Children Collide @ TheAnnandale Hotel, Sydney(21/11/08)

Mon 24th Nov, 2008 in Gig Reviews

CHECK OUT ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE SHOW HERE.

For me, this gig sealed the deal. Children Collide have officially weaved their way into my musical likings. Back in September, my Children Collide cherry was popped at Oxford Art Factory. There was much hype surrounding the Melbourne three-piece, but for me, they just didn’t hit the spot. Following this was the release of their debut album The Long Now and a support slot on The Living End’s Australian tour. Being the devoted TLE fan that I am, I caught two shows – Sydney and Melbourne. Hence, two more servings of Children Collide.

On the verge of being converted to a fully fledged Children Collide enthusiast, I arrived to the Annandale Hotel surprised at the eclectic crowd that filled the sold-out venue. Supporting acts Traps and Ben Ely’s Radio 5 were enough to keep the crowd occupied, but it was clear that everyone was anxiously awaiting the main attraction.

10:40pm rolled around and it was standing room only. Children Collide entered the room and demanded the attention of everyone present. Album opener Across The Earth and We Live In Fear launched us full-throttle into their set. Their onstage musical pandemonium is such a treat to watch. Whether it be bassist Heath Crawley’s power stances and hair flicks, drummer Ryan Caesar’s supersonic beats or frontman Johnny Mackay’s unpredictable behaviour, their onstage chemistry is undeniably fascinating.

Children Collide’s boisterous brand of rock continued throughout the evening with Skeleton Dance, Chosen Armies and Cannibal standing out strongly. For a band just beginning to play big shows to decent crowds, I was so impressed to see their diverse fan base embracing CC as a whole. No songs were left unnoticed, unsung or un-danced.

The boys seemed to be overwhelmed at the intensely positive vibe the crowd was exuding. Mackay even urged our very own FL photographer to capture the moment on film. “Mikey, can you please get a photo of this just in case it never happens again?”

Goodbye Fellowship signaled that the end was near. Being one of their more overtly melodic pieces, it particularly highlights Johnny’s strengthening vocals. Plus he had a room full of fans backing him up. “You guys were so cute singing that!” complimented Mackay.

Their debut single Social Currency was the final addition to the enthralling set. This was undisputedly the climax of the evening, with not one body in the room stationary. If that wasn’t enough, the boys continued with an instrumental piece to close the set completely. After the last note was played, there was a collective sigh in the room as the entire audience was hanging breathlessly on their every move.

Children Collide tick every box when it comes to putting on a mean rock – œn’ roll show. After reviewing CC for the first time, some may have thought I was a tad harsh. Although I am definitely cheering for the Melbournian rock outfit now, I stand by what I said previously. Their live sets are brilliant, but I believe they have so much more to come musically. Brace yourselves, we are still yet to hear their best.