In 2004 – yes, 21 years ago – Alexisonfire released 'Watch Out!' and Underoath released 'They're Only Chasing Safety'.
These two records propelled both artists from basements and bedrooms to all corners of the globe as they exploded in success, inspiring and providing a soundtrack to teenage angst.After some scheduling challenges thanks to everyone's least favourite Alfred (the tropical cyclone variety) resulting in a slight delay and a little venue swap, these seminal acts were prepared to turn their would-be sole Brisbane show into a two-evening extravaganza at The Fortitude Music Hall (15-16 March).
Now, rounding out the final dates of this brief Australian stint, Brisbanites fearing for the worst after the rapid unfolding of the generational storm were shown some deserved love with the touring package pulling out all stops to ensure the sunshine state didn't fall by the wayside.
Both Alexisonfire and Underoath have almost cult-like followings within Australia (and arguably, across the world), having performed most recently in Australia in 2023 (their first trip down under in over a decade, since disbanding and reforming) and 2019, respectively, leaving fans champing at the bit to experience the powerhouses of emo and post-hardcore.
While I got a small fix of Dallas Green on his recent headline run, there's such a special place held in my heart for the full ensemble that is Alexisonfire, consisting of such diverse and talented musicians contributing to a shared vision with their own individuality, quirkiness and je ne sais quoi.
Similar things can be said about Underoath. However, the opportunity to bide time with a Spencer Chamberlain side project such as slo/tide hasn't been possible to date. Alas, patience pays off as this absolutely stacked tour package is here with the full support of more-typical sunshine state weather.
Underoath at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on 11 March, 2025 - image © AH Imagery
Underoath opted for a set list consisting of 'They're Only Chasing Safety' performed in its entirety, with a couple additions to boot. In most instances, I would be a bit disappointed with this sort of decision.
However, given the absolutely incredible standard this record has set within the genre, trading off some more recent bangers for some two decade old deep-cuts and b-sides is a trade happily made.
'Young And Aspiring', 'A Boy Brushed Red...', 'It's A Dangerous Business...', and 'Down, Set, Go' were highlights of the evening unsurprisingly. However, I'm near-certain that upon a secondary opportunity, I would walk away with other highlights from this album and evening.
Underoath at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on 11 March, 2025 - image © AH Imagery
Even after all these years on the road, through trials and tribulations, this outfit is still electric, energetic, and exciting. Tim McTague (guitar) is still flinging his instrument around with his signature guitar chop; Christopher Dudley (keyboards/ samples) is an unwavering human energiser-bunny, bouncing, bopping and flailing at a million miles an hour; and the serious rockstar energy and presence of Spencer Chamberlain (vocals) is hidden behind the long, whipping hair makes for a tour de force of one of this generation's unique and authentic voices.
To recount an evening with Underoath and not admire and bask in the talent of drummer and vocalist Aaron Gillespie would be criminal. From day one, I have had nothing but adoration for this human.
Universally acknowledged as being bloody difficult and incredibly impressive, the grooves and beats that Gillespie lays fundamentally as a backbone to the intricate structuring of Underoath's sound, and with a busy flair of flourishes to boot, is impressive in itself without the additional complexity of singing a whole damn song at the same time.
As primary clean vocalist, fans of raw, live performances will always find a sense of charm to his sometimes out-of-breath notes, or the small differences between mic and mouth placement. Having seen these guys multiple times, I can wholeheartedly say I prefer this to the recorded versions.
Underoath at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion on 11 March, 2025 - image © AH Imagery
Closing out their set, the band threw in a few more recent tracks from other records for good measure including 'In Regards To Myself' and 'Writing On The Walls' to the joy of thousands of punters. A four-hour set list would still not be long enough to satiate my thirst for this fantastic outfit. Until next time, Underoath.
Always difficult with co-headline tours of this calibre, is the definition of who is actually headlining. However in this case, it truly didn't matter as I don't think a single person in attendance for the evening voluntarily arrived after Underoath, or left after their conclusion – organisers know their crowd, and have absolutely nailed its execution.
However, regardless of formalities, the final act of the evening burst forth and took to the stage to cheers and shouts of a packed Music Hall. Opting for a slightly different approach to Underoath, Alexisonfire immediately launch into 2009 s 'Young Cardinals'.
Alexisonfire at Sydney's Hordern Pavlion on 11 March, 2025 - image © AH Imagery
Immediately being blessed by the beautiful serenading of one Mr. Dallas Green (vocals and guitar), the spirited rendition of this classic track successfully set the tone for what would be a huge set list – near 20-songs spanning even more years.
Somewhat strangely (but not necessarily surprisingly) there was limited contributions to the evening from each of the band's releases. Specifically, only four tracks from 2004’s 'Watch Out!'. However, while lower in volume, they definitely made up for this ensuring the curation was immaculate: 'Accidents', 'Hey, It's Your Funeral Mama', 'It Was Fear Of Myself That Made Me Odd', and the final, encore-track of the evening (and one of my personal favourites), 'Happiness By The Kilowatt'.
Surely this is a circumstance familiar to a slew of the best and biggest bands out there – with such limited time and extensive catalogue accumulated over long, successful careers, truly curating a set list that brings both artist and fan alike a sense of happiness and release would be challenging.
Alexisonfire at Sydney's Hordern Pavlion on 11 March, 2025 - image © AH Imagery
However, Alexisonfire understands their fans and also included an additional four tracks from arguably their most successful record, 'Crisis' (released in 2014): 'Boiled Frogs', 'Drunks, Lovers, Sinners, And Saints', 'We Are The Sound' and, another personal highlight, 'This Could Be Anywhere In The World'.
Traversing the various ages and eras of the Canadian outfit's illustrious career offers opportunity for each of the outfit's contributors to showcase the depth of their extensive talents. Wade MacNeil (guitar, vocals) also of Gallows and Black Lungs fame, contributes as a juxtaposition to the angelic cleans of Green, and the screamed vocals of frontman, George Pettit.
Alexisonfire at Sydney's Hordern Pavlion on 11 March, 2025 - image © AH Imagery
Upon reflection, I thought I may have enjoyed a more similar approach to that of Underoath, where there was an exhaustive album performance. However, I am noncommittal to say this would have improved the evening or otherwise.
While the storytelling benefits of a verbatim performance are second-to-none, being treated to a variety of different records in one evening truly is an opportunity too good to not capitalise on. Regardless of curation, Pettit delivers his recognisable and easily-recited hooks with gusto, flavour, and large volumes of movement.
While Green is more often known for his somewhat wallflower-esque performance (the man is busy singing with a tone of otherworldliness – leave him alone), both he and MacNeil rock & roll across the stage, sharing looks and smiles; truly enjoying themselves, creating an infectious, positive energy to all in attendance.
Alexisonfire at Sydney's Hordern Pavlion on 11 March, 2025 - image © AH Imagery
Seeing the outfit return to Australian soil after what could have been the end of their life as a band entirely several years ago is somewhat of a surreal experience. I, and many others I'm sure, would have reconciled that the last time they'd seen Pettit and co. would be the last.
Now, in the year of 2025 we are blessed with Alexisonfire reformed, reinvigorated, and arguably at the top of their game after these long years.
More photos from the Sydney concert.
