It's been five years since both SoCal post-hardcore band Movements and British rockers Boston Manor were in the country.
Agreed by both bands and fans, five years too long. Playing to a sold-out Factory Theatre (11 March), the dual headline played a knockout show to a raving, zealous crowd.The night began with a 'group hands-in' from opener's Peace Ritual. Bringing a larger than life presence to their set, the local rock & roll five-piece delivered the sounds of slowdive with charisma reminiscent of a Gang Of Youths set.
Seeing old and new faces in the crowd, frontman Joel gave a humble call for the audience to move forward, away from the comfort of the shadows. The hopeful and inspiring set was the opposite for performances to come.
Peace Ritual - image © Harrison Innes
As the moody kick drum of 'Datura' flowed through the venue, those loyal to Boston Manor slid forward into the crowd's centre, right on time for the explosive guitars of 'Floodlights On The Square'.
The Blackpool natives spun across the stage in a chaotic manner, their energy feeding the hungry punters in front of them. With a short breath, vocalist Henry Cox rallied their fans for more: "Sydney this is great; but I'm gonna need at least 20 per cent more!"
The vibe in the room was simply insane. Between the chorus of 'shoey' chants and the battering of bodies in the mosh, even those there for Movements' set were vocal about just how good of a show Boston Manor put on.
After a well-needed breather given by 'Bad Machine', like Moses splitting the Red Sea, the room tore in two as a huge wall of death formed. The floor was cleared side to side of The Factory's upstairs room, then slamming hard together with the raging vocals of 'You, Me & The Class War'.
Boston Manor - image © Harrison Innes
Spilling over the front barricade, crowd surfers were caught safely by security, lined with smiles as they hurried to rejoin the chaos.
Being a co-headline tour, both bands seemed to take turns headlining. While Brisbane and Newcastle received Movements before Boston Manor, it was Sydney's turn to have the Movements headline.
Piling into the front for the headline set, the cult following of the Santa Margarita act showed up well and truly in force. The crowd surged with each song, like waves crashing into cliff rocks.
"Sydney I know how wild you can get; what's it going to take?" After a heartfelt rendition of 'Colorblind', lead vocal Patrick Miranda admitted they have a new Movements album to release in 2023.
While there was no unreleased music to be played, you couldn't help but feel the excitement of the five-piece's latest track 'Cherry Thrill'. Diehard fans were hooked on every word, belting out lyrics until their voices became a breathless wheeze.
Movements - image © Harrison Innes
It was a fittingly emotional set for Movements, tears streaming from multiple fans.
Sydney fans were treated to a slightly longer set list than the previous shows. Tracks like 'Don't Give Up Your Ghost' brought people to their knees, while the constant barrage of punters being launched into the air during deep cut 'Seneca' had Miranda confessing how he had never smiled more playing the infamously sad song.
Coming towards the end of the night, the crowd was eased into the hit track of 'Daylily'. A throaty roar of lyrics filled the air and sweaty bodies jumped in unison. Friends and partners clutched each other through the raw emotion forced upon them.
Movements - image © Harrison Innes
Even as the closing song came to its end, a huge pit had formed, waiting to once again jump around with likeminded companions.
Showing their appreciation, the band spent a little extra time onstage to make sure deserving punters glued to the front received their dues in the form of drum sticks, guitar picks and set lists.
"I think this is one of my favourite f...ing shows of my entire life." A perfect summary of the night delivered by Movement's Pat Miranda. A night filled with tears, smiles and all the excitement hoped for by adoring fans.
More photos from the show.
