Being a more recent fan considering the length of their existence and not being entirely familiar with their whole catalog of work, I was excited to see them, but not entirely sure what to expect. Â It wasn't mind-blowing by any means, but it was a quality gig, nonetheless and for the $40 tickets, was an absolute must see. Â It was easily the best gig I've seen performed by an Aussie band in my brief 5 years here.
So I started out the evening up at the rail with my better half. The set started out with 'The First Time', and never really let up from there. Â We hung up front for about 6 tunes, then needed refills. Â Following our trip to the bar, we went and stood about midway back, in the centre of the venue. Â The sound was a definitely a bit bass heavy all around, not horribly bad, but enough to drown out a fair portion of the quieter vocal parts. Â That said the bass player is just a monster in style and presence. Â He just looks mean and ready to beat your ass if need be. Â And the fill-in drummer (name and band escapes me) was fucking awesome. Â Considering he's filling in for Stanier, who I'd just recently seen, he was spot-on. Â Didn't miss a beat and was working his ass off. Â Well done!
Being that I'm not really to clued in on all the track names, I can't provide a setlist until I find one to steal. Â I can tell you that they played Retailiate (see Vid) which is my personal fave from them. Â And the highlight of the night was easily the track 'Interloper'. Â It just had a crushing and in your face delivery.
The only lowlight for me was probably 'Contender'. Â I just don't like that song, at all, and watching the entirety of the crowd go nuts like Metallica was there playing 'Enter Sandman' was just not doing it for me. Â I realise it is probably their biggest hit, but every other track I've heard from them, including those I was not familiar with on the night, is far superior. Â Leave it to an American to find something to bitch about, right? But remove that song from the setlist, and I've no gripes. Â All in all, great show. Â I'd definitely see them again given the opportunity and I'd recommend them to anyone who gets a chance to.
The Mark of Cain, 15 March 2013 at Hi-Fi Bar, Melbourne
- petemasterpete
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