Miles Away, Defeater, Fires ofWaco, Reigner @ Axis YouthCentre, Queanbeyan (3/4/11)

Thu 7th Apr, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Say what you will about the Axis Youth Centre. Some may cringe at the prospect of venturing across the state border into the backwaters of Queanbeyan, however those with any reservations should take note; some of the best hardcore gigs are increasingly finding their way out across into no man’s land. Last Sunday was no exception, with a roster of bands each with their own unique take on where hardcore is taking shape in the contemporary music landscape.

It can often become derivative when scene kids blindly adopt the fashion of a certain movement; case in point plaid shirts – originally the most economic way of keeping warm in the colder months by struggling grunge bands in the early 90s, only to have the industry ruthlessly adopt this as a the ‘uniform’ for the music in general. It was brilliant to see the Reigner frontman donning an AFL jersey and truly appropriated the working class ethos of hardcore into an Australian context, rather than blindly mimic their American counterparts. Stuffed with infectious grooves led by the warm cush of the china, Canberra’s own Reigner played a style of music drawing from both the old and new; creating a sound they make their own which is almost designed for the pit. Keep a look out for this local talent and be sure to catch them next time.

Melbourne outfit Fires of Waco followed on with a strong groove-infused yet undeniable punk sound, often taking time before the next song to explain the socio-cultural issues that inspires the band. An otherwise tight set was somewhat hindered though with a somewhat lacklustre and awkward finish, leaving a few confused about whether the set was over or not.

Following the release of their latest EP Lost Ground, which has made strong ripples amongst online circles, it was a special treat to see a solid international act in so humble a setting. Hailing from Massachusetts, USA, Defeater played a style of music almost completely unique to their fellow bands on the evening. With a strong sense of cadence, tension and release, Defeater evoked a sense of futility and pathos without becoming derivative or generic. In many ways a ‘post-hardcore’ band (the term reluctantly used), Defeater toy with the conventions of hardcore music, turning their sound into a deeply unique and interesting one. A certain sense of atmosphere unlike any other was achieved when the choral echoes of collective screams sounded from the pit, as clean reverb-soaked guitar softly rings out over little else. The strong dichotomy that Defeater embodies is a fascinating phenomenon to witness live.

The smile on the face of the Miles Away frontman was visible from the back of the room when a sea of people began thriving about in an almost instant combustion of rapid movement. Kids were leaping off desks that lined the walls of the venue, ganging around the band and leaping on top of each other for a chance to scream into the mic. It may not be your cup of tea, but still – just watching the madness that is choreographed to Miles Away only makes the show more entertaining. A fitting finish to a solid lineup.

With such a diverse line-up of bands taking their craft into unique and exciting territories, the Axis Youth Centre cemented its unlikely candidature for a venue where the music is held above all. No smoke and mirrors, no pretension and above all no bullshit. Just a bunch of bands doing it for the love of it with a fierce and thriving swirl of limbs and hair in the pit. The best sort of gig there is.