Live Review: Architects, Stick To Your Guns, Being As An Ocean

An early start with a respectably-sized crowd lining up to enter the venue suggested, firstly, that after six albums, countless worldwide tours and evolving songwriting skills have paid off for the brilliant headliner, and secondly, that entering in time to watch Sydney’s Stories was almost an impossibility. Nevertheless, this criminally under-appreciated progressive, djent-core outfit is bringing a new level to heavy music in Australia. Single, Dreamwork, was executed with near flawless technicality and the songs from their upcoming album showcased an experimental element that would best be described as original and surprising. A comparison, musically, to Tool, although it seem peculiar, would be valid; fair to say this album is one we should wait for with heavy anticipation.

California’s Being As An Ocean followed and were instantly embraced by the capacity HQ. The quintet’s take on the new wave of post-hardcore has created as much buzz worldwide as leaders of the genre La Dispute, but adding a different perspective. The band’s Christian values shine through their lyrics, which in essence add an incredible amount of passion in their live set. The Hardest Part Is Forgetting Those You Swore You Would Never Forget, Death’s Great Black Wing Scrapes The Air and others made appearances which increased the “adoration” for the five-piece by attendees at least tenfold. Vocalist Joel Quartuccio spent more time in the crowd than on stage and his vocal versatility is noteworthy, ranging from spoken word to hardcore yelling to death metal growls. A poet of human safety and religion, it’s impossible to ignore or not appreciate. While the band probably isn’t quite filling the void left by Underoath, the new song performed tonight displayed a work ethic that has to be respected, especially if a new album is in the works.

Staying situated in sunny California, hardcore politico-punks Stick To Your Guns brought yet another new level of intensity to the venue. Instantly the ferocity of the quintet’s music elevated the energy of both band and audience alike. Nobody, Empty Heads, What Choice Did You Give Us?, Nothing You Can Do To Me, I Choose No One, Diamond, Against Them All and We Still Believe were all highlights, but the real highlight was vocalist Jesse Barnett’s speech about questioning authority and treating all humans with respect. His knowledge and advice were mature beyond his years and his passion shone through in his delivery, his performance and between-song banter. The only fault? The excessive overuse of bass-drops by drummer George Schmitz – it became predictable and, honestly, annoying.

The UK’s Architects have toured our fine nation four times prior to this, but only as a supporting act, so this night was their time to shine as headliners and they came out firing on all cylinders. Opening with Broken Cross from their most recent full-length, Lost Forever // Lost Together, which actually received most of the attention in tonight’s set, understandably as the fans in attendance would probably know this one best of all – not necessarily a bad sentiment. The Devil Is Near, Dead Man Talking, Alpha Omega, Castles In The Air, Naysayer, C.A.N.C.E.R. (monumental in delivery), Devil’s Island, Early Grave, Follow The Water, Colony Collapse, Youth Is Wasted On The Young and Gravedigger were not just memorable, more-so unforgettable, while the band’s onstage presence indicated a maturity, chemistry and talent arguably unmatched in a band of their age and the progressive metalcore genre. Sam Carter sang his heart out and it was breathtaking, while the remaining band members, in perfect rhythmic balance, worked extremely hard, to fault. It’s been a long path for Architects UK and countless people leaving the venue were simply grateful for it. What comes next, whether a new record or another tour, will without doubt be treasured. The hard-work has easily paid off.