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This is the part where I would tell you about Brisbane’s own Wherewolves. Unfortunately, a 45 minute wait in line meant that I was only lucky enough to see them carrying their gear outside. On the upside I learnt that in a wait like this there is one thing to do – “photo-bombing”. Not only was I lectured in the art of “photo-bombing”, I also got to see it in action. I still don’t understand why.

Upon entering The Hi-Fi there was a thousand punters to navigate around before settling into the place you were going to be stuck in. While being well designed, The Hi-Fi at capacity is similar to trying to break the world record for sticking 1200 people in a Mini. Not pleasurable. As the final soundcheck went on, several rounds of ear piercing screams flowed around the room. People, when the curtains open scream your lungs out. The tuning of a guitar doesn’t warrant long term loss of hearing.

Chicago natives, The Academy Is… take to instruments but most impressively drummer Andrew Mrotek did so in nothing but a pair of white Y-fronts. I am not going to lie to you, I am not fond of this band but it all began quite nicely. Lead guitarist*Michael Chislett* was about as animated as an oil painting for the set and it was bassist Adam Siska who provided the most entertainment aside from the front man. Summer Hair = Forever Young was when singer William Beckett really raised the show pony stakes. There are people who talk with their hands and unfortunately Beckett sings with them. Microphone stands (and hands) were thrown in the air, kicked over, swung around and then came the chest thumping. Microphones are for singing, not swinging…mate.

While the onstage antics could be described as entertaining to watch, the sound coming from the speakers was worse than their recorded works. Who knew that was even possible? Vocals were muffled when they were around at all, guitars screeched and the whole thing was muddy. Distinguishing any one instrument from another was near impossible with the exception of the drums. Neighbours, The Phrase That Pays, Rumored Nights and We’ve Got A Big Mess On Our Hands made appearances along with a manwich between Beckett, Mrotek and guitarist Mike Carden. There seemed to be slight tension on stage along with inside jokes between some members. This resulted in thrown towels and water between Mrotek and Carden. Their set finished with About A Girl and a sigh of relief.

Until tonight, I had no idea that Anberlin were so popular and believed them to be the dirty little secret of myself and a handful of others. Well I was wrong, and should have known better considering that they were last here just 6 months ago for the Soundwave festival. After deciphering the sound to learn the opener The Resistance had begun, all that could be heard was drum and bass. Convinced Anberlin hadn’t experienced a genre overhaul since the release of New Surrender, the uncharacteristic sound coming from the band was attributed to a set of poor sound. Not far into A Whisper & A Clamor, Stephen Christian ’s warbled vocals made an appearance, albeit brief before again becoming distorted. The three-tiered vocals were confusing to say the least. Newer song Breaking saw punters begin to crowd-surf.

Christian confessed a love of Australia and appropriately next came Adelaide. It may just have been the murky mixing of the evening but it sounded like Christian was singing “Radelaide, Adelaide”. I could be wrong. While Christian twittered around notes, Nathan Young was licking drumsticks and generally belting the living hell out of the skins which volume wise, were far too loud. Acoustic guitars featured on Inevitable and The Unwinding Cable Car and were more distinct and audible than their electric counterparts. A cover of New Order’s True Faith kept the majority of the early-twenties crowd silent and still for the first time all night. By the time The Feel Good Drag arrived, bassist Deon Rexroat was drenched with sweat, as were the others. As a collective, Anberlin have the on-stage energy and character that would make any band brilliant to watch. Sadly the sound coming from the speakers was far too loud, murky, full of reverb and almost enough to make ears bleed – but not in a good way. Chanting saw the band return for a single song encore – the eight minute (*Fin) – before they were gone again. Despite sounding like fighting cats, I still love them.

SET LIST
The Resistance
A Whisper & A Clamor
Disappear
Breaking
Adelaide
A Day Late
Paperthin Hymn
Inevitable
The Unwinding Cable Car
Hello Alone
New Order – True Faith cover
Dismantle, Repair
Godspeed
The Feel Good Drag
(*Fin)