Soundwave @ Bonython Park,Adelaide (28/02/09)

Mon 2nd Mar, 2009 in Gig Reviews

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If last years Soundwave was for the kids, this years had much more to offer the older rocker. Whilst there was still plenty for the kids, acts such as Mike Herrera, Less Than Jake, Goldfinger, New Found Glory, Face to Face, Alice in Chains and Nine Inch Nails would have had the older concert goer, licking their lips. Soundwave has landed an extremely impressive line-up and catered to a great deal of music tastes, despite the dreaded economic downturn and other festivals failing to land big bands.

As I wandered down to Bonython Park I contemplated just how big the crowd would be. Adelaide has a terrible habit of complaining when we are missed out on tours while not supporting the few we get. However the black t-shirt army was out in force and if it wasn’t a sellout it would have been pretty close. The atmosphere around the park was great and those there were primed for what promised to be an action packed day of rock.

Although a bit more diverse in genres than last year, with over 40 bands across 5 stages, clashes were always going to be a problem and right from the start there was decisions to be made.

First on my hit list was Mike Herrera (of mxpx). After missing us on their last few tours, even if it wasn’t the full band and not electric, it was great to hear some live mxpx back in Adelaide. The highlight of the set for me was Last Slow Dance. Then after 25 minutess it was over, a way too short set, but I got the feeling that was going to be the theme of the day.

Then it was over to the main stage for some old school punk and ska action in the form of Less Than Jake followed by Goldfinger. LTJ were great, they put on an excellent show and their crowd interaction is as good as it gets – at one stage asking the crowd to run and ransack the nearby taco stand. Goldfinger also showed that punk aint dead and put on an awesome show including hits 99 Red Balloons and Superman.

Next up were one of my most anticipated acts of the day The Subways and they didn’t disappoint. After seeing them a couple of years ago at the Big Day Out I had been waiting their return with great expectation. Playing predominantly older songs, they showed why they are one of the best live acts going around and if there is a sexier bass player in music I would be very surprised. Wrapping their set up with Rock n Roll Queen it was all over too fast, hopefully a headlining tour is around the corner.

After a quick beer break it was back to the main stage for Christian hardcore act Underoath. The biggest crowd of the day had gathered on the main stage and the anticipation was high. After hearing rumours they might not make it to Adelaide it was good to see the boys on stage and deliver for the hungry crowd.

36 Crazy Fists were the next act for my afternoon and after opening with Elysium the tone was set for the next 40 minutes. It was going to be loud and brutal. Finishing their set with the infamous wall of death made for further carnage in the sweltering pit.

Then it was time for the big acts and first up was Alice in Chains and what an unbelievable show they put on. Some of these young emo bands could learn a great deal about putting on a rock show from these guys their presence and charisma was unmatched on the day. AIC played a greatest hits set including Man In The Box and Would?, but the highlight came in the tear jerking dedication to Layne Staley, Nutshell, which had more than just a few with a tear in their eye. Finishing their set with Rooster and a promise of a new album and possible solo tour brought hope to the faithful that this might not be the last time we get to see them.

Face to Face had the unfortunate task of competing with the start of the Nine Inch Nails set and subsequently their numbers suffered, but it didn’t stop them from putting on a cracker show. Despite the small crowd they still kicked up as much dust as any other of the crowds throughout the day.

Finishing the day with Nine Inch Nails proved to be the popular choice with the majority of the crowd. Whilst the light show was spectacular, I found his show to be a little boring and I don’t think I was the only one. By the time Reznor was finished at least half of the crowd had left the venue. Whilst I’m sure NIN will go down as one the great live bands, maybe it’s just not my thing.

What a cracker day. It was slightly better organised than last year and hopefully it is a festival that is here to stay, especially if they can continue to attract the lineups of the last few years. Bring on the rumours for 2010.

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