Live Review: Karnivool, Redcoats, Sleepmakeswaves

Even those of the superstitious persuasion braved the potential horrors of Friday the 13th to see the return of prog-rock five-piece Karnivool to Sydney.

Instrumental band Sleepmakeswaves' music flirts with the gentler sounds of indie acts such as Band Of Horses but is mostly steeped in the deep tones and meaty chords of progressive rock. This balance of delicate fills and danceable riffs help Sleepmakeswaves remain engaging without the help of lyrics and keeps their music from becoming self-indulgent.

Redcoats' brand of rock is a little psychedelia with a hint of blues and seamlessly blends from one song to the next – which is sort of the problem. Admittedly poor mixing, which lost frontman Emilio Mercuri's higher-pitched vocals, didn't help matters, but although Redcoats' sound is solid enough, it's not particularly distinctive, making it hard to discern between tracks. Still, closing on last year's popular single, Dreamshaker, Redcoats left the stage to an appreciative round of applause.

It was obvious from the crowd's instant surge forward that Sydney had greatly missed Karnivool and one could safely assume the feeling was mutual. Taking a cue from a previous gig review, vocalist Ian Kenny appointed those in attendance as the band's backup singers and the crowd proficiently answered the call, hollering along to favourites Goliath and Simple Boy. The energy of the room altered Karnivool into a beast of a band and the crowd represented its ravenous appetite that only hungers for more rock no matter how many serves they feast upon.

Dedicating hit single, New Day, to a former member of Cog, Karnivool closed out a triumphant return. Although the set was comprised of mostly old material, it's evident from what new songs were on display that the patient fans of Karnivool will be well rewarded when Kenny and co release their upcoming record.