For the beloved Aussie rock stars, whose ambitious ‘Sword To A Gunfight’ tour is bringing their dancey post punk to the masses, the Metro Theatre in the heart of the city was the perfect venue. Moodily lit and packed with rabid fans, or ‘Colliders’ as they’re affectionately known, there is no doubt that it will be a very good night.
Local boys Palms get the crowd into the spirit with their sweet and simple indie rock. This tour will surely do big things for the band and it’s clearly determined to run with the opportunity: the highlight being the perfectly executed ‘Summer Is Done With Us’.
In no time at all the stage was again alive with Deep Sea Arcade, who seemed equally determined to satisfy the frenzied fans. After some sound balance issues in the first few songs the band finished strongly, with vocalist Nic Mackenzie prowling around the stage, demanding the crowd’s attention. His vocals, sounding almost British in parts, soared easily through golden oldie ‘Don’t Be Sorry’ and fresh tracks off the band’s new album. This album, released just a few days prior to the show, was of course shamelessly promoted but why not? Deep Sea Arcade definitely sold it to the fans with a tight, unique sound that engaged just about everybody in the room.
Somehow, the Metro takes intimacy to another level when Children Collide finally takes the stage. They also have a new album out, but it seems that everyone here has already heard it, every song is screamed along to. Johnny Mackay showed his ridiculous amount of talent, working the crowd like a master while leading the boys through an intense and perfected set. They’ve been doing it for years and it’s apparent, providing just enough spontaneity and fun to keep things fresh while tightly pumping through the big songs ‘Jelly Legs’ and ‘Farewell Rocket Ship’, the latter bringing down the house with an eerily chanted sing along. With the news of his departure, Ryan Caesar must be specially acknowledged; his energy and ferocity on the drums definitely propelled the band’s live show to extraordinary heights and he’ll definitely be missed.
From dirty rock to boys in vintage suits, this show managed to do it all. It was a purely fun night, filled with good music and good-natured people. Thanks Children Collide, Aussie rock may have found its saviour.
– Emma Pietruska
