Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Saturday April 20, 2013 :
There was once a time when a show like this would not work, but here we are. Blending the metal, hardcore and post hardcore scenes together in a Molotov cocktail of screaming passion and blinding sincerity with a killer lineup of local and international bands.
First up, local kids, We the Betrayed, smash the crowd over their collective heads with moshy post-hardcore peppered with electronic undertones. You would never believe that this was their first show. They’ve obviously been locked away honing their craft, perfectly balancing heavy beatdowns with melodic epic choruses. One of the standouts was their new single ‘Illuminate’ (of which they have released a killer music video) showcasing amazing stage presence and crucial crowd interactions. Expect big things from these local boys.
After a very quick change over, Rivalries arrived on the stage with more bluster than a bear with a case of Red Bull under it’s belt. These Newcastle-based heavy hitters are amazingly tight, with every breakdown delivered with precision, honesty and passion. Vocalist James stalks the crowd from the stage like a man possessed. Surprisingly, although Rivalries are the furthest thing from Silverstein on the bill, the crowd loses their minds. ‘Harvest’ is a particular stand out every with every polyrhythmic riff dripping with passion and intensity.
Next up, the local mosh kings, Taken By Force hit the stage. Holding down the hardcore contingency of tonight’s proceedings, these guys have more riff than people know what to do with. Falling somewhere between early Hatebreed and Slayer, the mosh lords in the crowd absolutely love it. Vocalist Reece is a force to be reckoned with, spending more time in people’s faces than on stage. TBF have more breakdowns than a Hyundai. Amazingly entertaining and absolutely infectious, another band that is expected to be huge. Watch this space.
Direct support to Silverstein are Sydney based band, Sienna Skies, and don’t they know how to rock. Integrating energetic melodic hardcore with discordant ambient swathes of melody, their breakdowns are tight and punishing. Vocalists Steven Faull is monstrous, commanding the crowd with every scream and bittersweet notes. Why these guys aren’t bigger is beyond me. Standout track ‘Part with Pride’ showcases the band’s craft of seamlessly blending heavy and melodic undertones, catchy mosh parts. Their entire set was a statement of intent, demonstrating the talent and enthusiasm that oozes from a young hungry band.
Canadian kids in Silverstein know how to work a crowd, with their poppy post hardcore/ screamo infectious and demanding. Vocalist Shane Todd has a voice like an angel one second, and a harlot’s scream the next. Their riffy, driving moments are perfectly complimented by soaring choruses, catchy hooks and vicious post hardcore beatdowns. With a range from a 10+ year back catalogue, it’s hard to chose a clear standout track, however ‘Smashed into Pieces’ catches the attention of the crowd, with the band playing like they were In front of 10,000 fans as apposed to a small venue. The band’s crowd interaction is huge, with the guys treating their fans as if they were long lost friends. A loyal fan even gives the band a gift of tic tacs! The Discover the Waterfront album is heavily featured and for good reason, with the crowd laps up every lyric, every riff and every heart wrenching note. This is less a gig and more a celebration of their immense back catalogue. New tracks like ‘American Dream’ keep the crowd in the palm of their hands. Two new tracks from This is How the Wind Shifts prove to be ready made classics.
One downfall of the night was when a rowdy crowd member got up and drank a pitcher of the band’s beer then got kicked out. Fortunately Silverstein have a dedicated fan base out in full force tonight with beer coming from the crowd straight to the stage. Crowd favourite’s like ‘American Dream’ and ‘California’ go down a treat. New rocking track ‘Massachusetts’ is another stand out proving that their new material sits perfectly with old tracks. The encore was an absolutely special and touching performance thanks to vocalist Shane Todd. ‘Call it Karma’ and ‘Departures’ are somber, elegant and vulnerable.
Rounding out this absolute “best of” set with fan favorites ‘My Heroine’ and an absolutely stomping ‘Smile in your Sleep’. The band and fans leave exhausted but satisfied that they experienced one of those once in a lifetime gigs.
Reviewer: Luke Cowan
Photographer : Matt McIntyre
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