Soundwave @ Showgrounds,Melbourne (27/02/09)

Mon 2nd Mar, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Judging by the numbers attending the Soundwave festival in Melbourne, it appears to have been a monumental success for the organisers and alternative music fans, who are not often exclusively catered for at other open-air gigs offered during the summer.

The event covers for all sorts of music genres (metal, hardcore, screamo, industrial, post punk just to name a few) and fans of these had certainly come out of the woodwork at the prospect of an all day alternative music event and a three day weekend.

Following recent refurbishment, the showgrounds were in pristine condition for hosting the event and every type of service (stages, cloakroom, food, bars etc) was easy to find. The only drawback with the logistics of festivals like these that are run in Australia is the wristband/coupon system for bar service. While there was a bar to the side of the main stages, surely there has to be a better way for punters to have a drink and watch the bands that they have paid to see without looking through an eight foot mesh fence.

All of the attendees were blessed with a huge choice of bands to see and this punter focussed mainly on Stage 4 (which had a metal/metalcore theme) and the main stages.

Kicking things off on Stage 4 were All That Remains, a five piece outfit that hail from the fertile metalcore grounds of Massachusetts. Vocalist Philip Labonte (previously of Shadows Fall) added a nice touch by flying a Victorian state flag upon entry to the stage. Following last year’s release of their most recent studio album, Overcome, ATR have been touring extensively and have won over many fans with their melodic yet brutal style. The live show was amazing and stand out tracks included Not Alone, The Air That I Breathe and title track of the new album Overcome. The band requested the formation of the first of many circle pits that were common in the Stage 4 area. It was chaotic and fascinating at the same time to see how Melbourne punters were able to match it with the rest of the world in the ranks of circle pit abilities.

Following on from ATR were fellow Massachusetts locals Unearth, a pioneering metalcore outfit that have made the trek to Australia’s shores several times in recent years. During their show (and for several later acts) there were technical problems with part of the guitar sound. Regardless of these issues, their live energy and drive are something to behold. Stand out tracks included My Will Be Done, Sanctity of Brothers, Crow Killer and The Great Dividers off their critically acclaimed second studio album, The Oncoming Storm.

Next up on stage 4 were Florida based metalcore outfit Evergreen Terrace followed by Every Time I Die. Due to clashes with other scheduled acts, I had to leave the relative familiarity of the Stage 4 area for the main stages to see my most anticipated act of the day.

New Jersey based mathcore pioneers The Dillinger Escape Plan blasted their way through a live set that was absolutely oozing with energy. Their live show has always been the stuff of legend and I remember the first time I saw them and couldn’t believe how energetic and out of control they were. The set at soundwave was no exception and commenced with chaotic scenes of the guitarists jumping off stacks and flipping their guitars around their necks. They have an amazing ability for playing off time, up tempo live shows. Founding guitarist (and only original member) Ben Weinman was plagued with technical problems with his equipment and was visibly frustrated at not being able to play his instrument unimpeded. Notwithstanding the technical issue, the stand out tracks were Lurch and Weekend Sex Change.

Back to Stage 4 to catch Alaskan based metallers 36 Crazy Fists. The highlight of this set was the ‘wall of death’ instigated by vocalist Brock Lindow, much to the delight of the revved up crowd. Apparently while this was happening, there were some crazy crowd-pleasing antics being displayed by The Bloodhound Gang (I heard something about a bottle of Jagermeister, vomit and regurgitation but cannot confirm or deny these reports).

Next up were Californian based metal outfit Devil Driver featuring former Coal Chamber vocalist Dez Fafara who made a touching tribute to our state’s recent tragic events mid set. There were a few issues sound wise and it seemed that there weren’t many bands on Stage 4 that could complete their set without having some form of sound problem. The stand out track for DD was Before the Hangman’s Noose although a surprise omission was arguably their most well known track Hold Back The Day.

Amongst the overdriven guitars, circle pits, breakdowns and hardcore vocals, it was great to witness the more subtle talent of Alice in Chains, having recently landed on Australian shores with new singer William DuVall. Their previous show in Melbourne in 1993 had been a disaster with late frontman Layne Staley greeting fans with the words – œHello Sydney’ and the band only completing two full songs before leaving the stage. A lot of people had questioned the ability of DuVall to replicate Staley’s distinctive vocal ability however, potential critics were silenced as soon as DuVall had sung his first note. While the whole set was enjoyable, the standouts would have to be the closing two tracks. The sublime yet haunting Would was followed by their most successful single Rooster. During each all of the punters watching were enthusiastically adding their voices and it was a truly uplifting moment to see the songs so well received.

While not a huge Nine Inch Nails fan, I was anticipating the live show and it didn’t disappoint. The massive array of stage lights that had been set up all day but rarely used were incorporated with great effect with each of the tracks played. It was a great final act for the festival with punters enjoying milder weather conditions and a star-studded sky contrasted with the bright lights and industrial music stylings of the headliners. Front man Trent Reznor was in fine form and the live sound was probably the best of all acts that I saw on the day. The stand out track for their set would have to be March of the Pigs.

Following this it was time to pull up the proverbial stumps and make the trek out of the showgrounds with all of the other weary festival goers after an awesome day of live music. All up this was a great event and looks set to become a regular fixture in the Melbourne festival schedule for years to come.

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