Live Review: Holy Holy, Fractures, Glass Skies

Holy Holy are halfway through a massive national tour in support of their debut album, When The Storms Would Come. Playing to a sold-out crowd at Jive, the Brisbane/Melburnian duo mesmerised with their heartfelt indie-rock. 

Locals Glass Skies had one corner of the room grooving to their in-your-face psych-rock. With frantic hair flips and distorted vocals, the four-piece always impress.

Supporting Holy Holy around the country is Melbourne-based Fractures, aka Mark Zito. The multi-instrumentalist and producer was joined on stage by half of his live band, forming a three-piece for his first Adelaide gig. Combining electronic beats and layered instrumention, his sound is dark and brooding. But Fractures' dry sense of humour and rigid stage presence failed to match the beautiful subtlety of his musical abilities. Perhaps he didn't appreciate the inattentive crowd who opted to chatter through this set.

Holy Holy sound like they've been playing together for much longer than they have. Nostalgic guitar riffs coupled with warm vocals echoed through the room, utterly captivating the crowd. Fronted by guitarist Oscar Dawson and vocalist Timothy Carroll, the songwriting duo is joined on the road by their permanent drummer, bassist and producer on keys. Somehow they boast a bigger live sound that replicates the intricacies on the album. Opening with History and If I Were You, Carroll's perfect vocal melodies soared over strong rhythmic drumming and swelling guitars.

Dawson manipulates his guitar to create breathtaking sounds. His face crumpled in concentration, he displays the kind of talent that can only come from true passion and dedication. Latest single Sentimental And Monday fuelled the warmth and emotion with delicate keys before the band revisited older track House Of Cards. Carroll took on the role of speaking between songs, always humble and graceful with his words. The insane guitar-shredding on Pretty Strays For Hopeless Lovers provoked roars and lengthy applause while a surprise cover of the Terminator 2 theme song was equally impressive.

Powerful and ethereal, You Cannot Call For Love Like A Dog encouraged impassioned singing from what was an otherwise quiet crowd. When the fiery cover of Neil Young's Southern Man faded out, the duo headed straight to the merch desk to chat with fans, a sign of musicians who sincerely love what they do. Endearing and sophisticated, Holy Holy are ready to take on the world.