I am back at The Basement, aka Canberra’s metal mecca, where I am here to see Far Away Stables.  The Basement, according to numerous bands I have spoken to, is a really great intimate venue where you can really interact with the crowd.  The atmosphere there is perfect for rock music with signed guitars and messages from previous bands all around the venue.  All staff are welcoming, and you can’t but help be prepared for a good time.

A reasonable crowd is on hand when I get there. They are catching locals, Chasing Nimbus, who are providing a highly entertaining set. At one point the lead guitarist joins the crowd on the floor in having a rocking good time.

I spend the break having a chat with Mark Williamson from Far Away Stables at the merch desk. He tells me the three out of town bands have been in Brisbane and Sydney over the last couple of nights.  He talks about the other bands on the bill with high regard and informs me I should be in for a great night.

Next up are After Change, who have made the journey from Adelaide to play on this tour.  The band put on a very tight set, sounding a bit like a cross between Breaking Benjamin and Underoath without the screamed lyrics.  The set is warming up the crowd nicely and is roundly appreciated.

Taking the stage next are Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, a local all-girl band.  The girls are a little nervous, wondering how their alternative rock/pop sound will fit in with the genres of the other bands tonight.  If you like Moaning Lisa, WAAX or Boat Show, you’d like their sound. They needn’t have been worried.

After experiencing a little bit of trouble with the gear and overcoming it with some help and a professional attitude, they put on a great set that earns large outburst of applause from the appreciative crowd.

Providing a very raw and heavy sound are the penultimate act, Windwaker. Hailing from Melbourne, they present a sound a bit like an Asking Alexandria, Cold Rain or The Amity Affliction. The band belts out a high energy set with vocalist Will King often mounting the barrier to be closer to the crowd that are lapping it all up.  All members of the band provide a tight set of their own original material as well as a cover of Bring Me The Horizon’s Can You Feel My Heart.

But as the night drew to a close, it was time for the main act.  Far Away Stables took to the stage thanking all the bands that have played tonight and pondering the merits of tucking in t-shirts. But from that ‘break the ice’ point on they were here to give the Canberrans a show to remember.  Bouncing about all over stage, all members exude energy and it is obvious to the crowd that they are giving their all. The band plays a setlist that covers tracks from their debut album Between Rage and Serenity, previous EP releases and their new track Give it Back.

All songs go over well with the crowd bouncing along to every song. The sound is tight, driven beautifully by the rhythm section of Tim Byles (bass) & Jess Rossiter (drums).  It sounds much heavier than the recorded album, to be expected in a live setting.

Vocalist Brendan Sheargold is moving almost non-stop from start to finish. He only stops for half a song while singing from a laying position on stage.  His voice in a live setting is just as good as the album recording, dripping with raw emotion in every note.  His delivery is impassioned and takes the crowd along with him for the ride. At one point he tries to get a mic into the crowd to join in singing but that has an unwanted side effect on guitarist Mitchell Grace’s rig.  The band showing their professionalism, laugh it off and continue delivering a powerful rendition of Caldera. I hope to see big things for these guys soon as it will be well deserved.

Unfortunately, the night must come to an end. I can leave knowing that I have witnessed a great night of up and coming Aussie bands that make the live music scene so enjoyable.

If you are in Melbourne or Adelaide, do yourself a favour and get out to the gigs to see some Aussie music at its finest. Keep an eye out for the pics of the gig in the coming days.

Melbourne – Thursday July 12 The Bendigo

Adelaide – Saturday July 14 Enigma Bar