Walking up the stately staircase of Melbourne’s Town Hall, there’s an overwhelming feeling that this Karnivool show is going to be something quite unique. The venue choice is not a common one, but one that becomes obvious once the size of the band’s gigantic banner and lighting rig becomes visible.
Unfortunately ultra-slow moving lines to get into the venue rob Karnivools tour invitee’s Northlane of the crowd attendance that they deserve, but the young band perform to a high level of conviction which highlights their professionalism.
While stylistically different to the headlining act, Northlane connect with the more metal-inclined fans in the room and the tight-packed crowd at the front passionately headbang throughout the short set.
Versatile frontman Adrian Fitipaldes humbly cites his appreciation of an opportunity to play with the Perth prog-rock stalwarts before launching into their penultimate performance of Discoveries heavyweight “Dispossession” which is well-received. However, it’s the progressive tour de force of “Dream Awake” that truly hits home with Karnivool fans.
Following a short intermission, the lights dim and taped instrumental title track from Karnivool’s brand new Tone Deaf approved album Asymmetry is played to the audience. Guitarist Drew Goddard adds a live element to the recording, playing some heavily distorted chords as the rest of the band take to the stage, each member to an individual applause.
The jarring dissonance of Asymmetry’s “A.M. War” is the first taste of an early barrage of Karnivool’s heavier compositions. “Themata” is unleashed early, and hundreds of fans add their voices to Ian Kenny’s towards a deafening result. A frenzied moshpit is initiated in the centre of the room for the more enthusiastic punters, and does little to diminish for the remainder of the show.
The robot-like vocoder effect of Kenny’s vocals in “Nachash” is significantly more robotic in a live setting which together with his highly unique dance-moves helps generate some appreciative laughter throughout the audience.
When the bass drops at the start of the song, the whole room vibrates, which almost certainly rattles a few screws out of the Town Hall’s roof. The historic venue is well suited to Karnivool’s bass-heavy performance and the high ceiling combined with the band’s monstrous lighting rig make the scope of the performance feel larger than ever before.
Themata opener “C.O.T.E” is brought out of hibernation for a well received performance before fans get their first taste of Sound Awake with the crushing grooves and angsty lyrics of “Goliath.”
Fan-favourite “Shutterspeed” end’s the Vool’s hard-hitting assault and gets singing voices warmed up as the band move towards a pair of triple j curated singles. “We Are” is simply beautiful to watch and the introspective lyrics connect deeply with an attentive audience, particularly impressive considering the short amount of time that the single has been on airwaves. This connection is maintained for popular Sound Awake track “All I Know” before a lengthy 12-minute journey through “Deadman” divides the hardcore fanbase from the casual, as many of the latter sneak out to grab a drink.
“The Last Few” is enjoyable, but doesn’t quite command attention as effectively as it’s Asymmetrical predecessors. “The Refusal”, however, does. When the song was unveiled to live audiences two years ago, fans stood awkward and unmoving. Now, with a recording to go with the aural assault, the springy wooden floors of the town hall were double-bouncing people as the front half of the crowd erupted into a sea of chaotic movement.
Bass player Jon Stockman’s effort to add his forceful heavy vocals to the mix is particularly admiral, considering the rhythmic complexity of his unfaltering basswork. The heavier momentum is retained for “Set Fire To The Hive” in which buzzing instrumental bridges and violent crowd participation combine to construct a vivid soundscape of an angry wasp nest. Kenny also takes the second verse up an octave which adds to the live spectacle.
“New Day” receives the singalong it deserves as Kenny delivers his most chilling vocal performance of the night. Following a haunting performance of “Alpha Omega”, the band take a breather before returning with Asymmetry highlight “Aeons.”
Given the song’s length and newness, there were a few blank faces throughout the crowd and one or two intermittent cries for “Roquefort” from the stands, which does put a slight damper on the vibe for the setlist closer. However, the ethereal tune is portrayed beautifully in a live setting, and is sure to become a staple live track.
Karnivool are a band who Australia are very lucky to be able to put claim to, and deliver a sensory experience unique from any other band. The venue was brilliant, the sound was exceptional and the performers were stupendous, which collectively made this live show one of the best that Melbourne has seen all year.
