Sydonia, Bronson, Dive IntoRuin @ The East BrunswickClub, Melbourne (08/10/2010)

Tue 19th Oct, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Sydonia’s Oceans of Storm single launch at the East Brunswick Club was a much anticipated unveiling of some of the Melbourne group’s new material, and the band’s many diehard fans were sure to come out in force to bear witness to what the band’s latest venture into the studio had produced. The crowd for the support acts were modest – to say the least – but would build, much like the anticipation, into a fairly well represented turn-out.

First up on the bill were local band Dive into Ruin, who’s mix of stoner dirge and all-out rock set the scene perfectly for the show. Their hyperactive set got the small assembled group of punters into a fine groove, one that would be heightened even further once the headliners took to the stage.

Second supports Bronson were great. One was unsure as to what to expect when the band of misfits took to the stage, but their mix of balls-out metal, teamed with driving riffs and hair-metal solos was entertaining to say the least. Frontman Jason Clair is a scary looking dude, albeit not without charm, and his efforts to rouse the crowd into some sort of activity was highly entertaining and admirable, considering it largely didn’t work. He didn’t let that stop him though, taking the time in-between songs to urge the audience to take two steps forward, and even jumping into the “crowd” in an effort to get a circle-pit happening. Bronson’s sound is huge, and guitarist Gary lifts the mix somewhere above straight-out metal. There is no doubt, given a bit more support, that these guys could well be playing larger killer gigs in the not too distant future.

Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. Melbourne band Sydonia are a group of many contradictions. Their sound can scale anywhere between brutal crushing rhythms, to soaring sweet ballads, making them almost impossible to confine to one specific a genre. They are possibly one of the most polished and tight bands doing the rounds in this country, yet they receive nowhere near the profile nor acclaim of some of their contemporaries (see Karnivool). They have a weird dynamic onstage, as exemplified by designated speaker and guitarist Sam Haycroft, who has an impish (and endearing) quality, not unlike comedian Frank Woodley. He loves to engage the crowd, and also heap a lot of banter towards his fellow band-mates. Whilst there is no doubt front-man Dana Roskvist is the crowd favourite, the assembled throng of avid supporters hang on every word that Haycroft delivers with a good-natured mixture of humour and support. Sydonia also a large female contingent at their gigs; something that is very rare for a metal-gig, yet speaks volumes for the band’s appeal.

I saw Sydonia a couple of years back supporting Mammal (who were coincidently also supported that night by cult Adelaide band Testeagles) and in my opinion, they stole the show. In fact, one was left with the resounding impression from the night that Sydonia sounded like a young and fresh Testeagles (who had the potential to be a very successful Oz exports, yet who’s career was stalled by label difficulties). One can only hope this is where the similarities end, as Sydonia have the talent and drive to forge a long and healthy career. This industry is very much based on getting a break though, and Sydonia appear to have a habit of missing that break. There are not too many bands who are publically endorsed by such alternative heavy-weights as Lamb of God and Slipknot- who’s impressions of the band verge on glowing (“’No Woman’s Land’ is a song that should be playing on every radio station in every city on this planet!” D. Randall Blythe – Lamb Of God) – yet who are also largely unknown within their own country.

The modest but highly enthusiastic crowd who congregated at the East Brunswick Club in Melbourne for the gig were largely decked out in Sydonia t-shirts, spoke highly and wistfully of the band to anyone who would listen, and gave the impression that they follow their local-faves all over the city to provide support and also get their fix of metal. They were out under the guise of a single launch, and while said single was much anticipated and got a fantastic reaction, there is no doubt this crew of fans would go to the opening of an envelope if Sydonia were playing. The new single Oceans of Storms, from the forthcoming album Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Machine Head, Trivium), definitely has a radio-quality about it, and while this is not necessarily a bad thing, Sydonia’s recordings never seem to truly capture the essence of their live show; something that anyone who has witnessed them live would agree is to their detriment.

Built around strong on-stage dynamics, multiple drums and prolonged drum solos, and a much heavier sound that the recording studio can capture, Sydonia’s live show is up there with the best this country can offer. This is obviously helped by the fact the band seems resigned (or confined), for now, to playing smaller venues to a devoted crowd. All of the new material that was displayed on the night got a rousing reaction from their fans, even though the heavier aspects of the set were received the best.

Opening track Adornment was a definite crowd favourite, as murmurings from the audience suggested that Sydonia rarely play the opening track from their Given to Destroyers LP live. Here, the song co-written with Roy Mayorga (of Stone Sour and Soulfly fame) was a definite highlight of the night. Helped out by bass player Adam Murray’s brother, and support act Bronson’s percussionist Nick, the brutal mostly-drum driven track was a brilliant addition to the setinterlude. It is important here to also mention Sydonia’s drummer Sean Bailey, who’s heavy-as-hell driving beats create the perfect backdrop for the band’s sound, and who must lay claim to being amongst the finest metal drummers in the land.

The set was finished off with Incoming, which had the crowd yelling along and ensured that the vast majority of the audience will definitely be making their way to the very next Sydonia gig.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE NIGHT HERE