Parish, the iconic institution of a gig venue in Huddersfield, is pretty something. So is the 1987-formed Bradford band, Terrorvision. 

Although they originally went under a different monicker, they evolved to play under that name from 1991, and went on to deservedly bag a Kerrang! Award for Best Newcomer in 1984, plus 13 Top 40 singles. The latter would’ve carried even more weight during their earlier career, too, as rock music was certainly celebrated far wider than in this pop-led day and age. 

After turning up somewhat prematurely, I had the pleasure of enjoying hearing Terrorvision’s soundcheck commencing upstairs, a cheeky half-pint in hand. Friday feels pre-gig, you know? A mix of monochromes, painted murals and white tiles down in the bar greeted me. An old-school chandelier hung in the middle as I walked into the entrance. The digs were grand but grungy, and a slice of perfection for rockers. 

Terrorvision’s show sold out without haste, and they’d invited just one support slot; fellow Bradfordians, Wolforna. This marked the four-piece’s biggest opener to date, in terms of headliner rock pedigree and history. And, as always, their effortless talent shone through and dazzled. 

Between their romping ‘Something Missing’ opener and the beastly guitar tone on ‘22 Degrees & Sunny’, Wolforna immediately positioned themselves as seriously worth people’s time. The ticket-wielding crowd members hadn’t wasted a minute in getting right up front in readiness for a gig that begged their undivided attention. Frontman Jack’s powerful vocal output gave every song its rightful, razor-sharp edge, all while the lights predominantly glowed blue to denote a new phase for them, like painters. The quad also leant into an excellent use of drum-led transitions with just a bit of bass resonance — another knack that kept engagement and drove those whoops and cheers. It had been their first foray into Hudds gigging, but that wasn’t apparent; they had the room like putty in their hands as they demoed a few new tunes.

The funkiness of ‘Zombie Knife’ broke up the pace but injected a real freshness. Though, before long, their 35-minute set had wrapped with the blistering ‘Break You’. I listened intently around the venue to hear what praise was given to the lads, and it was abundant. Special shout-out to the group who also referred to drummer Theo as “dressing gown man”. A compliment that the kimono-donned tub-thumper gladly received.

To quote Tony himself, Terrorvision were “shit hot” at their much-anticipated show celebrating 20 years of Parish. Devout fans of all ages had poured out and filled the bar from about 4:30pm onwards, and you could tell many had clearly followed the band for decades. Some fantastic, cherished old Terrorvision tees were sported. Yet, of course the same fans were going to buy the Run DMC-style Terrorvision shirts made just for the gig. A no-brainer! They did look class. 

The bouncy energy of the entire band could’ve been a standalone advert for Duracell. It was a masterclass in “proper music” you could “clap your hands to”, if they did allude to it themselves. They also made the point that their set was studded with classics from the last millennium, too, rather than simply being newer anthems. But, however long they’d been around, few mouths in the room couldn’t sing along to every word. It was such an infectious show; a real party, as ‘Friends & Family’ aptly confirmed. 

Truthfully, Terrorvision put on a production. That’s really the best way to sum it up. Backing vocals and trumpets added depth, excitement and ska-tinged layers, and the only band member who was relatively reserved in movement was their drummer — but only out of instrumental obligations! Their bassist’s expressive faces? Sensational. The event was loose, wavy, vibrant, and everything I’d wanted from my first live Terrorvision experience. Despite my personal favourite being the mighty ‘Lucifer’, faces around me were torn between choosing — belters came left, right and centre in the forms of ‘My House’, ‘Baby Blue’, ‘D’Ya Wanna Go Faster’, ‘American T.V.’, ‘Alice What’s the Matter?’, and so many hits. Nobody could deny a boogie during ‘Magic’ or the iconic ‘Tequila’ either, obviously. 

As a super-professional outfit with all the credentials you could want from a rock band, Terrorvision smashed it. What an absolute pleasure to be there as press. 

With thanks to Parish for the press access. 

Bonus shots from Towers Film and Media to follow.