of fear of disappointing the three ladies.

I’m not usually one to join the mosh but I decided to have my moment (taking a safer spot next to the older ladies) during ‘Up And Comer,’ when the enigmatic punk band from Dublin, called the crowd together for a “circle of death.” Unlike the ones I had witnessed back in the States, this one felt different and I think it was a testament to what SPRINTS embodies: uplifting collectivism and community.

SPRINTS frontwoman, Karla Chubb, put it beautifully during the show, “The world needs art and music.” Despite whatever darkness or problems that tend to exist in our world, humans need connection and access to art. Apparently we need mosh pits as well. A community can be built around throwing yourselves against each other, but it does help when you are led by a band like SPRINTS. So when given the opportunity, throw yourself into the music and get to moshing.

Chubb even joined the crowd a few times as testament to the band’s ethos. Finishing the night, surfing the crowd, all the while asking to be taken to the bar where the band was to finish the night with pints and a DJ set.