Live Review: Ceres, Crusch, Barriers

If there's one thing that tonight's line-up emphatically demonstrated, it was the tremendous power of well-honed songwriting and committed performances - each act differing in sound, experience and approach but united by consistently exceptional energy and tunes.

Nowhere is this clearer than throughout the performance of openers Barriers. While comprising members of several reputable hardcore outfits (Irrelevant, Vigilante and Boneless), Barriers are still a young band exploring their sound - a noisy, alt-rock din indebted to the '80s and '90s underground rock scenes, with faint glimmers of psychedelia lurking on the edges. Tonight, that immaturity was even exacerbated furthermore by a bottom-heavy mix that privileged the low end at the expense of a unified sound. However, the band's collection of strong, memorable songs and their admirable precision as a live outfit helps transform even the roughest moments into something truly special.

With their cleaner, more optimistic sound, Melbourne's Crusch offered a significantly different experience from a sonic standpoint. But, like all of tonight's performers, their songwriting and performances were of premium quality. Drawing on the traditions of early emo pioneers and expanding upon those foundations with greater streaks of melody and increased musical precision, Crusch's songs soar in a live environment even as their instrumentation effortlessly pummels the crowd - with their best work often shifting between aggression and optimism in a moment. It's a polished, professional combination that still feels consistently genuine and evocative.

But, if ever there were ambassadors for the transformative brilliance of exceptional songcraft, it'd be Ceres. The headliner's set was a showcase for a wide array of skills - from fantastic lead guitar work and tight musicianship to energetic performances and genuine crowd engagement - but, more than anything else, it was simply an avalanche of fantastic songs. Tonight's crowd were simply rabid for the headliners. Singing along to every chorus, fists in the air, pogoing in rhythm and hoisting people above the crowd in giddy celebration. It was an inspiring display. And, it can easily be attributed to the kind of set that's comprised exclusively of memorable, expressive and powerful songs and blisteringly genuine performances. From understated opener Okay to debut album classic I Feel Fine, I Feel Sick to crushing closer Baby's Breath, Ceres' set was jam-packed with moments of catharsis and celebration. Tremendous, heartbreaking and honest, it was a testament to the importance of great songs in times of pain and turmoil.