Architects
The hundreds that stood eagerly before the venue’s doors signified two things: Architects’ 2014 release Lost Forever // Lost Together has laid claim to ‘headliner’ status, following support tours first in 2009 and again in 2012, and that all hope of seeing Sydney-siders, Stories, was futile. The Hi-fi, one of Brisbane’s premier music venues, was packed from the start with Brisbane’s heavy scene excited to see a lineup full of depth.
California’s Being as an Ocean set the tone early with their signature sound, notable for their mix of melodic sounds with outbursts of aggression. Frontman Joel Quartuccio used every balustrade, barrier and mosh pit as an extension of his stage to channel his anxieties and emotions into manic release. The Hi-Fi faithful embraced Quartuccio as one of their own with notable crowd involvement on sing-a-longs like ‘The Hardest Part Is Forgetting Those You Swore You Would Never Forget’ and ‘Dear G-d’. While new guitarist Michael McGough’s clean vocals coexist perfectly with the screams, the instrumental sections are proof that there is a lot more to Being as an Ocean. Put simply, Being as an Ocean were worth the ticketed price alone, and the following bands were a bonus from that point. Quartuccio thanked those in the crowd that were not familiar with the band for coming to see their show, and after tonight’s performance its safe to say Being as an Ocean can finish their Australian tour assured that they are welcome back after the released of their new album in late 2015.
Fellow California based hardcore-punks Stick To Your Guns undoubtedly stole the show with one of the most passionate performances of recent memory. Opener “Nobody” mixed the familiar hardcore sounds with a booming chorus and positive message that the band wears as a badge of honour. Frontman Jesse Barnett led by example leaping around on stage and bellowing every pissed off lyric with tenacity, although his circle pit rallying may have been a little too ambitious for the confines of The Hi-Fi. That didn’t stop the crowd, however, from causing wall-to-wall chaos in response to hits such as “Amber”, “Diamond” and “What Choice Did You Give Us”. Stick to Your Guns insatiable ferocity on stage along with Barnett’s speech fit for a revolution makes it impossible not to embrace their message and leave the show inspired to be a better person.
Finally, it was time for the headline act to take the stage and play to a crowd who were already buzzing from stellar performances from the supporting acts. The British metalcore syndicate, Architects, were clearly embracing their new role as headliners, coming into the fore with more energy that was to be expected from a band fresh off seven shows in ten days. Further, it was no surprise that the set list was dominated by tracks off the critically acclaimed Lost Forever // Lost Together LP: the album that embraces the Brighton outfit’s heaviness and showcases their ability to write complex, emotive songs. The set was delivered with the same polish we can expect from a band at the top of their game with the highlights including ‘Castles In The Air’, ‘Naysayer’, ‘C.A.N.C.E.R.’, ‘Devil’s Island’ and ‘Early Grave’. Sam Carter’s vocals sounded particularly vicious and his sentimental dedication to hometown hero Joel Birch is not lost on the Queensland crowd. In all, the honest delivery and refined live show left the crowd with ears ringing and warmth in their hearts.
Written by Liam Head
Photography by Mitch Lowe