Reside - Gig Review, 22 April @ Blackbear Lodge, Brisbane QLD

Reside
Thursday 22 April
Blackbear Lodge, Brisbane QLD
Supports: Head Wreck, Worse For Wear

I've heard many a-good things about Melbourne alternative/emo rock act Reside and have yet to experience what they're all about myself. So I was stoked when they announced a show up in Brisbane this week, and as tired as I've been lately, I kinda just had to get out to the show still.

Kicking off the night at Fortitude Valley's Blackbear Lodge was local three piece Worse For Wear. I gave myself a few minutes earlier that afternoon to give the support acts a suss, and hearing Worse For Wear's latest release, 'Happy' was enough to get me fucking pumped for the evening. The band absolutely did not disappoint alright, providing those that were there with punchy punk rock energy teetering on the edge of pop punk. I love a killer opening band and Worse For Wear proved that they're worth my pop punk stamp of approval with an awesome set and a half.

Last time I witnessed Head Wreck was at a much larger venue supporting Aussie heavyweights Deadlights a few months back. With the smaller capacity and more intimate setting, I feel like they impressed me even more tonight. Head Wreck opened up the pit alright — with keen punters throwing down haaard. Despite being the heaviest band of the night with their edgy, chaotic blend of nu-metalcore, the Head Wreck boys didn't stick out too much. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Vocalist Connor Hickman owned the stage, feeding off the small but energised room. These guys are definitely ones to watch in the Brisbane local scene!

Melbourne's Reside finally took to the stage in all their glam and glory. Frontman Liam Guinane is an absolute star, owning the stage with songs off their newly released reimagined EP, Relight. He sure as hell has some moves on him, which made for quite the eclectic, alt/rock experience. I also must highlight the in-between song banter between frontman Liam and keyboardist Dylan Houston. It proved to be highly entertaining, while still keeping the humour light-hearted and fun.

Mimicking almost somewhat of an indie rock festival (but in a much, much smaller setting), the Reside boys brought the glam to emo rock that night. It was a hella colourful performance, complete with 80s synth meshed together with gritty emo rock riffs. While the boys are long overdue for new material, they did provide us with a glimpse of two new unreleased tracks before upping the dancey vibes even more with recent single 'In This Moment'.

Completing the set with the band's soaring hit song, 'Replace Me' proved that Reside are absolutely destined for stages bigger than the small space at Blackbear Lodge. After the band opened the last Unify Gathering, this gig really did feel like a warm-up gig. I do hope that the next time the guys make it back to Brissie, they'll be playing to a much larger crowd, and I'm so keen for that to happen!

I also just wanted to highlight how solid the entire show was tonight. I love a good diverse lineup. It definitely makes the night exciting and leaves for that element of surprise. From pop punk to metalcore to emo/rock, we kinda got a decent filling of live music and it's so much more heartwarming to know live music is back in this post-COVID world.

Setlist:

Gloom
The Light That I Found
Brevity
Solus
Palace (new song)
Blue Haze (new song)
In This Moment
Fallen
Run (Joji cover)
Replace Me

Gig Review by Tamara May @citylightstam