As Flaming Wrekage’s brutal fourth album tickles your earholes, you know this is something special. …
Belle Haven
with Pridelands, Undercast + Fever Speak
Northcote Social Club – 11 August, 2017
Eager bodies flooded into the Northcote Social Club. With tickets close to selling out, the room was full with curious minds, what do Belle Haven have up their sleeves?
One thing was for sure, it was a well thought out line-up that slowly built up the intensity with each band’s passing set, until finally we witnessed the beauty and chaos that are now synonymous when describing Belle Haven’s live performance.
The night kicked off with newcomers, Fever Speak. Only weeks into the release of their debut EP, Melpomene, they are a band you should set your sights on. Changing up the norm and opening their set with a heartfelt monologue by vocalist Brent, it was all backed up by soft chords ringing out and an eerie e-bow. It was hard not to be hooked. Fever Speak were able to perfectly balance all the elements of rock that we all know and love, twisted off in their own unique style. It brought us a collection of sounds we were so lucky to witness. Bearing his soul, Brent’s soft, dream-like voice was entrancing and enthralling as he transitioned into his gritty rock vocals. Paraphrasing lyrics from their song, Venus Bay, tonight Fever Speak spoke the words they wanted to say, and we heard them loud and clear.
Beginning with a rather lengthy sound check, Undercast, took time to brush aside some technical difficulties. A flashback to those classic pop-punk feels, Undercast came in hard and fast, delivering catchy drum beats alongside Michael Cross’s solid vocals. Debuting two new songs, they gave us an insight into their future direction, and let us tell you, they are travelling at full speed ahead.
Undercast // By Bree Wallace
Having seen Pridelands a few times before I knew what to expect from these Mount Gambier boys, and God they don’t disappoint. Recovering from a broken wrist, we saw Joshua Cory on vocals alone rather than accompanied by his bass which now resides in the hands of a new member. This, however, only made him more of an unstoppable force, erupting out above the music and captivating us with his melodies. This paired with screams of lead vocalist, Mason Bunt, was a match made in heaven. Part of what makes Pridelands so fascinating to watch is Bunt, who allows himself to be consumed by his emotional connection with the lyrics. He articulates every syllable and drives his emotion into the hearts of everyone watching. None of us had a chance to break our gaze from their hypnotic performance.
Pridelands // By Bree Wallace
The curtain closed shortly after Pridelands finished their set and anticipation began to fill the air. Old mate Bieber and friends made a come-back in the background music, making this twice now. The idea that Belle Haven has a not-so-secret crush on the Biebs is becoming a strong theory.
As the curtain draws back it seems the Selfmade experiment is over. Belle Haven left their paint soaked uniform behind and stepped onto the stage a free band.
Belle Haven // By Bree Wallace
Opening their set with You and finishing with Me, left us with a journey through everything in-between. Shuffling through both past and present hits we become one with Belle Haven. Roaring voices constantly chimed in. David Vernon would often take a step back to appreciate these moments before re-joining the audience choir. The rest of band moved like they had lightning in their veins and their energy added fuel to the fire that David Vernon kept burning throughout their set.
Belle Haven // By Bree Wallace
Who would have guessed that you’d see a tambourine at a metal show? Well, we did! Deviating slightly in Little Polaroid Boy the music drew back as newest member, Jake Zammit, showcased his flawless ability on drums. David Vernon slammed his tambourine about before returning to the song. It’s Belle Haven’s ability to seamlessly weave new elements like this into their songs that keeps the audience on their toes.
Belle Haven // By Bree Wallace
A synchronistic event took place tonight as David Vernon recalls the origin tale of how he and brother Chris Vernon started to play music together. It was about seven years ago when Chris asked David to join his metal band under the guise of covering one of David’s favourite songs, Seven Years, by Saosin. Pointing out, that it was seven years ago that they had the idea to cover Seven Years, it seemed there was no time like the present to make this a reality. Yes ladies and gentleman, Belle Haven finally covered Saosin’s Seven Years and all I have to say is wow! And I hope someone got that on tape.
Belle Haven // By Bree Wallace
Finishing their set with no encore, because “encore is a French word and that’s lame,” says David Vernon. Belle Haven left the stage triumphantly, whilst we all reeled in the whole no encore thing. Personally, it was a nice touch, I mean what happens after Me is still yet to be written so it seemed fitting.
You can catch the beauty and chaos that is Belle Haven when they join Polaris on The Remedy Australian tour.
October 20 – Fowlers Live – Adelaide SA (Lic/AA)
October 21 – Northcote Social Club – Victoria VIC **SOLD OUT
October 22 – Phoenix Youth Centre – Victoria VIC (AA)
October 26 – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney NSW (18+)
October 27 – The Brightside – Brisbane QLD (18+)
October 28 – The Boston – Perth WA (18+)
