Hardcore is for Lovers: Incarnatus Headline a 5-Band Assault at The Spot
- jaybroderick
- Mar 2
- 3 min read
By: Michael Drukarsh
Newmarket, Ontario - I found myself back at The Spot on Saturday February 28 (which to be honest, might just become a monthly ritual for me), to witness Hardcore Is For Lovers.
The Spot gives off a very indie/DIY vibe but the bands that take the stage are far from the amateur garage bands working out their stuff. The five acts on the bill promised to deliver a night of hardcore punk to the intimate but very aggressively enthusiastic crowd.
Lasting Efforts
Up first was very avant-garde one-piece noise band Lasting Efforts. What felt like something from a 60s experimental music presentation from the likes of Frank Zappa, Lasting Efforts used a variety of pedals along with a mini handheld keyboard, microphone and computer to create soundscapes of prerecorded voices, feedback and various tones. Unfortunately the set was cut short due to some technical difficulties. While this may not have been everyone's cup of tea, it goes to show how welcoming The Spot is, giving artists of all genres a place to perform in an accepting community.
The Readys
Up next, The Readys, a local punk band that has been on the scene for almost 20 years. The Ready’s take a fun, almost lighthearted approach to their performance with songs about dad bods and cooking while still delivering a driving force of power that quickly whipped the fans into a frenzied pit. Lead vocalist Jarod Semple and guitarists Nicolo Orlando and Sean MacTaggart weren't afraid to get interactive themselves, joining the fray and slamming along with the audience that included the family members of the band. Bassist Michelle Cooney and drummer Dale Semple kept a low presence while delivering a breakneck beat that kept fans bouncing. Set finisher "Pints of Jager" was definitely the sing-along fan favourite.
Laser Mountain
Laser Mountain took to the stage with lead singer and guitarist Andrew Bartle wearing a snake skin dress shirt and matching vans, and guitarist Matt Leitch strapping on a flying V guitar. I thought for sure we were in for some vintage 80s rock. I was wrong! With a hint of Lemmy from Motorhead attitude, Bartle informed the audience that Laser Mountain is “Kinda angry and Loud”. And that they were! Using what looked like a combined 30 pedals, the guitar driven band tore through a set that saw Bartle screaming vocals with pure anger and power. Songs focusing on anti-commercialism along with their latest release "Snake" shook the walls of the Spot and definitely delivered on Bartle’s message.
The Hysterics
Led by guitaris and vocalist Laura DeRocchis, The Hysterics are a three piece band that includes The Spot owner and Coleslaw Boys drummer Mike Capobianco and bassist Nicolo who was doing double duty after taking the stage with The Readys earlier in the evening. The Hysterics are a powerhouse! Laura delivered a frantic high energy set that brought the dedicated fans to complete chaos. A large circle pit formed as The Hysterics belted out the tune "Fast and Slow" and then delivered a version of Talking Heads’ "Psycho Killer" at warp speed that had everyone screaming the chorus. Despite already going through a killer set earlier, Orlando never stopped moving, fingers flying up the frets and head banging constantly while Capobianco played with total abandon!
Incarnatus
Headlining the bill, Newmarket's own Incarnatus is a hardcore metal band that proudly calls The Spot home, being an in-house resident of the rehearsal studios. In search of a new lead singer, the lead guitarist Lenny did a phenomenal job taking on vocal duties. He, along with second guitarist Mark Carlos and a hard driving rhythm section, delivered a wickedly loud set that included "Entombed", "Break Point" and "Waiting to be Found". Despite coming on a little later than expected and performing to a very intimate crowd of loyal fans, closing your eyes and hearing Incarnatus play, you’d believe they were delivering their set in front of a sold out stadium.
Once again, The Spot and the bands on the bill delivered a very special night of hardcore music to the devoted fans in Newmarket and those coming from across York Region and beyond. An all ages event meant that those in attendance felt safe to truly let loose, banging their heads and moshing to the beautiful noise of pure hardcore punk!
Concert Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)
Show Date: February 28, 2026
Amazing shots, and such a great write up. Love it!