The atmosphere at The Tivoli was charged with palpable excitement on Friday night as a sold-out crowd eagerly awaited to celebrate The Butterfly Effect’s two-decade journey since the release of their debut album, ‘Begins Here’. It marked a nostalgic revisit to a defining album of my own life. I vividly recall attending their concert in Canberra 20 years ago with my brother, where this album became the enduring soundtrack to my experiences and emotions over the years. This night felt like a full-circle moment, amplified by the presence of my young sons, aged 12 and 13, witnessing their first live concert alongside me.
As I entered the venue, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and reverence for the iconic album that shaped a generation. The under-18s area upstairs brought together families, symbolising the passing of The Butterfly Effect‘s legacy to a new generation of fans. The realisation that this album was not just a personal milestone, but a shared experience for many in the audience added a profound layer to the evening.
The anticipation only grew as Melbourne’s alternative rock band, Wayside took the stage to warm up the already charged atmosphere. Best friends since high school, vocalist Thomas Davenport and guitarist Josh Ehmer deliberately embraced a heavier territory reminiscent of post-grunge bands of the 2000s on their latest album, ‘What Does Your Soul Look Like’. With ambient and haunting intros, and powerful choruses, they proved to be the perfect choice for this tour.
The moment finally arrived after two decades of anticipation. The stage, adorned with countless spotlights and strobe light towers, plunged into darkness. A giant vertical LED screen displayed a mesmerising video montage, capturing snapshots from 2003. Then, a single spotlight illuminated guitarist Kurt Goedhart, and the haunting introduction to the album ‘Begins Here’ began. Then, five words erupted the crowd, ‘push me over the edges’. Vocalist, Clint Boge is silhouetted at the back of the stage as he sings the opening line to ‘Perception Twin’. At this moment, I realise I do not want to be anywhere else.
Whilst the setlist is no surprise, the introduction of a cellist and keyboardist flawlessly recreate the album’s atmospheric sound. The acoustic rendition of ‘Beautiful Mine’ under a starlit ceiling added a hauntingly beautiful layer to the show. Bassist Glenn Esmond and Drummer Ben Hall gave it their all as the production, lighting, and visuals seamlessly blended, creating an immersive experience that mirrored the album’s tone. As Clint humorously acknowledged the audience’s timeless charm, I honestly felt like I was still in 2003.
The crowd embraced ‘Always’ as an undeniable favourite, singing so loudly that Clint’s vocals were almost drowned out. The audience took full control. Following that, ‘Without Wings’ made a triumphant return after more than two decades, met with an overwhelmingly positive response. With the enthusiastic reception it garnered, I am hopeful it will be included in future tours.
As the album concluded, Clint took a poignant moment to acknowledge those we’ve lost over the past 20 years. A stripped-down rendition of ‘Gone’ followed, serving as a heartfelt tribute. The band’s encore included, ‘Window and The Watcher,’ ‘Take It Away,’ and ‘Reach,’ wrapping up the night with a perfect blend of nostalgia and timeless rock. The raw emotion in the stripped-down rendition of ‘Gone’ created a profound connection with the audience, making it a poignant tribute to the band’s journey.
‘Begins Here’ remains a masterpiece from start to finish, and the concert’s meticulous execution emphasised its enduring brilliance. Having followed The Butterfly Effect for over two decades, I can unequivocally say this was the best concert I have ever attended in my entire life.
Photos and Review By Megan G King Photography
The Butterfly Effect:
Wayside:
