Making Friends + Wimp + Meet You There

Next Friday, 27th February, The Hope & Ruin on Queens Road is hosting a night centred around melodic skate punk. The main feature for the evening is Making Friends, a band that has been touring across the UK and Europe and is now bringing their debut album, Fine Dying, to a local stage. Organised by Full Fat Promotions, the event is scheduled to run from 19:30 until 23:00, fitting into that window of time before the late-night venues take over. It’s an 18+ show, so you’ll need to have ID handy at the door of the venue at 10-12 Queens Road.

The lineup is fairly extensive for a single evening, as Making Friends are joined by Wimp and Meet You There, along with All Better and Is This OK. This collection of bands leans into a specific sound—fast, melodic, and slightly unconventional punk. Making Friends often describe their music as being well-suited for people with short attention spans, which usually translates to short, high-energy sets without much filler. Having five bands on the bill suggests a fairly quick rotation throughout the night, keeping the momentum going from the first set at half-past seven.

In terms of the practical side, tickets are priced between £7.00 and £7.50 depending on where you pick them up. It’s a straightforward price point for a five-band bill in the centre of Brighton. The Hope & Ruin is a well-known spot for these types of gigs, located just a short walk from the station, which is useful if you're coming in from slightly further out or heading home right after the 23:00 finish. Since the band is focusing on their first full-length release, the setlist will likely be heavy on the new material from Fine Dying, giving a clear idea of where their sound has settled after their recent time on the road.