Belle Haven – Gig Review & Photo Gallery 26th July @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney NSW

Posted on July 30, 2019 by Tamara May

Belle Haven
Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney NSW
Friday 26th July
Supports: Better Half, Headstrong and Closure

We were so stoked when Melbourne melodic-metalcore band Belle Haven announced their return with new single ‘Forget Me’ back in May this year. The band’s lead vocalist David De La Hoz has been a busy man since then, with his many musical ventures, we’re surprised he managed to find time to play some shows in support of the new single. Selling out pretty much the entire tour (Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane… NOT Melbourne) just goes to show that the love for Belle Haven is stronger than ever.

I arrived at Oxford Arts halfway through Sydney post-hardcore/punk band Closure getting the night started, and oh boy I’m glad I arrived early. Playing a heavily pop/punk fuelled set, they left a lasting impression with current single ‘Bedroom’, and vocalist Lucy May and the boys definitely had me mesmerised by their unique sound. I’m so looking forward to see what else Closure have up their sleeves in the coming months.

Up next were fellow local pop/punk kids Headstrong, who played some solid melodic-punk tunes to what I can best describe as their closest friends. I won’t be surprised if they made some new friends too from this show, especially with a gnarly rendition of Fall Out Boy‘s ‘Sugar We’re Going Down’. There’s been a big resurgence in pop/punk out of Sydney lately, and Headstrong’s at the forefront of that, especially with their latest single ‘Distant‘

The main support of the night (and tour) came from Melbourne’s Better Half. These guys had the sold out crowd singing along to their brand of emotional punk, and there was even a few circle pits that had fans in a whirl. Better Half brought their A-game to this show, that’s for sure.

Belle Haven dug deep into their back catalogue for this tour. The Melbourne post-hardcore rockers played an explosive set, diving deep into Belle Haven history, playing songs from their 2012 EP Onus, as well as hits from their last album release, You, Me and Everything In Between. It’s pretty clear to see that Belle Haven are stoked to be back playing music again, with frontman David De La Hoz getting amongst the crowd more than once throughout their set. Closing off the night with their latest single ‘Forget Me’, the boys left the crowd with high hopes that the band are stronger than ever and we’re so keen to see more of this next chapter of Belle Haven!

Gig Review by Tamara May. (@citylightsTAM)

Photo Gallery by Bree Vane. Facebook: Weather Vane Visuals
Please credit Wall of Sound and Bree Vane if you repost.

Headstrong