I Can’t Believe It’s Not Better/Confyde/Seacide/Chain Man

Bear’s Bar, Bournemouth

In recent years, the wealth of local talent across a range of genres has started to blossom in our humble seaside scene, so it was hardly surprising that Bear Cave was in full bloom for Bournemouth’s own I Can’t Believe It’s Not Better’s “Congesting Your Brain” EP release show — a proper celebration that felt like the alternative community of the town coming together in force.

Opening proceedings were Chain Man, a young London-based two-piece who wasted no time diving straight into their set. Initial impressions were unfortunately lacking as an electric guitar drenched in reverb and delay muddied the room early on, with the accordion struggling to cut through the mix. However, once their accordion player unexpectedly jumped behind the kit, things snapped into focus. Edgy guitars and frantic energy drove the set forward, but as a two-piece their sound would benefit from more low-end (by splitting the guitar frequency between a guitar and bass cab). There’s something excitingly loose about Chain Man — they rotate instruments, flirt with experimental ideas and occasionally feel like they’re one step away from everything collapsing – in a good way. Think Courtney Barnett with influences pulled from Catfish and the Bottlemen and Nirvana. A fire alarm going off mid-set, tuning issues and even a forgotten capo only added to the chaos! With a little refinement and more focus on song craft over instrumental fluctuation, this talented duo could really be onto something.

Next up were Seacide (pronounced see-ah-side), who hit Bear Cave like a wrecking ball. Familiar metal riffs collided with Hardcore Punk ferocity, creating a wall of noise that immediately sparked the rabble rousers in the crowd. Their sound clearly pulls from classic Metal while keeping things raw, fast and confrontational. Commanding vocals ripped through tracks that felt slightly unhinged but undeniably powerful. Between songs, the band spoke passionately about issues like damage to Poole Harbour, fox hunting and religious brainwashing — messages that landed with conviction. At times, there were hints of early System of a Down, especially when the drums doubled in speed and the grooves became almost hypnotic. A bit more dynamic variation wouldn’t go amiss, but the crowd were fully locked in — especially when Seacide invited them to shout lyrics back with rising intensity.

Confyde followed and completely shifted the gear of the evening. Frontman Martin owned the stage from the outset, commanding the room as the band sunk their teeth into the huge riff of “Scalper”. The band’s dynamics are perfectly dialled in, as they shift assertively between Nu-Metal heft, progressive Opeth-esque passages and moments of soaring, technical guitar work reminiscent of Jon Gomm. Unreleased track “Superpowers” showcased Martin’s impressive vocal range and emotional depth — a song about embracing life’s brighter moments that somehow sounds like Justin Timberlake after a Mastodon binge. Their haunting cover of “C’est la Vie” also proved its worth, winning over new listeners instantly. With members of ICBINB stepping in on guitar and bass immaculately with just two weeks’ notice, the performance was even more impressive. Confyde might be a niche band, but when they find their audience, they won’t be going anywhere.

Headliners I Can’t Believe It’s Not Better closed the night with a no-nonsense, high-impact set that felt like a victory lap. Pounding riffs reminiscent of Soft Play collided with the raw intensity of Gallows; while shrill, biting vocals were balanced by soaring harmonies. Gang-vocal choruses turned the intimate venue into one huge singalong, especially during tracks tackling everything from the cost of living crisis — with tongue firmly in cheek — to vaping habits and overcoming alcohol addiction. There’s a sinister edge to their riffs at times, but it’s often offset by euphoric moments and comedic lyrics that lift the room. The band played with grit, conviction and a clear sense of purpose and the crowd gave that energy straight back.

This wasn’t just an EP release — it was an elated celebration of a local band with serious promise. Congesting Your Brain might be the name of their record, but by the end of the night it was the hearts of many that had been well and truly won.

Links
https://www.facebook.com/p/I-Cant-Believe-Its-Not-Better-61575038116982
https://www.instagram.com/chainman_band
https://www.instagram.com/seacidebandswhc
https://www.instagram.com/confydemusic

Words by George Fullerton