For The Fallen Dreams, Hand ofMercy, Sienna Skies, AtlantisAwaits @ Bar 32, Canberra(6/9/11)

Sat 10th Sep, 2011 in Gig Reviews

There’s already a sizeable queue when I arrive at Bar 32. Whilst waiting in line, I see a liquor licensing sign in the window that says the venue’s legal capacity is 64 persons, and think to myself “This gig is going to sell out and it’s a Tuesday night!” For the uninitiated, without a word of a lie, Canberra’s Bar 32 is seriously the width and length of about four tenpin bowling lanes, and it’s already pretty full before the first band starts.

Local support Atlantis Awaits are up first. Having recently taken on a new lead singer, released a new single through Sony and being scheduled to head off to the USA to record later in the year, things are on the up for this five-piece. New singer Tegan Rogers delivers well and shows that she has the chops to take over from her predecessor. Whilst the rest of the band get into the set, Rogers looks a little reserved and perhaps uncomfortable. Early on, the band launches into their new single Rebirth, and most of the crowd sing along – despite the song only having been released about a week ago. Some sloppy playing and mic difficulties for bassist Steve “Tanga” Wright lets the band down mid set, however it’s quickly remedied and Atlantis treat us to some more new material.

Next up are Sydney ‘keyboard mosh’ band Sienna Skies. There’s no doubt that the show has sold out as the venue is packed. The crowd and are treated to a tight set, but to my ears, it sounds pretty generic.

By the time Sydney hardcore band Hand of Mercy take to the stage, the crowd has thinned slightly – most likely to it being a weeknight. Those who left early missed a good solid and brutal performance. Those that are left get right into it, even starting a small circle pit inside the tiny venue at one point. Little did I know, they were just warming up for the main act.

It’s almost 11pm before Michigan’s For The Fallen Dreams hit the stage, but this doesn’t stop the crowd from hanging around. From start to finish, the band delivers a blistering set of straight up hardcore songs, barely pausing between each one.

I’d seen drummer Arvin Sarathy inside the venue prior to the set, but didn’t realise he was part of the band. Standing all of about 5’2” tall, I wondered “Does your mum know you’re out on a school night?” However, once seated behind the drumkit, Sarathy was a total weapon. By far the best drummer of the night. Frontman Dylan Richter really knows how to work the crowd, and at one point, he even goes for a short crowd surf. He also instigates a wall-of-death and then oversees the carnage that ensues. After about 40 minutes, the band finishes its set, but leaves everyone wanting more.

All in all, a great turnout for a Tuesday night with some bands that I had never seen or heard of before. Whoever reckons that the Canberra scene is dead, needs to get out to more midweek gigs.