Gig

Trophy Eyes - Gig Review & Photo Gallery 24th August @ Roundhouse, Sydney NSW

Walladmin

Heavy Metal Wordsmith

Aug 27, 2024

7 min read

Trophy Eyes
Roundhouse, Sydney NSW
August 24, 2024
Supports: Boston Manor and TOWNS

When I think of pinnacle Australian live acts, none come to mind faster than Newcastle’s punk princes, Trophy Eyes. Just last year, I saw them four times, traveling far and wide for the elation and melancholic, out-of-body experience that this band provides on a level like no other. Despite my history with the band, this tour marked something special, seeing Trophy Eyes engulf some of the largest stages they have headlined in Australia to date. Sydney’s meeting saw them take over the Roundhouse, in all its grand colosseum-esque glory. Supported by the legendary Boston Manor, and the ever-energetic TOWNS, the night solidified Trophy Eyes’ unwavering presence within the Australian live scene and beyond- one that has seen them become synonymous with the themes of incredible live performance and deep connection with audiences that gleams from faces, well beyond the show’s end.

Opening the night was Adelaide two-piece TOWNS! From the second they set the stage, the duo radiated such a warmth that came from their charming charisma- both in their first few songs, and in their interactions between. Whether it be self-deprecating jokes, or silly remarks so far from the topics you thought they would touch on, it was hard not to grow a smile when watching them make their way through their set. The start of their performance was marked with some more indie-sounding tracks, branding them as this fun and energetic, and almost a little juvenile type band. In the crowd, their community became unmissable, with piles in the middle congregating to shout back the lyrics. Dancing in purple and blue lights, TOWNS went from approachable and calm when talking, to in the zone when performing, with extra special credit to the energy found on the drum kit. On this same note, the end of their set was met by a monumental tonal shift. Acknowledging the space they were in, they stated their issue with being seen as “the baby band” and that they had a job to do! Soon enough, these indie tracks descended into Aussie punk-infused madness, with blaring drums and a very powerful vocal performance. For those not engaged, this certainly grabbed everyone's attention, and got the crowd pumped. TOWN's dichotomy was powerful to watch, and sends a warm invitation into their discography, which is just as seamlessly fluctuating as their live performance.

Next up were no strangers to the Aussie stage, Boston Manor. Last visiting here in 2023 with Movements, the English lads have made themselves comfortable on our shores, and have had their presence reciprocated in swarms of love from Aussie fans. If there is one word to associate with Boston Manor, it would be confidence. From the moment they stepped on stage, a swagger exuded from the band; whether it be from the hoods on their jumpers pulled up, the smooth and deep bass lines that soundtrack most of their songs, or the powerful accent that rips through their singing vocals from time to time. It is just impossible not to be awe-struck by their coolness. What is even cooler than them, however, is the setlist they brought to the table. With much loved tracks like ‘Halo’ and ‘Passenger’ the crowd absolutely erupted! There was some initial reluctance from the Sydney crowds to start any moshing, with a few pushes here and there, but that all changed after the performance of ‘Sliding Doors’- a track charged with screeching guitars, vengeful screams, and their signature, intoxicating bass lines.

The string between Trophy Eyes and Boston Manor is one that has been unraveling for many years. The two bands have featured on multiple lineups together, and for the first time, the partnership was brought to Australia! There was a part of me that really hoped they would bring out John Floreani to play ‘Liquid’, but the lack of it did not put a damper on the performance. Instead, it was nice to capture tidbits of the relationship between the two, and how their own individual journeys of growth have coincided alongside each other.

Boston Manor’s electric set, to me, was at its crux, a celebration of what is to come. With the release of Sundiver only weeks away, the performance allowed Aussie fans to get a glimpse into some of the tracks in a live sphere, and acclimatize themselves to the new and revitalized direction that the band is taking. With a live show that saw them command the stage and exude the confidence they have earned, as well as the new songs under their belt, it was a privilege to see Boston Manor again- this time, at what might be the height of their career.

Fashionably late, the lights darkened and softly changed to a golden hue, emulating almost a bright, glaring sunrise. Over the speakers, Luciano Pavarotti’s ‘Turandot: Nessun dorma’ played, marking a grandiose and imposing entrance, fitting for a band of this stature. As the song reached its climax, each member took their mark on stage, before the speakers abruptly adjusted to the yearnful scream of Floreani and harsh drum smacks that are the foundation of the aptly titled ‘Sydney’. For the entire minute duration, the crowd screamed in unison, making sure their namesake was not said in vain, and hopefully proving themselves harder than any surrounding city- because it is our song, you know.

As usual, the band continued to play a handful of songs before they stopped to introduce themselves vocally, but truly, what serves as a better introduction than pursuing your discography, full-throttle in a live space. It was in this space of time, at song three’s conclusion, that a patron’s comment embedded its way into my brain. With glassy eyes and a gleaming smile, he leaned on my friend and I’s shoulders- “NO one does it like this band. No one does it like Trophy Eyes”.

And he was right.

In the span of a few songs, the energy had shifted into something only unleashed by this band’s intoxicatingly emotional, relatable, and scream-worthy songs. Even at their most vulnerable, with tracks like ‘My Inheritance’ and ‘Life In Slow Motion’, the mosh churns, sometimes not even to the music, but as a response to the feelings and uncomfortableness that these tracks stir, acting as an igniting response and hopefully, a method of unleashing all the worries and stresses our bodies are housing. And while this does make the show one big exchange of sweat and fists to the face, a slip and slide of heat and bodies piling up in the mosh, there is no greater expression of feeling than yelling and screaming to the band, and to others- connecting through the very music that has bought you there.

As I previously stated, last year marked the most times I had seen Trophy Eyes- with both the venues and the tour names changing. However, within that span of time, the setlist never changed. It was something I was quite intrigued about seeing this time around. Although the shows never got boring, the Trophy Eyes discography is extensive, so can anyone truly be satisfied? Tonight, I was called to openly welcome a revitalized setlist. Many songs from Suicide and Sunshine got their debut, casting a light on the articulate and transformative album that was. So too, we also got some inclusions, like the throwback of ‘Choke’, and I’m sure to John’s disapproval, the re-introduction of ‘Breathe You In’. It was exciting to see these songs in their glory, and it made the show feel new. With the stakes so high in a larger venue, they bought a new foot forward, and one that stood the test just as hard as before. Unfortunately for me, it did mark some painful omissions of ‘Daydreamer’ and ‘Suicide Pact’- but you can't have it all!

I think one of the most enduring and show-stopping moments of any Trophy Eyes show, in particular, Saturday’s show, is the performance of ‘Friday Forever’. The track encapsulates the band in a way that excels in a live sphere. Somber verses, a hopeful chorus, and a deep and penetrative bridge that seeps into the core of your very soul. As bodies scramble upon each other, screaming of clouds and dreams, outwardly projecting the words to the band that screams back at them, it is always the most beautiful thing to see. As the fast paced instrumental breaks through post-bridge, energy consumes the room with bodies flying through the sky, groups of friends hugging each other, and smiles brimming from ear to ear. I am almost certain I cannot capture a moment as heartwarming as this. This is live music.

The overarching theme of the night was a note of reflection. Despite tumultuous times taking over the band, both before Suicide and Sunshine, and in their recent touring cycle, the band remains steadfast in their morality; taking a moment on the stage to express their gratitude for the journey so far. Recollecting, John utters how the end of Trophy Eyes lingered within each member's mind for some time before this album, with a feeling their job was done and all the words had been said. However, there was one more sentiment to unleash to the world before they departed, and that was a thank you to fans. That message was written in the form of ‘Epilogue’, perhaps one of the band’s most excruciating songs to date. The track is a homage of flashing images that capture the story of the band so far, elaborating on the crucialness of making it out of their hometown, but more so, the growth from that mere hope, to the endless nights of crowds screaming back the songs and finding a home in their craft. It is a song made for fans, considering the perspective shift if only we could see what we looked like; how our passion exudes, how our voices capture the spirit of the song, and how crowds of support made this happen. Marking its live debut, John began to sing as the stage lights introduced a golden hue. Looking around in my local vicinity with my own teary eyes, I began to see mascara running, and men with sweaty beards blaming their tears on the sheer heat. With no direct retaliation against the band’s statement for writing the song, the themes got a little heavier. What if this was the last Trophy Eyes gig we get? What if it all comes to an end soon? With this air of sadness, but beautiful and all-consuming proudness, ‘Epilogue’ got the reception it deserved.

Of course, the night concluded with the songs that have made Trophy Eyes the band they are, with fan favourites, ‘You Can Count On Me’ and ‘Chlorine’. Donned in my ‘some of my friends sull drugs’ tee, and having a very strong relationship with the Chemical Miracle album, the finale became another guessing game of what was my sweat, and what was inconsolable tears. Just as you thought the energy couldn't get any stronger, the room opened wider, more feet kicked you in the head, and the air became denser. Soaking up the aftermath, calamity, and chaos, the applause and screams radiated throughout the building, signifying a warm welcome home, and an even stronger tone of a job well done.

Commanding a stage bigger than they have before, Trophy Eyes passed the test of endurance, spectacle, and musicality that assures their spot as one of Australia’s finest acts. Despite their energy thriving in the smallest, sweatiest, and stinkiest of venues, there was something so charming and grand about their performance at the Roundhouse. From the operatic entrance, to the golden hues that saturated John, leaving a mere silhouette to face the crowd, the show became a reflection of just how big this all really is. How important these words are to people, how integral this uplifting community is, and the symbiotic relationship held between Trophy Eyes and their fans. As I finish writing, that one man’s words seem to be reiterating in my head- no one does it like Trophy Eyes.

Review by Georgia Haskins @ghaskins2002

Setlist

Sydney
Life In Slow Motion
Blue Eyed Boy
People Like You
Heaven Sent
My Inheritance
Figure Eight
Friday Forever
Kill
Breathe You In
Choke
Enmore
What Hurts The Most
OMW
Burden
Epilogue
You Can Count On Me
Chlorine

Photo Gallery by Jess Fonti @jessfonti.jpg
Please credit Wall Of Sound and Jess Fonti if you repost photos.

TOWNS

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Boston Manor

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Trophy Eyes

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