PHILADELPHIA rockers The Menzingers ruled the stage on the first stop of their UK tour in Southampton.

The band kicked off their set with an explosive rendition of instant classic Tellin’ Lies. It took about two minutes for a young crowd surfer to take off as the audience lapped up the band’s energy.

Revellers spat back every word that was unloaded on them by a band truly on the top of their game. Songs from albums On the Impossible Past and Rented World blended seamlessly with the newer additions to the bands’ repertoire as dual lead singers Greg Barnett and Tom May strived to outdo each other with each passing song. Highlights included Lookers, The Obituaries, Meg and Div and the understated Rodent.

Ruairi McNicholas