Live Review : Sourflake + Rentboy + Liability @ K1, Liverpool on July 22nd 2026

Hidden away from the glare of the mainstream, not only does Liverpool have a vibrant underground metal and punk scene, but within that there is non-conformity in the heart of non-conformity in the shape of a pulsating LGBT metal and punk scene that is very much out, loud and proud. Tonight’s free show in the nirvana of K1 showcases three of the cities most predominate acts, that just so happen to have LGBTQ+ members.

Openers Liability are simultaneously vicious and vociferous. They display a confident air, and even when things fail to go their way, they retain their professionality. Their singer struggles with ill-health for most of the show but soldiers on impressively. The rest of the band admirably pick up the slack and pull together in a mash-up of interconnected styles.

Rent Boy are also all over the shop when it comes to style and substance. Essentially, this is Funk punk with a rhythm section that knows heavy like the back of their hands. Fuelled by addictive grooves and winding moves, Rent Boy feel like a powerhouse of reggae-fuelled anger directed at whichever target dares to stand in front of them. It is a veritable melting pot of genres, with blues, funk, punk, pop, and metal all found in its DNA. The bass player’s war pedal and distinct sound is reminiscent of early Mr Bungle tracks. And similar to Mike Patton’s legendary outfit there are lots of dynamics in the tracks, with the band really aware of how to grip audiences. It is a maelstrom of loud, quiet, soft, heavy, and everything in between. The vocalist ends the night voguing, very fitting for the night’s theme of queer expression. 

Headliner Sourflake send the room into a frenzy of pushes, two steps, and whirlwinds from the get go. Like the preceding acts they take influences from everything under the sun and meld them together into a hypnotic hyperbole. Their message is simple “Fight back and stand up for what you believe in”. Having been active since 2022 they have already shared stages with punk legends such as The Menstrual Cramps, The Restarts and Subhumans, as well as playing Blackpool’s own Rebellion Festival. There is something inherently infectious about what they do, not only do the crowd dance but the band does too. They manage to be effortlessly fun, which is all you can ask for on a Tuesday night. It may not be obvious to the naked eye but the Liverpool scene is wearing its pride on its sleeve and ensuring that it is effectively using heavy music to parade its individuality. Fabulous evening. 

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Sourflake + Rentboy + Liability

Writer : Owen Burgess
Photographer : Ben Edwards