Live Review: Karnivool, Cairo Knife Fight

If you’re a longtime fan of Karnivool you’re in for a treat!

If you’re a new fan of Karnivool you’re in for a treat! If you’ve somehow never heard of or listened to Karnivool before, you’re also in for a treat! Celebrating the tenth anniversary of debut and breakthrough album, Themata, Karnivool have been playing sold-out shows performing the record in full across the country to celebrate. And it was awesome. 

Endotrophic two-piece Cairo Knife Fight had the pleasure of opening for Karnivool, and as they rocked without reservation it was clear that when you’re supporting the likes of Karnivool you’re pretty much set. Coming across as a sort of bodacious cross between Soundgarden and Royal Blood, Cairo Knife Fight had the crowd quickly immersed in their colourful riffing and stripped-back style. Hard hitting on the drums is a big element of their sound and their drummer is one of the most competent in handling vocal duties whilst manning the kit that this scribe has seen since Perth’s Skullcave.

The 20-minute countdown until Karnivool hit the stage built avid anticipation. By the time the robotic voice announced that one minute remained the tension was at an all-time high. The first notes of C.O.T.E. transformed the crowd from static to a pulsing mass of unified bodies. There were people amongst this light-hearted mosh pit who looked as if they’d been waiting years for this moment. Many sang every word of every song. It was a grand and jovial affair and it was great to see how strong the material on Themata still is ten years on. There are bands in the present day who tout themselves as cutting edge yet still sound the same way Karnivool did in 2005. Well… imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. 

The combination of riffing, vocal range and syncopated absolution from the drums created a powerful whole, and every member was having the time of their life on stage. They’re truly thankful and appreciative of every fan, especially frontman Ian Kenny, who looks to be exalted by a higher force when he hits those high notes. Get ready to lose your mind when Karnivool drop Roquefort.