Two decades of legacy is worth celebrating – and when that legacy is the infamous Saosin, there's even more reason for punters to pay attention.
In celebration of 20 years of their debut self-titled record, Saosin are in Australia alongside equally celebrated Senses Fail.
In an evening (22 April) promising the entirety of this post-hardcore staple as well as the hits, the real question is how deep they're willing to dig into the b-sides and hidden gems for the pleasure of their adoring fans?
Eighteen months since their last trip to Australia, previously supporting Story Of The Year, my excitement is high after being somewhat disappointed from Senses Fail last outing.
The Jersey emo-rockers of 'Calling All Cars' and 'Buried A Lie' fame left something to be desired in 2024, and in a potential redemption-arc, my undying love of this pivotal act remains unwavering with hopes high.
Senses Fail have always been renowned for their catchy, guitar-driven tunes accompanied by the delightfully shrill yet melodically soaring vocals of frontman Buddy Nielsen; anchored with colourful rhythms rich in flair and flavour.
Senses Fail - image © Kelly Warren
Musically, this band once again does not miss a beat, note, or riff as they perform to the level of credibility expected by an act that has so heavily contributed to a generation-defining genre. Unfortunately, Nielsen has delivered another performance akin to the act's last outing.
As I dig slightly deeper into the cause of this, I discover that way back around 2006/ 2007, Nielsen caused significant damage to his voice, requiring surgery while on tour. It's truly unfortunate and while I feel bad for highlighting the performance now knowing this, it's an unfortunate detractor to their performance.
With that said, he oozes charisma – from cartwheels mid-song to enthralling banter between tracks, he was born to be a frontman where he truly is in his element.
Where his clean vocals may not be quite there anymore, his screams have come leaps and bounds from the shrill screams of yesteryear (which were, of course, the fashion at the time) to a now modernised, nearly hardcore-influenced tone that strikes accord for many.
Senses Fail - image © Kelly Warren
There are moments where flow states are hit with precision and prowess, and while these moments may be fleeting, they hit the nostalgic sweet spot – for me, and clearly for many others in the room.
The support of bassist and backing vocalist Greg Styliades helps to provide some fuller coverage and sonic satisfaction periodically throughout the performance, allowing some reprieve for their frontman.
In songs like 'Can't Be Saved', the crowd plays their part singing together in a chorus alongside the New Jersey quartet, igniting the energy in the room. Closing out their set with a personal favourite, 'Bite To Break Skin', Buddy finds his groove, delivering a near record-perfect performance, sending the band off stage on a high note in a sea of crimson light.
There'll always be a soft spot for this group in my heart, however I may pass up the next opportunity to experience them live and rely on my incredibly fond memories of performances of the past, alongside their catalogue of genre-defining releases.
With the crowd and venue warmed to boiling point on this pleasant Tuesday evening, a rowdy and rambunctious crowd of elder-emos and new-jacks alike patiently wait for their school-night outing to truly commence.
Promising their self-titled record in full, the question remains whether the Californian five piece will explode out of the gates immediately with 'It's Far Better To Learn', or mix-and-match as the evening unfolds.
Immediately, the sorely missed vocals of recently returned vocalist Cove Reber echo through the packed and cozy Tivoli, as fans join in a chorus of haphazard sing-alongs.
Saosin - image © Kelly Warren
Where the crowd's voices may falter and crack their gusto and volume is remarkable, but Reber is back bigger and better than ever to the excitement of the aging punters.
Reber is the second vocalist to front this mammoth post-hardcore outfit after the departure of founding singer Anthony Green, due to health problems – mental or otherwise. Reber found his own and helped drive Saosin to fame through his phenomenal range, and creative melody-writing.
Unfortunately, Reber's time with the band was short-lived with various statements from both parties stirring the rumour mill surrounding his deteriorating live performance that was ultimately deemed insufficient to support the band's world-class aspirations.
Saosin - image © Kelly Warren
In celebration of the record that arguably started it all, Reber's triumphant return to the outfit has enough grandiose to subdue any Green vs. Cove arguments as fans of both individuals are outweighed by the act that as a collective has stood the test of time and rarely – if ever – missed a beat.
Diehards will know the ebbs and flow across this icon record to be grand, morose, and energetic; often in quick succession or working in tandem. I – like many other would-be, wannabe rockstars – have always found excitement and inspiration in the twitchy, technical lead lines featured in some of the band's greatest hits.
Tracks such as 'Sleepers', 'Voices', and 'Collapse' display the incredible proficiency and finesse this outfit executes flawlessly live, and witnessing these in quick succession live and in the flesh 20 years after first hearing these songs come to life is surreal (laced with a some existential yearning).
The realisation that Reber, at the ripe age of 40, is up there outperforming juniors half his age is profound. While we may not have gotten to experience 'that high note' in 'Voices' – somewhere in the range of F5, I'm led to believe – there a few other moments removed from the record-perfect performance.
Saosin - image © Kelly Warren
To think their live performance remains as pristine as it has after thousands of kilometres, as many days, and the trials and tribulations that are earnt and endured throughout is a shining testament to human fortitude, resilience, and perseverance.
It wouldn't be right to not reflect on the softer moments of this evening's set alongside the high energy, frantic, and vibrant juxtaposing position. For some, tracks such as 'You're Not Alone' and 'Bury Your Head' are the standouts, drawcards, or true heroes; and objectively, they may be right in their dissection.
Even during these subdued moments, drummer Alex Rodriguez continues to put on a masterclass in 'busy' drumming, taking advantage of lulls in this primarily guitar-driven band to continue to demonstrate the world-class chops he has become easily recognisable for.
"Tonight's going to be a good one," guitarist Beau Burchell exclaims early on in the set, even as Rodriguez has already blown through a snare head. Almost in defiance to the minor stage malfunction, Rodriguez immediately launches back in with huge snare bombs and ferocity directed at his kit, beating it like it owes him money.
Saosin - image © Kelly Warren
Hundreds of bodies swaying to and fro as the crooning and subdued delivery of such near-lullabies is not my first thought when looking back at Saosin, the emo-core kings; it's not how I instinctively remember Saosin, although that likely says more about me and my arguably questionable taste, than the band's prowess.
This evening's stage design is secondary to the audio performance. From seas of purple and blue to strobing, rhythmic crimsons, it does little more than provide a mood to allow the band to truly shine as the main event.
Perched by the sound desk (as any diehard audiophile will agree is the pinnacle of positioning for the best performance), the band's presence onstage reminds me of an era where effortless, cohesive swagger reigned over big production budgets, gimmicky schtics, and a reliance on tools to craft an engaging and exciting performance; truly a breath of fresh air.
Saosin - image © Kelly Warren
For a band where vocal performances shine atop technical, chaotic, and syncopated musical beats, hearing the harmonies and layering between Reber, Burchell and bassist, Chris Sorenson is phenomenal. Each member possesses their own voice, and together, a wall of unison and intriguing juxtaposition is part and parcel of what makes this act one for the ages.
With a few solemn words thanking the crowd for their support over such an illustrious career; and speaking to the mass of messages online, physical letters, and conversations shared in person over the years about the magnitude of importance that this song has had on so many people, Saosin close the evening with 'You're Not Alone'.
Tonight was a bucket list evening for me. The self-titled record exemplified everything this emerging genre hoped to achieve 20 years ago and seeing it executed so precisely so far from when it was first crafted is something that cannot – and should not – be understated.
Seeing Cove return to the limelight in all of his power and glory may set a new standard in live performances I'll experience this year, and a bar I think many others may fail to meet.
