Playing their second show in 24 hours, Title Fight lit up a packed out Annandale Hotel on Sunday afternoon.
Kicking off the early afternoon of passion filled mayhem, Western Sydney locals Yo Put That Bag Back On proved that they deserved to be supporting their melodic hardcore idols.
With a tight set that included a number of debuts from their self-titled EP, a dedication to lead singer Camilo Zannoni’s mother, and a cheeky Latterman cover towards the end, the strong reaction they got from the crowd was more than warranted.
Following on from Yo Put That Bag Back On, Title Fight’s partners in their national tour, Luca Brasi, dialled it back a little in the best possible way. Despite a few technical difficulties, they pulled off heavy riffs and longing cries for their beloved Tasmania with a smile, providing no end of delight to the diehards in the front row.
Set highlights included ‘Southbound’ and ‘Theme Song From HQ’, which really showcased the passion that their obviously dedicated fans were out to see.
In the minutes leading up to Title Fight’s set, the band’s followers seemed to appear from everywhere. Keeping it low key with their opener, ‘Head In A Ceiling Fan’, they exploded into their second track, ‘Leaf’ (also from 2012’s Floral Green) to the ecstasy of the large crowd.
From that moment on, it was all go. Lead singer Jamie Rhoden’s ability to dodge the ever-growing number of stage divers while delivering passionate, anguished cries – not to mention his humble yet upbeat interaction with the audience – was a constant source of entertainment. It really made it feel as if the band needed the crowd as much the crowd needed them.
The highlight of the set was easily ’27’, from 2011’s Shed. A roar ran through the animated crowd as it was announced, spurring those at the back of the Annandale to charge forward and join their fellow fans in pressing in close and echoing the band’s lyrics straight back at them.
As much as the bands on show were the attraction, the crowd played more than their part in making the show the terrific spectacle it was. Continuing to catch stage divers time after time and never stopping singing or tearing the pit up, they really reflected the raw emotion and dedication of the acts they were there to support.
In the end, the dimly lit and pretty rundown Annandale Hotel was the perfect venue for the gig in question. Much like those in attendance, it was a bit elegantly dishevelled, but what it lacked in polish, it made up for in pure, unbridled passion.
All the bands on Sunday were top notch, but based on the performance that Title Fight gave, it feels like it won’t be long before we welcome them to our shores once more.
