Anberlin, The Starting Line,Bayside @ Billboard, Melbourne(01/03/2011)

Wed 2nd Mar, 2011 in Gig Reviews

The annual Soundwave Festival is famous for it’s slew of aptly named Sidewaves, often showcasing some of the best triple bill line-ups for those fans wanting a little bit more than the festival fix. A headline show from Anberlin delivered the goods, with Bayside and the recently reformed The Starting Line providing strong support.

When Bayside, a punk rock band from Queens, take to the stage, they are already fifteen minutes late, but by now the venue is almost packed to capacity. Initial impressions of the band see comparisons drawn to Rise Against, and with a commitment to performance and no laziness or banter between songs, Bayside manage to turn many punters away from the bar and to the floor. Lead vocalist Anthony Raneri gives a do or die performance, with Sick, Sick, Sick in particular providing a set highlight. They may have five albums of material under their belts, but it’s during a cover of Weezer’s My Name Is Jonas towards the conclusion of the set where they really impress.

After announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2008, Pennsylvania’s The Starting Line reformed specifically for the 2011 Soundwave. Led by Kenny Vasoli, they are a strong group with an almighty punch, mixing up a set of material from their past three albums within the tight performance. Set highlights include Island and Somebody’s Gonna Miss Us, while the sight of one couple kissing mid-set in the front of the mosh clearly warmed the heart of Vasoli. With a new track titled Luck making an appearance, it seems possible that this Soundwave jaunt won’t be the last time we hear from The Starting Line.

I’ve always heard great things about Anberlin’s live shows, so expectations are high as they take to the stage. Kicking off with We Owe This To Ourselves, the band’s stage presence and charisma are instantly impressive. The pit at the foot of the stage is intense, and with limbs flying everywhere, the show continues with Paperthin Hymn and Closer. The opening song of New Surrender, The Resistance is a set highlight; Stephen Christian commanding the stage with a ferocious intensity and a beaming smile. The slight change of pace on The Art of War does provide some brief respite from the fast-paced nature of the gig, if only for a moment.

The mutual respect between the band and theirs fans is evident throughout the performance, with Christian taking to the barrier to sing with the crowd early in the set, and grabbing the hands of his die hard fans. After eleven songs, Anberlin close the set with Feel Good Drag. Splitting the finale into two separate encores, the curtain is closed with Readyfuels from their debut album Blueprints for the Black Market, dedicated to the old fans and a finale of Never Take Friendship Personal.

This sold-out Sidewave was without a doubt, one hell of a show. I only wish it could have been held at a more appropriate venue than a part-time nightclub. Heading to any of the remaining Soundwave shows? Make sure you catch these three fantastic bands when you’re there.

Setlist
We Owe This To Ourselves
Paperthin Hymn
Disappear
Closer
The Resistance
Dismantle. Repair.
The Art of War
Take Me (As You Found Me)
Godspeed
Pray Tell
Impossible
Feel Good Drag

Encore
Readyfuels
Never Take Friendship Personal