Periphery, Animals As Leaders @ 170 Russell, Melbourne (01/02/2014)
With only a short run of dates across Australia, progressive metal kings Periphery and Animals As Leaders were ending their trail of destruction in Melbourne. With a surprisingly not sold out show, I don’t think metal fans throughout could have picked two better bands to tour together.
With both bands having crossed paths at nearly every turn of their careers, and Periphery drummer Matt Halpern being the original drummer of Animals As Leaders, it was very easy to feel the strong connection between the bands and the fans.
Showcasing tracks off of both their official releases, and an untitled song off of their forthcoming album, Animals As Leaders completely blew their Melbourne fans away. With their fusion of jazz and progressive metal, complex polyrhythms, and constructive time signatures, it was impossible to not just stand back in amazement as the three piece refused to show any signs of struggle in the technicality of their songs.
The usual ‘head bop’ that comes naturally to any type of music is something that isn’t possible while listening to Animals As Leaders as it will only take about five seconds before you lose where you were, which is quite amusing watching people attempt to do I may add.
It’s a great experience being in an environment where everybody was there to simply watch a band perform instrumentally, especially with the talent that all three members of this band hold. After a very brief intermission, Periphery began with the opening track to their second official release Periphery II: This Time It’s Personal, with the joyful personalities of all the members instantly shining through their stage presence. Just like Animals As Leaders, Periphery’s complex polyrhythms and melodies are like no other, witnessing the layers of sound portrayed perfectly live like you are listening to the album is something that most musicians dream to be able to achieve in their careers.
Vocalist Spencer Sotelo’s mixing between vocal styles as if there was no struggle in his voice is something that truly makes this band shine out from the rest of up and coming artists trying to make a name for themselves. After feeling like the six piece had only played a few songs the show was already coming to a close. And as the fans chanted for one more song drummer Matt Halpern amusingly showed his talent on the kit jamming along to their chants until the rest of the members came out to play no other than Icarus Lives.
As much as all the die-hard fans would have liked them to bust out their 15 minute masterpiece of a song Race Car it seemed they were too strapped for time, however it was impossible not to leave the room feeling inspired by these musicians. Not only by their talents and skills showed on stage, but their humbleness and overall thankfulness shown off stage for the great fans that have always stuck by their side.
Scottie Simpson
With both bands having crossed paths at nearly every turn of their careers, and Periphery drummer Matt Halpern being the original drummer of Animals As Leaders, it was very easy to feel the strong connection between the bands and the fans.
Showcasing tracks off of both their official releases, and an untitled song off of their forthcoming album, Animals As Leaders completely blew their Melbourne fans away. With their fusion of jazz and progressive metal, complex polyrhythms, and constructive time signatures, it was impossible to not just stand back in amazement as the three piece refused to show any signs of struggle in the technicality of their songs.
The usual ‘head bop’ that comes naturally to any type of music is something that isn’t possible while listening to Animals As Leaders as it will only take about five seconds before you lose where you were, which is quite amusing watching people attempt to do I may add.
It’s a great experience being in an environment where everybody was there to simply watch a band perform instrumentally, especially with the talent that all three members of this band hold. After a very brief intermission, Periphery began with the opening track to their second official release Periphery II: This Time It’s Personal, with the joyful personalities of all the members instantly shining through their stage presence. Just like Animals As Leaders, Periphery’s complex polyrhythms and melodies are like no other, witnessing the layers of sound portrayed perfectly live like you are listening to the album is something that most musicians dream to be able to achieve in their careers.
Vocalist Spencer Sotelo’s mixing between vocal styles as if there was no struggle in his voice is something that truly makes this band shine out from the rest of up and coming artists trying to make a name for themselves. After feeling like the six piece had only played a few songs the show was already coming to a close. And as the fans chanted for one more song drummer Matt Halpern amusingly showed his talent on the kit jamming along to their chants until the rest of the members came out to play no other than Icarus Lives.
As much as all the die-hard fans would have liked them to bust out their 15 minute masterpiece of a song Race Car it seemed they were too strapped for time, however it was impossible not to leave the room feeling inspired by these musicians. Not only by their talents and skills showed on stage, but their humbleness and overall thankfulness shown off stage for the great fans that have always stuck by their side.
Scottie Simpson