For those who are unaware, Laura is a Melbourne-based post-rock band who, despite having released two EPs, three LPs and a live compilation, still aren’t as big as they deserve to be. Their ability to create songs that feature a perfect blend of noise and melody layered under touching lyrics are currently heard by few, and it was those few who showed up to Adelaide’s Jive bar in expectation that the sextet would put on one of the greatest shows seen in South Australia this year.
Believe it, Laura did not disappoint.
The night started out with self-proclaimed post-metal band Spin the Atlas. With one vocalist producing screams akin to black metal and the other producing replications of La Dispute-style vocals, they managed to grab the attention of everyone in the humble crowd. Though it was only their second show, they played as if it was their fiftieth, leaving the crowd in awe of their displays of raw talent and stage presence.
Up next was one more well-known local band – The Killbot Factory. A slight change to the previous set, this quartet fused a more hardcore approach with a synthesizer, effectively changing the nature of their sound from its suggested metal aspect, and more towards that of a hard rave sound. Their unrivalled energy and matching visceral sound showed everyone around them that they were undoubtedly worthy of the lead opening spot for the night.
Finally, with the six members positioning themselves on stage, Laura was ready to go. Keyboardist Nathan Biggin triggering the opening sample from their latest album, Twelve Hundred Times, led to their first song of the night – “Visitor”. Bassist Andrew Yardley and lead guitarist Andrew Chalmers switched singing roles throughout while all other members played their instruments with stellar skill. Laura, more than itching to play new material, directly followed this by playing the hard-hitting “Glint” and lead single “This Grey Earth”, both from the new record.
There was seldom a quiet moment, as Laura are well known for their underlying atmosphere. This atmosphere, controlled entirely by Biggin’s vast range of pads and instruments, had the audience intrigued, enchanting the venue throughout their set.
Following their spur of latest material, they went for a more nostalgic approach by playing their major single “I Hope” from their previous LP. This marked the point where said attendees who had not yet experienced Twelve Hundred Times began to feel entranced. For those who had, it marked where they were at the peak of their captivation.
With a now completely hooked crowd, the over-emotional “Every Light” soon followed. Highlight not only how tight the group was, but how well just six instruments can fuse together to create a sound that is more heart-wrenching and emotionally intense than any phrase that has ever, or will ever, be uttered in human life.
Laura brought an incredibly strong setlist to Jive bar, and aside from some issues with the microphone hissing , they managed to maintain the post-rock vibe throughout the entire set without fail.
– Tom Gaffney
