Despite an ill-fitting venue, sound issues and a show-ending injury in the crowd, The Story So Far and Basement co-headlined a high-energy night (24 April) that had punters engaged from start to finish.
Sydney group Endless Heights made for an excellent opener to the show. The crowd nodded along to the band’s Deftones-like ethereal highs and heavy lows, but as they played, it became obvious the venue was bizarre setting for a rock show.
Clearly a space for corporate functions, the carpeted room was awkwardly shaped and couldn’t accommodate to the sounds of the bands – it was likely only chosen to facilitate the all-ages crowd. As a result, the mix left much to be desired over the course of the night.
Endless Heights - image © Stephen Sloggett
Next up, UK five-piece Basement took to the stage with their typical humble presence. A wave of pummelling fists materialised from the tight crowd before the stage as Basement opened with ‘Disconnect’.
Before long, crowd surfers were appearing left, right and centre. Lead singer Andrew Fisher grinned as each punter sailed over the crowd and at one point thanked the security guards, who were grappling with audience members launching themselves at the barrier at an increasing rate.
Despite the no-frills stage set-up, Basement held their own and appeared thankful to be playing the show.
Towards the end of their set, the stage lights started sporadically dimming while a lone white light at the back of the stage flickered on and off – evidently a lighting technician had just gotten to the board or found the controls. Fisher cheekily remarked, “Give it up
for our lighting guy!”
Basement - image © Stephen Sloggett
The highlight of Basement’s set came when they played crowd favourite ‘Covet’. Fisher introduced the song by saying: “This has been one of my favourite tours. That’s what happens when you tour with amazing people – this song’s not about them.”
The crowd rose to fever pitch as they sang along to the lyrics before the group closed with a rousing rendition of ‘Promise Everything’.
Click here for more photos from the show.
Next up were anticipated headliners The Story So Far. The five-piece started on an awkward note as bassist Kelen Capener’s amp had switched off seconds before they were about to start their first song. A 30-second scramble followed to get the rig working.
The pause didn’t deter the eager punters, however, who started screaming every word to opening song ‘Empty Space’ when the sound issues had been rectified. The crowd’s energy was maintained throughout the duration of the set, with songs old and new receiving the same exhilarated response.
The Story So Far - image © Stephen Sloggett
This tour marks the first time The Story So Far has brought latest album 'Proper Dose' to Australia, a record addressing vocalist Parker Cannon’s descent into drug addiction and depression.
He introduced ‘If I Fall’ as his favourite from the new album, claiming it’s about “what we went through, what I went through – I’m so f…ing happy to be alive, playing with my bros.”
The band started wrapping up the set with a slew of favourites including ‘The Glass’ and ‘Heavy Gloom’, with Cannon thanking the crowd for singing along as “my throat’s started to go”.
The Story So Far - image © Stephen Sloggett
The night was set to end on a bang when the group launched into ‘Nerve’. But, in the last few bars of the track, the band abruptly cut out and Cannon moved out of sight. The room fell silent until someone yelled: “Someone’s hurt!” and organisers started frantically running to the front stage.
Cannon was at the barrier with a punter who had supposedly fallen on his head after crowd-surfing. The audience milled about uncomfortably until Cannon jumped back onstage and thanked everyone for coming while security started shouting at people to move away from the stage.
Despite the unfortunate incident dampening the mood of the evening, both Basement and The Story So Far had an incredible connection with the audience. While fans left the venue concerned, the atmosphere throughout the night was positive and supportive.
And, as a side note, the injured punter revealed on the event’s Facebook page that he is indeed alive. Everyone wins.
