Live Review: Northlane, Counterparts, Silent Planet

While fitting loosely into the hardcore spectrum, US band Silent Planet have something pretty unique going on. When they go hard, they go extremely hard, however, there also is a sense of drama to their sound and stage presentation. The poetic bent to the delivery of some of their lyrics, and atmospheric and soundscape-y moments sprinkled through the set, are all their own. There are strong political/anti-racist overtones to their message. Viewed in isolation, these elements may not seem overly special, but the juxtaposes them and makes them distinctive.

Returning to a far more traditional hardcore vibe, Canadians Counterparts rip up the stage with their frenzied, super-tight, high voltage heaviness – but they have a fun, good-natured presence. It is apparent that fired-up frontman Brendan Murphy is loving being in Melbourne. He enjoys every minute of their short but devastating set, and the heaving crowd responds in kind, many singing along to every lyric. Their set builds to a crescendo, a chaotic circle-pit erupting during their final number, and the sold-out throng is more than warmed up and ready for the main act.

In a way, it is actually a little surprising that Northlane are so commercially successful, able to sell out not one but, two nights at a venue like 170 Russell. By mainstream standards, their music is quite harsh and dissonant, and has only headed in an even more grinding, industrial direction on recent albums. But their music translates beautifully to a live setting. The sound is enormous, pouring off the stage in layered waves of noise, and the impressive stage production – that huge sound, the insane lighting, the smokestacks – only adds to the epic live experience. 

Frontman Marcus Bridge is in fine fettle tonight. His voice is jarring, melodic and emotive all at once, capturing the essence of the music, and Bridge's stage performance is electric and magnetic. Northlane are now a behemoth, an irresistible force, and it is a success born purely of hard work, talent and skill.