Monolith finally arrived in WA shores this past weekend after a few hiccups in making this big event happen but it was well worth the wait. Perth was last in line on the tour which saw Karnivool and COG team up with Ocean Grove, Plini, sleepmakeswaves, Reliqa and Yomi Ship across the country over the last few weeks or so and judging by the reviews so far, it’s been a massive success so far. With two Perth also bands on the bill, this almost felt like a homecoming of sorts so it made sense to make this the final show of the tour.
Speaking of Perth bands, hometown psych rock heroes Yomi Ship were the first to open the day which for the most part was a breezy sunny afternoon but with the threat of rain looming ahead. While only a few spittles made it’s way down onto the crowd early on, who were all pouring in nice and early for the shows first set, it was a good day for a festival.
Yomi Ship looked the part, clearly having a lot of fun in such a brilliant setting with the Perth hills as the backdrop for the Red Hills Auditorium. After witnessing them earlier this year supporting Plini, it was great to see them keeping their profile still high with big shows like this.
Sydney quartet Reliqa were up next, a band who seem to defy labels and genres with a brand of music that’s simply a must to hear and see to understand their style. They recently dropped a brand new EP which further encapsulates their sound, combining melodic passages, heavy breakdowns with a hip hop flair and some flashy prog rock. Energetic performance on stage tonight with surely a few punters now onboard for the first time.
sleepmakeswaves are no strangers to the WA crowd having made their way over here a few times over the years. It’s been a while for some of us since the last time we may have seen them but their unmistakable post-rock sound is always a joy to hear. The band put on another stellar performance as always while the sun slowly sank down into the evening sky, their music the perfect soundtrack to take it all in.
Another Sydney act and also another act who we saw earlier this year, Plini took to the stage next and put on another great show for us. Along with his mastery of the axe is his ability to drily interact with the crowd in an almost candid way but of course, the technical prowess is the real show and tonight was no different. Despite the fact it didn’t seem too long ago since we last saw him, it felt like we couldn’t get enough as the band busted out one technically crafted track after another. We really don’t mind if he makes it back a third time this year!
As darkness finally settled in we see heavy hitters Ocean Grove rock up and easily putting on the heaviest set of the night. Contrasting melodic moments and a bit of Nu-Metal flavours, the band got the crowd going in a real full-on experience like no other tonight complete with crowd surfing and all. It feels good to see festival back!
At long last we finally see the mighty Cog make their way to the stage and a much welcome return to WA. The veteran rockers proceeded to give fans a bit of everything they have been expecting with the older tracks being given a coat of modern shine. Easily they could have been worthy of being headliners but judging by the crowd response, we think people were just super appreciative to have been able to see them again but let’s hope they make their way back with their own show.
Of course the best is saved to last, arguably given the sheer talent on display today, with Karnivool closing out to deliver the goods as they consistently do. The darkened sky surrounded by the Perth hills perfectly supported the final act, with the full prog treatment blasting through the PA onto the crowd who savoured every moment. Despite being WA native, Karnivool are pretty selective on shows in their hometown so when they do play, it’s a special moment.
The Perth natives performed a string of classics and notable tracks in their set, explosively displaying their own technical abilities to make sure they weren’t being outshined by any of the previous acts. It’s hard to dismiss anything about this band, they know how to deliver the goods every time and really were the perfect ending to a fantastic day of live, original music. Who said rock was dead?
Photos by Linda Dunjey Photography
KARNIVOOL & COG
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OCEAN GROVE & PLINI
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SLEEPMAKESWAVES, RELIQA & YOMI SHIP
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