dBmagazine.com.au

CDs:
· Mr. Wednesday
(We liked it and you will too!)

· Choirboys
· Gaslight Radio
· Gersey
· Halogen
· Hunters & Collectors, The Triffids, The Someloves
· Nick Lachey
· Obie Trice
· Slayer
· Soursob Bob
· The Mountain Goats
· The Ribbon Device
· Tim Steward
· T'n'T
· Various Artists

Live
· Atreyu
· Casiotone For The Painfully Alone
· Eskimo Joe
· Okkervil River

Atreyu, 36 Crazyfists, 3, Carpathian
HQ
Tues 5 September

Melbourne's hardcore quintet Carpathian kicked off the night with a strong set consisting of their self-titled EP and debut album 'Nothing To Lose'. I have witnessed them live many times before, but this was the first with ex-I Killed The Prom Queen vocalist Michael Crafter leading the way. He looks content and comfortable in his new role despite the slight errors during the fast-paced set, which I'm sure in time will become a non-issue.

Progressive/metal act simply named 3 put on a mesmerising show of musical ecstasy. Solos, dream-like vocals and a drum beat (from dual percussionists) that set your heart beat, they truly stole the show. Saying little more than maybe ten words the whole set, 3 let their music do the talking and it spoke loud and devastatingly, leaving the crowd with a combination of drum solos and an acoustic guitar solo that could redefine anyone's definition of music.

36 Crazyfists came out as energetic as a lion hunting down a gazelle and by the end of the first song, frontman Brock Lindow had already stage-dived into the crowd. Featuring songs off all three of their releases, the performance was justly enjoyed by everyone.

With such a great lead-up, it was hard not to be excited for the headline act Atreyu, but sadly, nowadays they seem to have lost a distinct amount of, well, 'passion' for their music. Performing songs off all three of their releases, they just did not seem to be the same band that I had witnessed only a year ago. There was less movement from the guitarists and frontman Alex Varkatzas was more at ease with singing than the usual toad-sounding and gut-wrenching scream he is notorious for. This passion-lacking-vibe was not evident with every member, as the bassist Marc McKnight looked almost murderous as he threw around his instrument and body. Brandon Saller (drums/vocals) also provided addictive energy with his solo performance as he sang The Theft near theshow's end.

Overall, it seems Atreyu are becoming too comfortable with themselves and what they do, but who am I to say what they feel? I heard at least 300 girls screaming out lyrics, so maybe I'm wrong?

Will Oakeshott

Pics: Alan Riley

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2008 Adelaide International Guitar Festival