To be as good (if not better) than their predecessors is certainly an achievement. I caught them on the London date of their UK tour with fellow-Americans Ceremony, where they played a furious set at The Peel. However, despite a large following and the almost cult status of lead-singer Dan Yemin, it was another band that most people were anticipating; The Steal. This was to be their last ever show from a band who for the past few years have been at the forefront of UK hardcore, with two of the best albums about growing up and friendship ever to come out of this country. The Steal will be missed by anyone who has ever seen or listened to them and it was appropriate that their last show would be in their home-town of Kingston.

Also appropriate was that Southampton based Our Time Down Here opened the night, as they owe so much to The Steal with whom they share a very similar sound and ethos. With a new album out this month they played a lot of new material as well as classics off their debut EP. Our Time Down Here haven’t quite reached the level of The Steal but with some large tour support slots and a debut album out they’re a band to watch for in 2010.

Next up were Ceremony, who took an earlier slot than normal so that The Steal could play higher up the order. Ceremony seem like the result of giving instruments to some very angry mental patients – the singer was incomprehensible most of the time and spent most of the set rolling around the floor or throwing himself at people. Unfortunately their fans followed suit and created as much of a spectacle as the band. If the set didn’t require acute senses to avoid flailing arms, legs and whole people then it may have been more enjoyable and the band can’t be faulted for an impressive display of emotion.

The Steal brought some community feeling back to the show with their brand of positive hardcore; they played every song they know and the whole room sang every song back at them word for word. Crowd surfing, human pyramids and witty banter were all present, but there was also a hint of melancholy in the air that this was the last time and it certainly felt like the end of an era. I’ve seen The Steal a lot of times and although they’ve never disappointed – the atmosphere made this the best yet. The Steal have left a big hole to fill and will be sorely missed.

Stepping in to break the wave of sadness that filled the room when The Steal were carried off stage, the charismatic Dan Yemin finished off the evening with his current band, Paint It Black. A long time punk rock legend, Yemin survived a stroke and launched himself straight back into hardcore – a supporter of any positive campaign he spoke his mind throughout the set and encouraged everyone to get involved. It’s hard not to love Dan Yemin and his latest band shredded it like nothing else. A collection of older songs and most of their latest album, New Lexicon, satisfied everyone’s needs, my personal favourite being ‘Shell Game Redux’. Paint It Black played a blinding set and are a treat for anyone to see; even if you’re not into the genre they put on an incredible show.