Soundwaves Festival @ Eastern Creek-22/2/09
March 5th 2009 10:58
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a music festival and despite the late decision to go, I was looking forward to Soundwaves. Let’s face it, the Warped tour will never venture back to these shores, so this is the closest we get. A mix of punk, hardcore and metal covering 6 stages for a festival of the black. My Chemical Romance sang about the Black Parade and thats what it was as the lines of black clad youth made their way around the Eastern Creek raceway to get in.
Clouds hung overhead and threatened to rain when we were finally let in by security at 11:30 when some of the first bands took the stage. I felt for the 11:30 slot because I'm sure they played to an empty paddock for a couple of songs. After a wander around the venue. ( along hilly dog leg of a set up) I stumbled across my first band for the day. Riverboat Gamblers were solid. Having never these guys before I was impressed with the five piece from Austin Texas. Great post screamo-punk rock where the vocals with melody and passion and not scream for the sake of screaming. the band were tight and songs rocked. A top way to start the day, I’ll be sure to check out more their stuff.
Next band opening stage 1 Medina Lake. Obviously a solid fan base by the crowd gathering in front and the pit starting. It’s handy to note to all kids out there. If you go to an event wearing a back pack, don’t get in the pit. Just not cool. The band rocked but nothing you haven’t already seen or heard a thousand times before.
12:30 is way, way to early for Less Than Jake. The band themselves at one point told us “we hate playing during the day”. What you get from LTJ is a fun, energetic punk show. The band are getting on in years. (as Chris would say “we were the Fall Out Boy 15 years ago) They’re still childish. (getting the girls to moon them) And the last few albums were a bit flat but they are still a great live band. Circles Pits are the go for the kids.
Goldfinger are also old. They’ve been doing it for 15 plus years too. They played what the kids wanted to hear but when you’ve got 40 minutes, don’t spend 10 minutes do a crowd call and response during one of the 2 songs we all know. I’m sure there's been better songs written by you in that time of “Here In Your Bedroom” and the cover of “99 Red Balloons”. Ok, but nothing great.
By now I was in need for a beer and went to the one of three caged beer gardens. While enjoying my first beverage I listened through Silverstein. Mmmmm, maybe I’m getting old but screamo does nothing for me. Emo I could deal with and enjoyed but screamo is lightweight death metal and if I was 15 I’d be all over this, but no. No.
To get away from that beer garden I went back to the main stages and that beer garden to see a bot of the The Subways. Never heard of these guys before. A 3 piece form Britain that play dirty rawk. The chick bassist was a little hottie and made to look better standing next to two skinny pale white guys with their shirts off. The sun came out at this point and the band played well but again, nothing you haven’t heard done a thousand times before and probably done better.
The great thing about festivals is using to check out new bands and with some time between bands I wanted to see, I went over to the stage 3 for Saves The Day. These guys looked so unlike a rock band it is not funny. One dude who looked like a seventies hippy porn star. An Indian in rimless glasses playing the bass up high on his chest and a singer whose vocals were annoyingly whiney. Post emo punk rock. The songs sounded great but I couldn’t stand through all the set with the guys voice.
The next band I unfortunately saw was due to the fact I was meeting up with some people and one of their group wanted to see this band. This band walked off the Warped Tour in the USA a few years back because of the teasing and taunting from Fat Mike in NOFX. They born again christians. They believe homosexuality is wrong and that the dinosaurs didn’t exist. Underoath suck.
Anberlin were next and pretty much sounded the same Underoath. More screamo bullshit but less god and more rock. If I didn’t have the bitter foul taste of Underoath in my ears (yes you’ve read that right, they sounded so bad I could taste it) I might of appreciated these guys more than I did. But I’m afraid they will forever be associated with Underoath for me now. Sorry guys.
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus I held a high expectation for. I’ve heard some hype, heard the song “Angel” and I thought they would be alright. I was disappointed. It was like a mix of punk and stoner rock and just doesn’t sit right for me. And this is all about my opinion and my opinion is that it maybe a while before I like these guys. But today, I was not impressed.
The heat of the sun and the constantly being on my feet and walking up and down the hills I decided to take a seat under a shade tent and listened to the weirdest blending of sounds I’ve heard for a while. Innerpartysystem mix electro beats and samples with punk guitar riffs and Fall Out Boy style teen emo lyrics. I couldn’t tell if I like it these guys or not. I think they suited the situation of just taking half and hour to chill out of the sun and their sound was good background music.
Dillenger Escape Plan brought good hardcore to Soundwaves. They delivered a solid set to work the crowd up as the 2nd wind kicked in and the heat began to die from the sun. And while I’m not a huge fan and may never actively go out to buy their albums, I like what I hear when I hear it and think they play with great passion and energy needed for the 5pm lag.
One band I thought was a little weird to see on the bill was Bloodhound Gang. Let’s face it, most of us there were to see them purely for the nostalgia of mid 90’s joke rap/punk. They opened with “Fire Water Burn” and crowd sang along to the “burn motherfucker burn” line. The other songs were a bit bland but the band made up for the lacklustre songs with great banter. They got the crowd to sing the national anthem while the buff bassist showed us his aussie flag boxers. We were introduced to Jimmy Pop’s parents and the promise that him and his mom will be “giving blowjobs” after Lamb Of God and we got all the songs we know thanks to radio. All three of them plus some others that I couldn’t give a fuck about, but it was entertaining so it made up for it. Mind you, if they played at 12:30-it would of been shit but thankfully by 6 we were all getting our booze on.
Billy Talent was one band I was excited about seeing and they didn’t let me down like some others had. They tore through their set delivering classics like “Devil in a Midnight Mass”, “Fallen Leaves” and the closer “Red Flag”. We were also treated to a new song to come from their new album this year which I’ll go ahead and call Billy Talent III. (you know it will be) The new song was heavier and if the album continues that sound, it will blow peoples mind kind of how everyone in the punk community loses their shit over The Bronx. Definitely the best set for the day. Quality rock, quality band. God bless Canadians.
I really thought more people would’ve stuck around to see Alice In Chains perform so many years after the tragic death of Layne Stanley. ( He’d been dead for about 2 weeks before they found his body. Nasty.) The new singer sounds a lot like him and does the trick nicely. But AIC never held a great lot of my interest in the past and still don’t now. I was there for curiosity sake and that was fulfilled. However the closure of the bar at the main stage before their set was annoying and a stupid decision by organizers.
I went to see New Found Glory having never paid them any attention and written them off years ago as to being another commercial pop punk band. But talks of a return to form in the the newly released album, I thought I should give them ago. Plus they were on the stage before Alkaline Trio. And I was surprisingly impressed by the band. Solid performance especially seeing as the band were to return to the stage 2 hours later in their other group The International Superheroes of Hardcore, they gave it their all. Well done. I’ll be checking out the new album.
Setting up the sound pushed the band back before walking on stage. Alkaline Trio were one of the main bands I wanted to see. Having fell in love with the Crimson album and enjoying all their other releases, I was bit let down by their shortened set. The sound hiccups left them with just over half and hour and they rushed through the songs with little banter and little interest from Dan for being their. Matt tried to look enthused but I doubt he was. Perhaps their sideshow will blow the crowd away like I envisioned they would.
Nine Inch Nails were given a massive 100 minute set. Unheard of for festivals. But with an extensive back catalogue anything less would’ve been a rip off for fans. About 25 000 people packed the hillside to watch Trent spit out the songs. The strobes would’ve cause a number of seizures after flashing constant through out the set. They sounded good, but again I was never a huge fan, but at least I can say I saw them.
By then I was spent and left. Despite some of my criticisms for the acts I had a top day out and left, tired, sunburnt and content. As any festival should provide. Hopefully next year the organizers can do better and organizing a more closer, suitable venue. Open the gates on time and leave the bars open at least to the beginning of the last act’s set. Let’s see next year when I head back.
Highlights- Less Than Jake, Riverboat Gamblers, Billy Talent
Lowlights- closing the bar early and Underoath.
Clouds hung overhead and threatened to rain when we were finally let in by security at 11:30 when some of the first bands took the stage. I felt for the 11:30 slot because I'm sure they played to an empty paddock for a couple of songs. After a wander around the venue. ( along hilly dog leg of a set up) I stumbled across my first band for the day. Riverboat Gamblers were solid. Having never these guys before I was impressed with the five piece from Austin Texas. Great post screamo-punk rock where the vocals with melody and passion and not scream for the sake of screaming. the band were tight and songs rocked. A top way to start the day, I’ll be sure to check out more their stuff.
Next band opening stage 1 Medina Lake. Obviously a solid fan base by the crowd gathering in front and the pit starting. It’s handy to note to all kids out there. If you go to an event wearing a back pack, don’t get in the pit. Just not cool. The band rocked but nothing you haven’t already seen or heard a thousand times before.
12:30 is way, way to early for Less Than Jake. The band themselves at one point told us “we hate playing during the day”. What you get from LTJ is a fun, energetic punk show. The band are getting on in years. (as Chris would say “we were the Fall Out Boy 15 years ago) They’re still childish. (getting the girls to moon them) And the last few albums were a bit flat but they are still a great live band. Circles Pits are the go for the kids.
Goldfinger are also old. They’ve been doing it for 15 plus years too. They played what the kids wanted to hear but when you’ve got 40 minutes, don’t spend 10 minutes do a crowd call and response during one of the 2 songs we all know. I’m sure there's been better songs written by you in that time of “Here In Your Bedroom” and the cover of “99 Red Balloons”. Ok, but nothing great.
By now I was in need for a beer and went to the one of three caged beer gardens. While enjoying my first beverage I listened through Silverstein. Mmmmm, maybe I’m getting old but screamo does nothing for me. Emo I could deal with and enjoyed but screamo is lightweight death metal and if I was 15 I’d be all over this, but no. No.
To get away from that beer garden I went back to the main stages and that beer garden to see a bot of the The Subways. Never heard of these guys before. A 3 piece form Britain that play dirty rawk. The chick bassist was a little hottie and made to look better standing next to two skinny pale white guys with their shirts off. The sun came out at this point and the band played well but again, nothing you haven’t heard done a thousand times before and probably done better.
The great thing about festivals is using to check out new bands and with some time between bands I wanted to see, I went over to the stage 3 for Saves The Day. These guys looked so unlike a rock band it is not funny. One dude who looked like a seventies hippy porn star. An Indian in rimless glasses playing the bass up high on his chest and a singer whose vocals were annoyingly whiney. Post emo punk rock. The songs sounded great but I couldn’t stand through all the set with the guys voice.
The next band I unfortunately saw was due to the fact I was meeting up with some people and one of their group wanted to see this band. This band walked off the Warped Tour in the USA a few years back because of the teasing and taunting from Fat Mike in NOFX. They born again christians. They believe homosexuality is wrong and that the dinosaurs didn’t exist. Underoath suck.
Anberlin were next and pretty much sounded the same Underoath. More screamo bullshit but less god and more rock. If I didn’t have the bitter foul taste of Underoath in my ears (yes you’ve read that right, they sounded so bad I could taste it) I might of appreciated these guys more than I did. But I’m afraid they will forever be associated with Underoath for me now. Sorry guys.
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus I held a high expectation for. I’ve heard some hype, heard the song “Angel” and I thought they would be alright. I was disappointed. It was like a mix of punk and stoner rock and just doesn’t sit right for me. And this is all about my opinion and my opinion is that it maybe a while before I like these guys. But today, I was not impressed.
The heat of the sun and the constantly being on my feet and walking up and down the hills I decided to take a seat under a shade tent and listened to the weirdest blending of sounds I’ve heard for a while. Innerpartysystem mix electro beats and samples with punk guitar riffs and Fall Out Boy style teen emo lyrics. I couldn’t tell if I like it these guys or not. I think they suited the situation of just taking half and hour to chill out of the sun and their sound was good background music.
Dillenger Escape Plan brought good hardcore to Soundwaves. They delivered a solid set to work the crowd up as the 2nd wind kicked in and the heat began to die from the sun. And while I’m not a huge fan and may never actively go out to buy their albums, I like what I hear when I hear it and think they play with great passion and energy needed for the 5pm lag.
One band I thought was a little weird to see on the bill was Bloodhound Gang. Let’s face it, most of us there were to see them purely for the nostalgia of mid 90’s joke rap/punk. They opened with “Fire Water Burn” and crowd sang along to the “burn motherfucker burn” line. The other songs were a bit bland but the band made up for the lacklustre songs with great banter. They got the crowd to sing the national anthem while the buff bassist showed us his aussie flag boxers. We were introduced to Jimmy Pop’s parents and the promise that him and his mom will be “giving blowjobs” after Lamb Of God and we got all the songs we know thanks to radio. All three of them plus some others that I couldn’t give a fuck about, but it was entertaining so it made up for it. Mind you, if they played at 12:30-it would of been shit but thankfully by 6 we were all getting our booze on.
Billy Talent was one band I was excited about seeing and they didn’t let me down like some others had. They tore through their set delivering classics like “Devil in a Midnight Mass”, “Fallen Leaves” and the closer “Red Flag”. We were also treated to a new song to come from their new album this year which I’ll go ahead and call Billy Talent III. (you know it will be) The new song was heavier and if the album continues that sound, it will blow peoples mind kind of how everyone in the punk community loses their shit over The Bronx. Definitely the best set for the day. Quality rock, quality band. God bless Canadians.
I really thought more people would’ve stuck around to see Alice In Chains perform so many years after the tragic death of Layne Stanley. ( He’d been dead for about 2 weeks before they found his body. Nasty.) The new singer sounds a lot like him and does the trick nicely. But AIC never held a great lot of my interest in the past and still don’t now. I was there for curiosity sake and that was fulfilled. However the closure of the bar at the main stage before their set was annoying and a stupid decision by organizers.
I went to see New Found Glory having never paid them any attention and written them off years ago as to being another commercial pop punk band. But talks of a return to form in the the newly released album, I thought I should give them ago. Plus they were on the stage before Alkaline Trio. And I was surprisingly impressed by the band. Solid performance especially seeing as the band were to return to the stage 2 hours later in their other group The International Superheroes of Hardcore, they gave it their all. Well done. I’ll be checking out the new album.
Setting up the sound pushed the band back before walking on stage. Alkaline Trio were one of the main bands I wanted to see. Having fell in love with the Crimson album and enjoying all their other releases, I was bit let down by their shortened set. The sound hiccups left them with just over half and hour and they rushed through the songs with little banter and little interest from Dan for being their. Matt tried to look enthused but I doubt he was. Perhaps their sideshow will blow the crowd away like I envisioned they would.
Nine Inch Nails were given a massive 100 minute set. Unheard of for festivals. But with an extensive back catalogue anything less would’ve been a rip off for fans. About 25 000 people packed the hillside to watch Trent spit out the songs. The strobes would’ve cause a number of seizures after flashing constant through out the set. They sounded good, but again I was never a huge fan, but at least I can say I saw them.
By then I was spent and left. Despite some of my criticisms for the acts I had a top day out and left, tired, sunburnt and content. As any festival should provide. Hopefully next year the organizers can do better and organizing a more closer, suitable venue. Open the gates on time and leave the bars open at least to the beginning of the last act’s set. Let’s see next year when I head back.
Highlights- Less Than Jake, Riverboat Gamblers, Billy Talent
Lowlights- closing the bar early and Underoath.
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