Have Heart @ Rosemount20/05/09

Tue 26th May, 2009 in Gig Reviews

The Hardcore community of Perth is know for turning out in droves to even the smallest of shows, so it was no surprise that the Rosemount was packed on a cold, wet, Wednesday night. Anticipation was high for Boston straight-edge band Have Heart, touring for the second and final time to the shores of the West.

After an opening set by local boys The Woods, local favorites Miles Away took the stage, and from the opening chords of 100 Yen, it was clear that the crowd gathered were here to go hard. Progressing quickly through You Lose, Worlds Apart and Affadavit, it wasn’t long before the floor was a heaving pit of arms, fists and bodies. Playing a mix from all three albums, the gathered crowd responded well to the set which ended with signature song off the Rewind, Repeat album, Brainwashed.

Next up, Break Even. It was a reunion of sorts, with the local lads supporting Have Heart for their entire Australian tour last year. However, a lot has changed since last winter’s dates, with the tragic passing of guitarist Rowan Willoughby. It takes courage to come back from such a loss, and to continue on in memory is a huge testament to the strength of the band. As the first song commenced, an eerie stillness descended on the floor. It was not for the fact that the song was off the new album, and the words hadn’t been learnt. It was the way in which singer Mawds delivered, sending chills down one reviewer’s spine. Declaring that ‘it didn’t feel right’ to play any old songs, all punters (bar one idiot) were more than enthusiastic in their appreciation and support for the four lads on stage.

Another short break, and suddenly it was 11pm, and showtime. Singer Pat Flynn picked up the mic, checked twice, and flew straight into the opening track from the latest offering, The Same Son and suddenly the room swelled. Flynn paused for a minute between songs, took a drink, and swept into Armed with a Mind. By now energy levels were incredible, such had been the anticipation for this set.

Playing a plethora of songs from the new album, Flynn was not afraid to engage with the crowd, resulting in a mass of applause after each speech. Flynn controlled the crowd like none other, and unlike a carefully rehearsed script, meaning could be found in every word spoken. Starting off as a side project, he declared that Have Heart never set out to make money, but a way of expressing feelings of what means the most to them in life. Although this may seem a clichéd remark, no one was questioning his integrity, as Life Is Hard Enough, Like a Stone, Pave Paradise and Something More Than Ink rounded out 10 minutes of mayhem on the floor.

Playing their last shows in Australia ever, it was sad to see that long time drummer Shawn Costa was absent, currently rounding out the last ever show for close friends Verse. It is also sad for Costa, because he missed out on what will go down as one of the more memorable shows in Perth, maybe as memorable as the Bane tour of 2007. As Flynn lead into Unbreakable, it seemed the perfect song for a finale, sure to see many happy punters leave. But the constant cheering of “2 more songs” from an adoring crowd saw the boys stay on stage, rounding out with the first song ever written by the band, and Watch Me Sink.

Leaving the venue, it was obvious that everyone’s money was well spent. To see a great local line up complementing one of the better hardcore bands in the world today was a pleasure to be a part of. Losing Have Heart will leave a massive hole in the touring scene, but for everyone who made it to the Rosemount on Wednesday night, it will be a night they are sure to remember for years to come.