Gig

Deafheaven – Dark Mofo – Gig Review 15th June @ The Odeon Theatre, Hobart TAS

Walladmin

Heavy Metal Wordsmith

Jun 18, 2023

7 min read

Deafheaven – 10 year celebration of Sunbather
The Odeon Theatre, Hobart TAS
Thursday 15th June 202

“Deafheaven made a record no-one asked for because no-one had the imagination to.” Geoff Rickly (Thursday, No Devotion) for Talkhouse Publication, June 24 2013.

The quote from this celebrated vocalist, lyricist and now novelist is a very thorough description of what the critically acclaimed second full-length Sunbather achieved, but not in entirety. Whilst the imagination of crafting and refining: “The only ‘black metal’ record that you could relax to at the beach this summer.” (Geoff Rickly, Talkhouse Publication 2013) was assuredly beyond the realms of many of the artists, musicians and aficionados of the genre; perhaps subconsciously the world not only asked for this ground-breaking record, we required it. The fact that on this night, two of the main streets of Hobart were filled with eager fans awaiting entrance into the Odeon Theatre to witness this LP played in full is conceivably justification of this perspective.

The theatre was in all likelihood exceeding capacity at both levels, once an attendee had a vantage point, it was near impossible to move from it. This accentuated the tension from anticipation for what was about to unfold, a ticking time-bomb of sorts. Strangely though this was not necessarily a countdown for an explosion, this was a possibility undoubtedly; however, this was more-so for a theme of “the unknown” which was peculiar as the setlist was already known information. Perchance it was to allow the fans collective imaginations run wild?

The lights suddenly dimmed, a piano instrumental introduction warmed the souls of all present into a blissful tranquillity, the band then emerged in a simplistic fashion, waved to the audience and then begun that adored opening riff of ‘Dream House’. A frenzy of sorts began, but not in an instantaneous metal mosh pit manner that would be expected, but to a greater extent this was more a spiritual energy of cheers, fists and horns in the air and whole bodies swaying similar to an ocean building in wave size.

Vocalist George Clarke was instantaneously manic, prowling the stage like a predatory lion and in the live setting, he is assuredly the Alpha lion of the group, acting as a conductor that also leads the charge for the willing crowd. Even when shrieking into the microphone on its stand in a somewhat stationary position, his intensity is felt with immeasurable force leaving his victims aghast in awe.

All members besides guitarists Kerry McCoy and Shiv Mehra then departed the stage and the two axemen were left to serenade the entire venue with ‘Irresistable’. This had all who observed the instrumental lost in merriment and this was contagious for the musicians themselves who laughed to each other in happiness.

All were awoken by the title track and its ferocity which in turn elevated the audience’s contribution to crowd-surfing and mosh-pit antics; essentially this was just a matter of time and the perfect way to celebrate this iconic album released 10 years ago. Mr Clarke transformed himself again, channelling Joy Division’s Ian Curtis with eccentric dance movements. This was clearly infectious as at times the other members would also join in to a degree, and it was visual poetry when it occurred. Then, almost identical to a theatre performance, the quintet exited the stage again for the intermission of ‘Please Remember’ – eventually the guitarists reappeared to close out the track and begin the transfixing introduction to ‘Vertigo’. One-by-one the members exposed themselves as the adventurous song commands, with George catapulting on to the platform last and in a schizophrenic identity crisis – either screeching viciously or danced sensually. In all honesty, this track could not have a more suiting title as it is a dizzying and bedazzling journey.

One final exit for the ‘Windows’ intermission before the explosion that is ‘The Pecan Tree’ erupted. The building waves of the ocean were now at a threatening tidal wave level, it was not a crazed event to fear, however it was one to admire the majesty of. Eventually the storm tide slowed into a post rock serenity and Mr. Clarke immersed himself in his adoring audience, embracing them, sharing the microphone and climbing atop them. With his final screams, the final drumbeats and concluding strums of the guitars, it was over.

There would be no encore, even though the demand for it was near deafening. However, at this event it should be appreciated that a new level of elated euphoria had been reached via blackgaze magnificence. Imagine that?

Review by by Will Oakeshott @TeenWolfWill