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Among The Restless

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FeaturedNews
May 14, 2024
Megan Milner

Among The Restless Release ‘Cheap Adhesive’ – Cementing The Impact They Intend To Have From Start To Finish

Among The Restless have earned their stripes and done the hard yards over the last few years. They have proven they are here to stay and can mix it with the big guns of the music industry. ATR are an Modern Alternative-Rock outfit that blends today’s modern pop sensibilities with emotive, guitar driven music. Cheap Adhesive is their latest offering, and it shows their growth and maturity not just as a band but musically as well. They have regrouped and taken the bull by the horns to reset the narrative and produce some authentic tunes jam packed with grit and determination. Cheap Adhesive is centred around the way people rely on habits and others in hope of finding relief in everyday life. Produced and mixed by Thomas Keating, the song was recorded in Sing Sing Recording Studios Northcote, keeping in tune with the Melbourne music scene, maximising their talent in a local environment. With demand high they are announcing gig after gig, so hit up their socials and get along to take in Cheap Adhesive live, ATR guarantee it will be stuck in your head from the first listen.

LISTEN TO CHEAP ADHESIVE HERE

Playing alongside some of the biggest in the business ATR have earned slots at Uncaged and Good Things Festivals as well as just completing two regional tours and an East Coast run in support of their previous EP ‘All I Want Is Everything’. They captivate their audiences with their modern alternative rock sound and commanding performances while bringing live music to anyone who will listen. The exceptional film clip for their last single Pixel Junkies was a constant on ABC’s Rage after its release, and it garnered a whole new fanbase and exposure for ATR. There is no rest for the wicked as they work on the next lot of ear tingling delights to keep the restless hoards placated. So jump on board the Among The Restless train and follow the journey so one day you can say ‘I was there when they started!’

About Among The Restless

ATR officially began in 2019 and comprises Rhett James (lead vocals), Lachie Dunn (guitar/vocals), Seamus Glenn (guitar), Jaidyn Hale (drums). Among The Restless create their own personalised take on guitar driven music while still maintaining a modern sensibility. You can find them playing all the Naarm/Melbourne haunts on a regular basis to their ever-growing fanbase, passionate about bringing their songs to the masses and relishing in their adrenaline fuelled live shows.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
November 16, 2023
Nikki Eenink

[Review] Among The Restless @ The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne 11/11/2023

There is nothing quite as sexy, quite as quintessentially Melbourne, quite as refreshing as a good live gig. Among The Restless wasn’t just a good gig, but a great one. They perfectly captured the Aus-Rock culture many of us love. Never have I seen an intimate mosh go off so hard, both of my glasses now sit on the Evelyn Hotel’s floor, in pieces.

And what was the glorious, sexy, punchy occasion? Me and a swarm of fans of all ages were gathered in the Evelyn’s fantastic band room to celebrate Among The Restless’ new single; PIXEL JUNKIES. Supported by several other small Melbourne bands; Tudor Club, Mathilde Anne and SCUD. Tonight was an absolute feast for the indie-music senses. I don’t have time to go over every band on this list, as Among the Restless put on one hell of a show and we’d be here for 3 hours (easily), but I highly recommend every single one of these bands. They created an atmosphere perfectly amplified by the purple stage lights, and air thick with the smell of Moon Dog Fizzers. There was something for everyone, from the occasional sad, lyrically wrenching Radiohead-esque moments to high energy tracks reminiscent of contemporaries Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale or Wallows. I understand why Among the Restless has such a large, dedicated, diverse fan-base. Metal mum’s, Mitski die-hards and Punk teens were all standing shoulder to shoulder, spellbound by the 5-piece’s musical magic.

Torn is such a tasty opener. As a massive 90’s post-Rock fan, I can feel the influence of bands like Sunnydale Real Estate, several Grunge heavyweights, and Pavement. They really have a little bit of everything, and tasty is the perfect word. The bass, the guitars, the driving drums and vocals, all of it fuses together and it melts on my tongue. After opening up with Torn, powerfully enigmatic front-man Rhett James takes to the mic. Dripping with charisma, he spends a lot of the night talking directly to this crowd of hungry fans. We eat up every word, and he knows it. “Stay restless!” He barks the order at us, and we completely obey. Back-to-back bangers No Sense // No Feeling and Ego push the night to an impossibly high level. These songs have a definite ‘kick’ to them, elevating from just tasty to fuelling. I’m nervous – how will they go keeping up this level of energy? But I shouldn’t have had any fear, Among The Restless have the attitude and bite of musicians 20 years their veterans.

Rhett beams at us, “This is the saddest song from our second EP. Written by yours truly, our guitarist Seamus, it’s called Star Crossed.” Magician on the strings, Seamus Glenn coyly smiles and in a shy little voice just says, “stop it.” The love between them is clear, and it’s wonderful. Star Crossed is without a doubt, a crowd favourite. Everyone around me is lost in reckless abandon, and all I can hear is a chorus of “How low! How low!” Faces are red and screaming, the band room is entirely under a spell. It must be an absolute treat for Rhett’s family, who are up visiting from Brisbane. His brother is wading through the crowd taking photos and videos of twenty-somethings losing their fucking minds. “It’s quite emotional actually” and I hear James’ voice crack a little. But immediately he has to lift the mood, “Josh’s bass is fucked and Lachie’s guitar has fallen off, so now I’ve gotta stall. I’ll tell you a story I guess. One time Seamus and I got into Berghain, and we learned how to dance the proper, European way. And then kissed some German guy.” For the uninitiated, Berghain is maybe the most exclusive club in the world, with online simulator games to test if you’re “cool” enough for Berlin’s upper-echelon of club rats. Among the Restless are cool enough for Berghain, confirmed.

Slave Within the Change has to be another crowd favourite, this is the song where the first of my two glasses got smashed. I understood. One can’t not move to the 5-piece powerhouse of masculine love, energy and musical ecstasy.

“We’re gonna play a song we finished like last week, so it’s probably the only time you’re gonna hear it in a long time. One of us wrote this song about an ex-girlfriend who really liked the movies. So, yeah. Stay tuned, it’ll probably come out in a year.”  The unreleased track is aptly named Cinema, and I can’t wait for its release. As the ex who really likes the movies, the lyrics are a perfect cocktail of funny, aching, and catchy – the Among the Restless specialty.

For a song no one’s heard, it gets rowdy. People are getting so down and so dirty. Rhett seems genuinely surprised, “This turnout’s fucked hey.” And people cheer, jump in the air and knock over yet another one of my glasses. “I saw someone do a bump before, that shit was lit. Keep it up.” And the drums kick us into Missing Pieces. The instrumentals in this band are fucking ridiculous, shimmery guitars, pounding bass and drums that dance around each other – it’s such a delight.

The 5 piece move offstage to grab stools, and I was very confused. Stool break? That’s a first. But when they come back, the fellas sit down and dish up an acoustic cover of Underground. It’s so beautiful. So beautiful. Rhett’s vocals really shine here. The pipes on this kid are next level, ethereal shit. I’m spellbound, and every inch of me has goosebumps.

The Screaming Jets are Aus-Rock royalty, and as a fellow Novocastrian, my ears immediately perked up hearing their name. In a tribute to James’ close family friend, Paul, they lose themselves in a neck-breakingly good cover of Needle. It’s bittersweet, powerful and shows the importance of community and musical brotherhood. Rest in Peace, Paul.

Wastecase into Someone Else leads us to the absolute showstopping finale of Lucy and, of course, PIXEL JUNKIES. Rhett comes out in full drag, “THIS IS FOR THE MILF’s”, is what I’m 99% sure he said. And god I hope it is. MILF Supremacy. Sporting his outfit from the recently released film clip, the stage littered with props from the same, it dawns on me as they shred through their final number and brand new single; these guys are the embodiment of the Wheatus song Teenage Dirtbag. They’re sweaty, messy with bleached buzzcuts and mullets, but they’re so much fun. They get the girl, they lose the girl, they write an amazing track. Honestly, they capture something so uniquely Australian, so nostalgic and outrageous. Stream this shit, I’m being dead serious. It’s so, so good.

Among The Restless are keeping the traditions of Aus-Rock alive. They don’t take themselves too seriously, they have such loving energy between them. They embody the community, the comradery and the love of music. And god can they play. With a setlist nearly 90 minutes long, they never get sloppy. All of them were born to play their instrument, it seems as natural as breathing. Keep an eye on these guys; I just know they’ll be big.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
September 25, 2023
Cassandra Hale

[Review] Punk Rock Factory @ Stay Gold 23/09/2023

A beautiful Melbourne day saw the punters turning out early for a night of wicked punked up covers with UK’s Punk Rock Factory. With the line snaking around to Sydney Road, Melbourne Music haunt Stay Gold was going to be pumping, so I jumped in line quickly to ensure I saw all the nights entertainment. Melbourne five piece Among The Restless opened the proceedings to a rapidly filling room. It was fantastic to see so many people coming early to take in all the bands and enjoy a bevie or two.

Among The Restless are no strangers to Stay Gold and it was evident from the get-go that they felt right at home. Giving us a quick-fire set of five they had heads nodding and people dancing from their opening song Torn. They are an energetic lot, instantly engaging, quicky winning over the crowd as they worked through their set. Lucy seemed to hit the spot as people progressed towards the stage keen to see a bit more of what Among The Restless had to offer. Finishing out with Someone Else their first single from back in 2020, they certainly made some new fans along with the ones I saw singing throughout their time on stage. Definitely one to check for an exciting live performance.

Also based in Melbourne are alt/pop punk group PAPERWEIGHT. Offering a red hot thirty-minute set, they left nothing in the tank as they got sweaty with the swiftly expanding dance floor of punk rock fans. Once again, these guys are regulars at Stay Gold having played their first gig there just a few years ago. With many fans in their own right, they had the room jumping as they ploughed through their set. Scapegoat was one I really enjoyed, PAPERWEIGHT’s refreshing take on pop punk created a terrific vibe in Stay Gold and set the scene for the headliners. Another appealing local band that I would recommend you check out. We are so flush with amazing music here in Melbourne please go out and find some new bands to support.

It has been a long wait to get Punk Rock Factory here to Australia, but we have been patient, knowing the day would finally come. So on this mild September evening with footy finals in the air the hoards still swarmed to get a piece of punk rock action. With almost 10 years under their belts pumping out punk rock covers of our childhood memories along with other favourites PRF have built a huge following. While I am not so ofay with Tik Tok I’m told that’s the place to be for PRF fans. So it was time to see what all they hype was about, hold on to your hats as I take you through a night with UK’s finest, Punk Rock Factory.

Stay Gold was fit to bulging with punk rock lovers, there was multi-coloured mohawks, there was plenty of tartan and leather but there was also a feeling of unity. People finding their tribe for a night, feeling comfortable in their own skin and dropping their inhibitions and losing themselves to the music. Opening with Pokémon to cheers and screams PRF were off and running, Under The Sea and Power Rangers was a ripping trifecta too get the fans warmed up, keen to see what other delights would make an appearance.  Vocalist Peej kept up cheeky banter across the night, the friendship between these guys is apparent from the minute they set foot on stage. Offering up a $200 merch voucher to one lucky fan which quickly had people jumping on their phones to be in with a chance. Mamma Mia had everyone singing in their finest musical voices and You’re Welcome saw guitarist Ryan take to the crowd armed with two mobile phones filming the shenanigans. Of course the sing offs were many and the collective voices were loud and proud trying to claim their side of the room being the loudest.

With so many hits to choose from in their repertoire it was exciting to see what would come next, Thundercat filled that slot followed closely by Can You Feel The Love Tonight. The Farnsy classic You’re The Voice was up next and had everyone in the room raising their vocal range a cog or two, Kob smashing the drumkit to within an inch of its life. SpongeBob Square Pants, Defying Gravity and the Hamilton banger You’ll Be Back had hands waving in their air as they jumped into Running Up That Hill. Benj had the bass covered as We Don’t Talk About Bruno took it up a level, punters singing every word. Let It Go the Frozen classic that took the world by storm was up next, this punked up version was a standout of the night, even the punkest of punks singing with gusto. While the crowd was jammed packed they remained respectful all night, just there to enjoy the music and have a lot of fun. It was really encouraging to see such an eclectic group come together as one after years of missing out on the live music scene.  Many would have been happy to end the night there, but I had a feeling they could pull a few more from their punk covers pot. After a brief exit they retuned with a fitting finisher in Down Under. This certainly got the blood pumping and our patriotic chests puffed out. Add to this the Moana ripper How far I’ll Go and it was a setlist of dreams.  

Their set flew by in what seemed like minutes but after the warm welcome we afforded them we can only hope that Punk Rock Factory will be back Down Under again very soon. Bringing joy to our ears with the songs of our youth, slung with a modern twist made for an exceptional night of fun. I for one will welcome them back with my punk rock arms wide open.

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Gig ReviewsReviews
June 25, 2023
Cassandra Hale

[Review] Among The Restless @ Night Cat, Melbourne 23/06/2023

Review By Cassandra Hale

Closing out their All I Want Is Everything East Coast tour at Fitzroy’s The Night Cat, Among The Restless were ready to celebrate this huge milestone.  While Melbourne had delivered a freezing winter night it did nothing to discourage the punters from turning out in droves, the venue steadily filled with the cult like following who were ready to rock. I have watched Among The Restless grow over the last few years, the venues have got bigger, the fanbase has grown exponentially and their music has taken on a force of its own. Their songs show a maturity garnered by hard work and dedication and I was keen to take in the show in front of their home crowd in Australia’s capital of live music.

The Night Cat is a brilliant Melbourne nightspot, with its stage positioned in the centre of the room it cuts an amazing visual. Add to this an eclectic collection of lightshades hanging from the ceiling in varying hues of pink which instantly gives a chilled vibe. Being able to see the band from every angle gives a new perspective, and while the bulk of the fans gathered front and centre, many wandered to gauge a new angle over the course of the night.

Opening with Define, Among The Restless were off and running and the turn out were more than ready to throw themselves into the pit and get a piece of the action. Underground and Missing Pieces were up next, the Night Cat was warming up, with the cold of the outside night checked at the door. Torn had the floor bouncing as one, singer Rhett James working the crowd like a pro, his exuberance and lust for the live performance ever present. He is dripping with charisma and sings flawlessly every damn time. Crowd favourite Wastecase had the mosh up and about and Jaidyn Hale entered beast mode behind the kit. His precision skin hitting brought to the forefront in this drum laden tune, the fans lapped it up with chants of ‘Jaidyn’ spurring him on to deliver a mind-bending assault on the kit.

Without You had the floor grooving one minute then exploding the next as the epic build lashed them, Rhett leaving no corner of the stage uncovered. There was so much to love about the show, the engagement with the fans was next level, the quality of music impeccable and the collective voice knowing every word of every song a testament to their fierce following. Seamus Glenn delivered his most recent penmanship with Star Crossed, bloody hell this song rips hard. With such a catchy chorus it was an instant winner and had the venue pinging with happiness, smiles as wide as the stage at every vantage point. Seamus showed he is much more than a guitarist, his writing skills also of the highest calibre. No Sense // No Feeling brought out the crazy again as Lachie Dunn shredded like a psychopath, one of their heavier tunes this one had the floor slamming with gusto. Lachie’s backing vocals also prevalent throughout the night, he is the complete package and a pivotal part of the ATR dynamic.  

The upbeat cover of UFO was a crowd pleaser followed by the first single released by ATR, Someone Else. This song still rocks as hard it as did when I first heard it, it also comes complete with yet another epic breakdown that had the revellers throwing themselves into the pit.  Slave Within The Change delivered all the neck snapping feels that the fans wanted and it was everyone for themselves as the sweaty melting pot of a pit expanded to a blur of limbs. Let’s talk bass for just a minute. Josh Marra keeps the bassline well and truly covered and if you want to hear some of his epicness just check out the latest single Ego.  Josh worked all parts of the stage even taking a trip into the crowd with Seamus on one occasion, this four-string slayer certainly keeps you entertained.  Ego showcases the growth in ATR and when it is backed up by the classic Lucy you know you are in for a bloody good time. Their most popular song to date, Lucy never disappoints and had the crowd taking over the vocals for the duration.

These boys just tick every box and then some, and as the punters called for ‘one more song’ they did not disappoint jumping into a blistering cover of Bulls On Parade. This has become a firm finisher for ATR and one that brings out every level of crazy, the melting pot of a floor surged and jumped as one, making the most of every last minute. I saw girls facetiming to the unfortunate that couldn’t make it, I saw selfies snaps if you could pin down a band member, and I saw an unending merch line. Everything you would expect from a band of the highest level. Among The Restless prove time and time again that they are here for the duration and ready to mix it with the big guns of the industry.  If you are yet to see these guys live, add it to your ‘to do’ list immediately, they leave nothing in the tank and put on the show of a lifetime EVERY SINGLE TIME!

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GalleryGig Reviews+1
December 4, 2022
STM

IT’S A WRAP!!! GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL Review & Gallery @ Melbourne 02/12/2022

Review Contributed by Josh Mak and Kynan Arden

Photos Contributed by Shane Henderson

Two long years have passed since the last Good Things Festival blessed the Flemington Showgrounds. Melbourne, you have waited, you have endured and now rejoice for live music is back and festival season is upon us.

I arrived around 11 am and the weather was forecast to be a sunny high of 22 and low of 15. Warm sun and a cool breeze, what more could you ask for? This wasn’t just my first time covering a festival, it was actually the first festival I have ever been to. With five stages and a total of 32 bands, I was going to need a game plan on how to tackle this behemoth. We (Josh and Kynan) drew up a strategy on which bands we would individually cover, this way we could efficiently move from set to set without the need to traverse the Showgrounds and jostle with the crowds as much. 

So, whether you’re a veteran or a virgin of the festival scene, sit back, relax, spark up and join me as I take you through the experience that was Good Things 2022.

The first band of the day was the winner of Good Things Festival’s Battle of the bands, 

Among The Restless. Rhett James (Vocals), Lachie Dunn (Guitar), Seamus Glenn (Guitar), Josh Marra (Bass), and Jaidyn Hale (Drums). These boys had fought hard to be here and were eager to prove why they had earned and deserved this coveted opening slot.

There were some technical issues at the beginning of their set, as a sample that was supposed to introduce the band didn’t play. Frontman, Rhett James made a split-second decision and said “Fuck it, let’s play.” This is highly commendable and showed their professionalism and ability to adapt to challenges. Ripping through a blistering set of six, including their new single Torn, no corner of the stage was left unexplored by Rhett James as he danced and engaged the audience. The band’s brilliant musicianship and energy paid off and the crowd grew with each song that they performed. It’s never easy being the opening band with such giants of the industry on the bill, but Among The Restless certainly impressed me with their ability to draw in and win the crowd. Keep your eyes on these boys because they are definitely going places.

Those Who Dream were another band that kicked off the day, and despite the technical difficulties which continued throughout the day, the young duo worked with what they had and still delivered a killer performance, with Josh’s charismatic engagement with the audience, and Hazel’s contagious enthusiasm that could make even transphobic troglodytes’ grin. The sudden drum battle between the two got the crowd pumped and wanting more

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 5

STAGE 5 GALLERY HERE

Stage 2 was adorned in blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukrainian flag. This was going to be an emotionally charged set and those emotions were rage and determination. Jinjer burst onto the stage with all the subtlety of an explosion. The band played with surgical precision and vocalist, Tatiana “Tati” Shmalyuk’s vocals were on point. From deep guttural growls to haunting and melodious lines, she awed us with her range and execution. It was truly powerful and inspiring to see a band from Ukraine perform on the main stage given the current events in their home country. Mid-set, Tati took the time to thank the audience and Australia for their support of Ukraine, and the crowd roared in solidarity. You could feel the magic in the air and I’m sure that I wasn’t the only one with goosebumps from this. Then with the authority of an army general, Tati said “If fucking Putin is listening then let’s tell him with the next song that we want our country back!” War is a terrible thing but music has a power stronger than any weapon. Jinjer showed us how true this statement is.

Swedish punk rockers Millencolin were up next on Stage 1. They had a really fun vibe and got the crowd into party mode. Although their music was punk-based it did have a lot of strong rock and roll elements to it. Millencolin proved that no matter what genre of music the Scandinavians play, whether it's power metal or punk rock, they always do so with a high level of musicianship.

Thornhill, after a year of European and American tours, delivered as always on their home soil with a packed crowd, with a mix of their hits alongside tracks from their recent album Heroine, and the natural performing chops of the individual members themselves, especially the guitarist Ethan whose poses remain unmatched.

The Swedish invasion continued with the mighty Sabaton. I had been very keen to watch their set but the reaction of the crowd caught me completely off guard. People started pouring in and moving closer to the stage just before they were due to appear. Then as if cued by some unseen mystical force they all began chanting “Sabaton, Sabaton!”

A flash of sparks and flame accompanied by a deafening roar and there they were. Dressed in matching camo print cargo pants and frontman Joakim Brodén with his signature armored vest and sunglasses. The mood had changed and it seemed like every person here was a hardcore Sabaton fan.

I was immediately pulled into the pit as the crowd went into a frenzy. The fans had decided on my behalf that I was staying for this entire set whether I wanted to or not. Not that I wanted to leave, because Sabaton played an absolutely mind-blowing set! Tales of war throughout the ages were told by Joakim in a commanding voice that was equal parts glorious and gritty. Guitarists, Tommy Johansson and Chris Rörland dazzled us with technically precise shredding paired with melodic phrasing that power metal is so well known for. 

We were a brotherhood born in flames, smoke, and war cries. In these moments the crowd became an army of warriors united under the flag of Sabaton.

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 4

STAGE 4 GALLERY HERE

I now had a little time before I was due for the next set so my stomach decided for me that it was time to explore the food and other attractions on offer at the festival. I really must commend the organisers of Good Things Festival as there was a plethora of food trucks to choose from. Argentinian steak sandwiches, German bratwurst, Nachos, Burgers, dumplings and the list went on. I could probably write an entire review on the food trucks alone but maybe we’ll save that for next year. The majority of the food was reasonably priced and there were sufficient stalls that made it possible to grab a bite without waiting in line endlessly. Water stations, sunscreen, and even a phone charging station were placed throughout the venue and there was no lack of toilets.

A huge marquee was erected in the middle of the Showgrounds where people could have their lunch or just get out of the sun for a bit and in the marquee, there was a cover band playing the fan favourites.

There were also a few small theme park rides, tattooists, and barbers. Not really my kind of thing at a music festival but judging from the lines, the punters seemed to enjoy it.

I eventually settled on some nachos and now that I was fed it was time to get back to the music.

Nova Twins. What on earth can I say? If these girls don’t reach every corner of the world with their charisma and dominance that could match Cleopatra herself, I will accept that intelligence no longer exists. Even after the lengthy delay due to sound issues, the twins did not hold bad, delivering the baddest, most fiery performance imaginable with their urban punk/grime sound, encouraging the combination of twerking matched with moshing within the crowd

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 3

STAGE 3 GALLERY HERE

Queensland’s darlings of the metal core scene, The Amity Affliction were up next. They definitely drew the largest crowd I had seen so far. Moshing and crowd surfing were aplenty despite large banners saying they were forbidden. I guess the fans took it as more of a suggestion than a rule to adhere to. Having said this, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention that the overall atmosphere at the festival was very positive. Everyone I saw and interacted with was very respectful and was here to enjoy the music and not cause a nuisance. 

All in all The Amity Affliction was certainly a crowd favourite.

Having had their style described as progressive technical death metal, Gojira certainly did not disappoint. Brutally crushing dropped-tuned goodness was conveyed via insanely fast and violent rhythms. Vocalist and guitarist Joe Duplantier, together with drummer Mario Duplantir played at inhuman speeds. Showing a level of virtuosity I had never seen live. Many people have a stereotypical image of romance, art and croissants when they think of France. Gojira decisively destroys that stereotype and invokes more gritty imagery like a harsher version of Luc Besson’s Banlieue 13.

Sleeping with Sirens had just finished their set at stage 3 and as Soulfly was about to take the stage you could see a noticeable shift in the fan demographics. Gothic attire and brightly coloured hair gave way to leather and denim vests adorned with patches. Soulfly’s performance can be summed up as pure distilled tribal brutality. An intoxicating blend of crushing riffs and strong grooves from the drum and bass. 

A most welcomed surprise for me was seeing Dino Cazares of Fear Factory filling the role of the lead guitarist as a special guest for this tour. His playing was breathtaking. Syncopated rhythms and dissonant lead lines made all the fans hope that this wouldn’t be the last we see of him performing with Soulfly. 

Max Cavalera one of the actual legends of the metal scene was amazing and everything I imagined him to be live. His experience from decades of touring came through in his playing and showmanship and my God did he have a ferocious roar. The sounds coming out of Max Cavalera’s mouth made you think that he came from a place much further south than Brazil. Zyon Cavalera, Max’s son was a master on the drums, beating the skins with ferocity and feeling. It was heartwarming to see two members of the Cavalera family share the stage once again.

Soulfly’s fans were almost rabid and you could taste the tension in the air as Max called for a wall of death. Passion, excitement and just a tiny tinge of danger thrown in for good measure made Soulfly’s performance my favourite of the festival.

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 2

STAGE 2 GALLERY HERE

TISM. Oh TISM. Even after 19 years of silence, you drew one of the largest crowds filled with both aged and younger fans, who could scream all day about being a wanker, sexual envy, drugs that killed River Pheonix, and yelling at the cu*t Greg for continuously missing the bloody stop sign. The trash bag suits, plastic masks, and the gimp outfits brought a new but exciting feel to Good Things Festival.

NOFX began their set in the most spectacular fashion by declaring themselves the best band at the festival. Then quickly noting that they were also the oldest band and drew attention to their hairlines. In the best possible way, they treated their headlining festival set like it was a backyard pool party with friends as Fat Mike and El Hefe traded banter with each other and the crowd. The cheekiness and mischief were dialed to 11 and at one point El Hefe who is a trumpet player, mimicked a trumpet line from a song with noises from his mouth while miming the action with his hands. 

The majority of the things that came out of Fat Mike’s mouth are probably too non-PC to put to print in this day and age but here are a couple of highlights. 

“A lot of the bands here today are angry. We’re not angry we’re grumpy.”

“We’re about to play more songs nobody cares about so get ready for more disappointment.”

“My nipples can play a mean didgeridoo.”

There are many bands that claim to be punk but few bands embody the philosophy of punk like NOFX does. Some bands are virtuosos musically but NOFX are the true masters in the art of not giving a fuck.

The time had finally come, Deftones were about to take the stage. Having learned from my earlier experience during the Sabaton set, I opted to not stand too close to the stage in order to avoid getting caught in the pit. However, as soon as the band walked out on stage my plans went right out the window. I had begun standing on the edge looking into the pit and in the blink of an eye, I was in the middle of a new and much larger pit that stretched back further than I could see. The crowd had packed in and there was no room to move at all. The Deftones played a phenomenal set of many of the fan favourites and it was awesome to see that this band from my childhood still had such a big impact on the festival attendees.

Check Out the Gallery from Stage 1

STAGE 1 GALLERY HERE

The headliners of Good Things Festival 2022 were the British Kings of the Metalcore scene and it was obvious that the vast majority of the attendees had come to worship at the altar of Bring Me The Horizon. The show began with dazzling visuals on the big screen and the stage had been transformed with different raised levels. A beautiful white electronic drum kit and keyboard perfectly complimented the modern cyberpunk aesthetic. Frontman Oliver Sykes emerged to rapturous applause as a big cloud of confetti blasted into the air. This was an opulent stage show befitting the headline act. Lyrics and neon-colored graphics flashed across different screens as the band performed. The crowd needed no prompting as they sang at the top of their lungs to every single song. Like an orchestral conductor, Oliver Sykes directed the crowd and they were more than eager to please their idol. 

Bring Me The Horizon somehow managed to fuse the party element of an EDM concert together with the aggression of metalcore. This fusion brought forth spectacular visuals against a backdrop of an awesome rock band. At a festival the further you are from the stage the harder it is to connect with a band. It takes something truly special to reach every corner of the crowd and Bring Me The Horizon has that something special in spades. 

As I write this, I am nursing a sun-scorched back as I reflect on all I have experienced in the last 24hrs. A festival is not a casual event, it requires a certain amount of stamina to get through from start to finish. What distracts you from the fatigue are the amazing bands that you get to see live one after another. So, if a sunburnt back and some sore feet are the prices I have to pay then I shall proudly wear my battle scars as medals of honour. For I have now lost my festival virginity and God damn, Good Things Festival was a great place for it to happen. 

Bring on the next one!

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