House vs. Hurricane @ Fowler'sLive, Adelaide (11/11/2011)

Thu 17th Nov, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Although this show featured mostly local bands, including only one interstate act, the attendance was quite upstanding. It looks that with summer just around the corner, this could be quite an enjoyable season of local and Australian music, and if this show is anything to go by, the potential is soaring for a festive season to remember.

Opening tonight was local Hardcore outfit Machete, who seem to be sadly still overlooked, which is a crime considering this quartet are one of the stronger outfits in Adelaide. Performing an energetic set of Comeback Kid and Cruel Hand inspired Hardcore, Machete’s live show has improved in leaps and bounds since the first time this writer was witness to them. With a later performance time slot it may have been a very different story tonight, but fortunately for those who have yet to see this hard working Adelaide band, they play often. Dear World was a particular favourite tonight.

Graveyards are a relatively new local band who are creating Progressive Metalcore quite similar to what the UK’s Architects do, but at not quite the same level. Opening with a tragic R&B/Rap introduction song, I nearly turned away from the whole episode, but fortunately the quintet redeemed themselves with their explosive live show immediately after it. Discordant breakdowns and heavy vocals pretty much sums up what the five-piece create, and respectively they do it quite well. During the set however, I did find myself wanting to go back in time to when I was standing in the exact same spot watching Architects almost a year prior. I was, on the other hand, fascinated by the vigorous output Graveyards incorporate in their show. Hopefully with more direction and uniqueness in their sound, this could be an outfit with a lot of promise.

Nazarite Vow are without a doubt now making their impact. Once the five-piece began, the floor opened and the “ninja-mosh” warriors went to battle. Commanding would be an appropriate description for what this band does, and to their credit it works. Combining the early Southern Metalcore sound of Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster, with some of the Progressive Post Metalcore of Underoath and mixing in just enough simple Moshcore, their formula is simply clever. Featuring some new songs off a forthcoming album which has almost finished been completed, the best of this band is still yet to come. Keep an eye and ear out.

It was actually with a slightly heavy heart that the five members of House vs. Hurricane came on the stage tonight. Famed vocalist and front man (plus one of the nicest guys in Australian heavy music) Chris Dicker was to play his final show in Adelaide, but this did not stop House vs. Hurricane do what they do best. With their breakdowns and dance beats provoking audience disorder and mayhem, the band and crowd were there to say farewell properly, and it was very appreciated by everyone involved. Focussing more on their brilliant ‘Forfeiture’ EP as well as some favourites from their ‘Perspectives’ album, Chris Dicker was giving a memorable performance and his thank you for the past few years of support was so heartfelt, it was sad to see it end. With a practically forced encore, which the quintet is probably not particularly used to, it was time to say goodbye, and although it was sad, it was on a very satisfying ending. I’m sure everyone will be excited to see both House vs. Hurricane and Dicker’s next steps, and best of luck to them too.