An Intimate Connection Or Grand Scale Energy?

Having consciously decided a few years ago to limit gigging within their native Australia, chart-topping metalcore outfit The Amity Affliction spend the bulk of their touring life Stateside, in addition to European stints. Back home, they'll soon tackle their biggest rooms yet in many cities, co-headlining arenas alongside A Day to Remember. Screamer Joel Birch isn't enamoured with the "Big Ass Tour" moniker. "I don't want to speak ill of the name, but I'll just say it had nothing to do with us," he says with a chuckle from his Sunshine Coast home.

The frontman's battle with depression and anxiety are well documented. Birch has spoken previously about witnessing fans during performances whose bodies contain scars from self-harm, and being so overcome by the sight he's missed entire lines of songs. Is he concerned that such cavernous venues could hamper his ability to look Amity's fervent audience in the eye? "No, I think you can still maintain it [the connection]. One thing I noticed when we did our regional tour not too long ago, [is that] I really enjoyed the intimacy. It was like playing back to the roots shows. But I think at the same time there's a completely different transfer of energy at bigger shows. The crowd goes so crazy because everyone's feeding off each other and I think that leads to — it's not the same experience — but it's still a really beautiful experience.

"You never know, that might be the ten seconds that changes their mind about something else."

"The passion that people have for music is really palpable on that scale. I don't necessarily miss it, because we are getting that from overseas now, and I think just looking out from the stage and seeing how much of an impact the music's having and how crazy people go, and seeing everyone singing along. Hearing them sing along when we do the cut-out parts is so mental, and emotionally overwhelming, that it's like a whole different thing. You can't compare one with the other."

During the past 12 months they've issued the Seems Like Forever documentary, and split with co-founding member Troy Brady. Birch downplays the latter event's effect writing-wise. "That wasn't as major as it seemed, to be honest," he explains dryly. "Everyone's happier, way happier, and we're more open with each other and everything's positive."

Given The Amity Affliction's success, it's not surprising that during recent months folks have begun regularly recognising the singer in public while off tour. "But people are polite, it's not a big deal," he offers. On the road, he frequently encounters devotees, which must be daunting on occasion.

"Absolutely, but at the same time I've got a responsibility and sometimes you've got to just bite the bullet and just do it, and hang out with them for a bit. 'Cause you never know, that might be the ten seconds that changes their mind about something else. Sometimes I feel shit, and if I feel shit then I tend to make myself unavailable and not put them in a position where they feel guilty about asking me for a few words or whatever... Otherwise I think it's part and parcel of the job to be available to talk. What's like 20 minutes out of your day?"