Behind Crimson Eyes, SleepParade @ The Evelyn Hotel,Melbourne (02/05/2009)

Tue 5th May, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Melbourne’s sudden plunge into the chillier side of the season warmed up significantly when Behind Crimson Eyes brought their tour back home.

The night was already firmly ensconced in the party mode before Sleep Parade took to the stage. Having previously witnessed a fairly sub-standard performance here from the boys but a few months ago, fingers were crossed for a return to their usual progressive rock magnificence.

The short set meant not only did Sleep Parade have to emerge with all guns firing, but also that the setlist would have no room for any of the newer works they’ve been working on.

Leigh Davies, the diminutive vocalist and guitarist of the three piece outfit livened up the stage with a glittery guitar, which appeared to be the piece de rigeur for the evening. Whilst the head-swaying still has punters confused, there’s no mistaking the fact that tracks from Things Can Always Change translates immensely well in the live setting.

Bassist James Livesey was certainly feeling the good mood tonight, a tired but satisfied grin hiding any traces of being ill – although he was a little more subdued than usual on stage, especially thorough closing number Weeping Walls.

Drummer Dan Teng is his ever irrepressible self, the tension in his shoulders melting away as the set progressed along smoothly, a grin flashing up occasionally as he divided his attention between watching fellow band members as well as the growing crowd.

Sliding between the parameters of old school emo and post-hardcore rock Behind Crimson Eyes wasted no time in kicking off a mini mosh pit in the crowd. Despite what one feels about their music, there can be no denial that the boys are consummate performers.

The set comprised of the old tracks and a sprinkling of the new as vocalist Josh Stuart flaunted his body art as he strutted commandingly on stage whilst trying to avoid being grabbed by the overly enthusiastic legion of fans.

The tour might have been announced in support of their new offering, the self titled album which was released a few weeks back, but many saw it as the last hurrah of drummer Cameron Gilmour, who was greeted with a resounding chorus when his departure from the band was announced and celebrated.

Current single Fighting For Our Lives from the Behind Crimson Eyes album nearly blew the roof off the venue, which was a fairly impressive effort, considering the slowly dwindling numbers in the crowd who either chose to sit down in the corner or drink themselves into a state of insensibility.

Old favourites Black Veil, Sorry Doesn’t Cut It and Empty Promises rounded out the set, which concluded without an encore, but rather, an invitation to join the boys for a few drinks at the bar.

Watching Josh Stuart being mobbed by people generally taller than him proved the capping point of a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening, and it’ll be interesting to see the dynamic in the band the next time they take to stage in Melbourne with the new drummer in tow.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE