Behind Crimson Eyes @Amplifier Bar Perth (16/05/09)

Wed 20th May, 2009 in Gig Reviews

A relatively small but devout crowd gathered outside Amplifier on a chilly Saturday evening to witness the launch of Melbourne post-hardcore heroes Behind Crimson Eyes sophomore Self-Titled album. Fears of a small turnout were soon extinguished with the venue filling consistently as the night drew on. Behind Crimson Eyes did not hold back and blew the on setting winter chills far away leaving punters in a sweaty and satisfied mass.

Fresh off the heels of their first national tour Perth seven-piece We Are The Emergency hit the stage with the ferocity of a band playing for their lives, impressing the first few punters through the door. WATE blasted their way through their short set playing old favourites Oh Knees Don’t Bend The Other Way and All We Ever See of the Stars is Their Old Photographs as well as debuting a brand new song, a dynamic an energetic piece that received an extremely warm crowd reception. The charisma of vocalists James Harris and Ryan Lake shone through this solid performance ensuring that this now well established Perth juggernaut will continue to gain an even greater following.

Amplifier continued to fill when Melbourne’s Sleep Parade took the stage, the three-piece’s approach was far different to that of We Are The Emergency. Vocalist / Guitarist Leigh Davies chose to take the crowd on a journey rather than the riot We Are The Emergency offered. Davies’ amazing guitar skills left many punters staring in ore, working his effects board harder than a pair of old boots he looked completely in his element. With the aid of some atmospheric backing tracks Sleep Parade played a set full of crowd pleasers including One Track Mind, Barriers and single Passengers. These boys presented a sonic force that sounded so much bigger than anything possible from any other three piece act, this fact along with some catchy hooks is what makes them one of the most exciting bands on the national circuit.

As expected the stage room filled to capacity in the minutes leading up to Behind Crimson Eyes hitting the stage, the crowd was buzzing and the alcohol was flowing. The band hit the stage led by their charismatic yet somewhat vertically challenged frontman Josh Stuart and ripped straight into Shakedown from their acclaimed debut album A Revelation For Despair, sending the packed room into a frenzy. For a band supporting the release of their new_ Self-Titled_ album they paid their respects to their loyal fans by playing a large quantity of older material, highlights included The Bonesman and You’ve Had Your Chance. As well as playing a few new tracks such as singles Addicted and Fighting For Our Lives.

Despite a couple of technical mistakes from guitarist Aaron Schultz who is now handling guitar duties alone since the departure of Kevin Orr the band played a tight set. Props have to be given to Stuart whose voice held up perfectly from the opening song until the last constantly thanking the crowd for their support. These boys play their hearts out for their fans, and the fans appreciate it singing loudly and proudly at every opportunity. After the show it was great to see the boys stick around until the early hours of the morning sharing a drink (or two) and a laugh with fans showing humility rather than the wankery often shown by other successful groups.