Spiritbox review – Canadian metal ranges from gothic and guttural to Auto-Tune pop
SEC, Glasgow Singer Courtney LaPlante’s delivery typifies the tension between hard and soft in a confident show that could do with more gritAt tonight’s Spiritbox show, vocalist Courtney LaPlante addresses...
By Claire Biddles · The Guardian Culture
SEC, Glasgow Singer Courtney LaPlante’s delivery typifies the tension between hard and soft in a confident show that could do with more grit At tonight’s Spiritbox show, vocalist Courtney LaPlante addresses the anxiety and isolation of the Canadian band’s origins: “We grew up on Vancouver Island, far away from our dreams.” Now touring Europe in support of their acclaimed 2025 album Tsunami Sea , Spiritbox show no trace of these early struggles, delivering a confident, polished performance of anthemic metal. This UK tour follows a US run opening for nu-metal icons Evanescence, with whom they share a fascination with the musical tension between hard and soft – and in LaPlante, a compelling gothic frontperson. They share a flexible approach to genre with much contemporary metalcore, deftly incorporating elements of drum’n’bass, R&B and industrial music. Circle With Me has Running Up That Hill-esque drums and reverb-laden guitar. The EDM-inflected Crystal Roses doesn’t completely gel, but LaPlante’s Auto-Tuned vocals add an interesting new texture to the mix. Spiritbox are touring the UK until 19 September. Continue reading...