Resist Records Showcase - Carpathian/ Irrelevant/ No Apologies
Fowler's Live
Sat 15 Dec


Sydney based hardcore act No Apologies opened tonight's show to quite a warm response. Having witnessed their live set once before with Parkway Drive, No Apologies delivered exactly what I was expecting: their brand of original hardcore. Proving their quite well known "nice guy" reputation in their live set, the Sydney band put on a rather enjoyable performance to kick the night off. Sadly however, the five-piece does somewhat lack energy on stage and their presence suffers because of this. The between song conversation is also not a strong point, but hearing the tracks from their album 'Survival' live is still certainly a privilege and a pleasure.

Next up was post-hardcore outfit Irrelevant. Certainly no strangers to the live setting, the band charged through tracks from their entire career, including songs from their debut album 'Ascension', as well as some newer tracks to be released on a forthcoming full length. It's unfortunate that Irrelevant do not tour as much as they used to, as their live performance is certainly one not to be missed seeing as the quintet are practically pioneers of the scene. Combining elements of fast melodic hardcore, punk and rock with clean vocal singing and harmonies, the formula is very appetising and the new album they have in the works is certainly something to be excited about.

Finally headliners Carpathian exploded onto the stage with plenty of energy and complete disregard for their own safety. The band performed songs from their debut album 'Nothing To Lose', their self-titled EP and their new 7-inch single 'Wrecked', including Don't Have My Back, Who The Fuck Taught You Snaps?, Ceremony, Explosions and plenty of others. The intense set just gave further evidence to why Carpathian is leading the pack with their type of 'moshcore' music. Closing with The End Of The World, the crowd were whipped into a frenzy with stage dives and sing-alongs that certainly uplifted the intensity of the show and capitalised on the performance perfectly. Once again Resist has been able to host a highly successful event and with many new releases expected next year, it seems 2008 may just be the biggest one yet.

Will Oakeshott