Hands Like Houses, Forever Ends Here, Far Away Stables, Breakaway @ The Bald Faced Stag, Sydney (21/09/2014)
What the Bald Faced Stag may lack in capacity compared to our larger venues, it does compensate with opportunity and a deregulation of the rules that usually inhibit the fun that can be held at gigs.
As fans prepared themselves for a combination of alternative, punk and pop rock, what they’d also experience is a better understanding of the bands they follow. Through the chance to have real, down to earth conversations with the people they adore. Make your way through the venue doors and you’d have Breakaway kicks things off in all their stylish rocking fashion. With a solid crowd venturing forward to get a better glimpse of the band, it’s no surprise why these boys started the night. |
Strong vocals maintain constant throughout each number played and weren’t in any way affected by the blaring guitars coming from either side of vocalist Sam Biland.
Ending with their recent single Invincible the new track provided hard hitting drum lines and an authoritative tone behind it that demanded the crowd to bounce along.
Next up Far Away Stables decided to crank up the attitude and tear apart the crowd. Speedy guitar playing and high screams encouraged the crowd to come in closer and even drew in the attention from the boys of Breakaway who joined the crowd during the set.
Throwing out a Sleeping With Sirens vibe, each track played also showed how versatile the band is, in terms of their sound and how they naturally slip into each track. When The Art Of Madness came around, the front of the crowd erupted with vigorous movements and leapt at any chance they could get to touch lead singer Brendan Sheargold. Slightly worn and exhausted from the performance, the band thanked the crowd for their energy and time before filing away backstage.
In between the breaks, it was refreshing to see how band members would just chill amongst the fans without any pressure to avoid them. Though the occasional punter may have approached a member for a photo or autograph, the general atmosphere was relaxed enough to not scare anyone away.
Soon arrived a band that had the ladies screaming for a good majority of their set, Forever Ends Here rocked up on stage ready to woo their adoring fans. Elevating the energy within the room, those who laid witness to the band could help to groove along to their catchy pop anthems. Especially when a cover of Jesse McCartney’s Beautiful Soul encouraged the crowd to sing (scream) along to this highlight of the set.
As very grateful artists, the boys continued to thank the crowd for their contribution to their success and mentioned that they couldn’t have survived financially without the support of their fans.
With all the hype built up, everyone was ready for the night’s main act Hands Like Houses. With such a rapid climb in the scene over the past two years it was no surprise that the band was met with relentless cheers and praises as they appeared.
With the set favoring new material such as Shapeshifters and Introduced Species it was interesting to see the higher production value present in their songs and the caliber it has been refined to compared to early demos back in their Unearth days.
Unfortunately, it seemed that Trenton suffered from strained vocal cords and was really evident as he pulled back from the more demanding notes evident in so many of their songs and even though Alexander and Joel raised their support as backing vocals. Neither could compare to the distinct nature of Trenton powerful voice.
Despite this, the band carried through and played an impressive set laced with synth breakdown, complex riffs and well-timed drumming that collectively make this band so unique in a scene that has been plagued by generic music.
Ending with as much vigor and projection the band could get from Trenton’s voice, Wisteria closed the night in a sea of diehard fans reaching to the front hoping they could carry the burden that Trenton took upon himself. Moments like this really solidify a band’s bond with their fans and I believe neither party will forget the intimacy created tonight.
Scott Singh
Ending with their recent single Invincible the new track provided hard hitting drum lines and an authoritative tone behind it that demanded the crowd to bounce along.
Next up Far Away Stables decided to crank up the attitude and tear apart the crowd. Speedy guitar playing and high screams encouraged the crowd to come in closer and even drew in the attention from the boys of Breakaway who joined the crowd during the set.
Throwing out a Sleeping With Sirens vibe, each track played also showed how versatile the band is, in terms of their sound and how they naturally slip into each track. When The Art Of Madness came around, the front of the crowd erupted with vigorous movements and leapt at any chance they could get to touch lead singer Brendan Sheargold. Slightly worn and exhausted from the performance, the band thanked the crowd for their energy and time before filing away backstage.
In between the breaks, it was refreshing to see how band members would just chill amongst the fans without any pressure to avoid them. Though the occasional punter may have approached a member for a photo or autograph, the general atmosphere was relaxed enough to not scare anyone away.
Soon arrived a band that had the ladies screaming for a good majority of their set, Forever Ends Here rocked up on stage ready to woo their adoring fans. Elevating the energy within the room, those who laid witness to the band could help to groove along to their catchy pop anthems. Especially when a cover of Jesse McCartney’s Beautiful Soul encouraged the crowd to sing (scream) along to this highlight of the set.
As very grateful artists, the boys continued to thank the crowd for their contribution to their success and mentioned that they couldn’t have survived financially without the support of their fans.
With all the hype built up, everyone was ready for the night’s main act Hands Like Houses. With such a rapid climb in the scene over the past two years it was no surprise that the band was met with relentless cheers and praises as they appeared.
With the set favoring new material such as Shapeshifters and Introduced Species it was interesting to see the higher production value present in their songs and the caliber it has been refined to compared to early demos back in their Unearth days.
Unfortunately, it seemed that Trenton suffered from strained vocal cords and was really evident as he pulled back from the more demanding notes evident in so many of their songs and even though Alexander and Joel raised their support as backing vocals. Neither could compare to the distinct nature of Trenton powerful voice.
Despite this, the band carried through and played an impressive set laced with synth breakdown, complex riffs and well-timed drumming that collectively make this band so unique in a scene that has been plagued by generic music.
Ending with as much vigor and projection the band could get from Trenton’s voice, Wisteria closed the night in a sea of diehard fans reaching to the front hoping they could carry the burden that Trenton took upon himself. Moments like this really solidify a band’s bond with their fans and I believe neither party will forget the intimacy created tonight.
Scott Singh