Words by: Kyra Jade
Photos by: JD Punisher
Every time I plan to attend a show at Riverstage in Brisbane, the forecast says something like ‘Torrential downpour and tennis ball-sized hail’. For those of you that don’t know, Riverstage is a wonderful – yet completely open air venue. This was the forecast to usher in the end of the Architects Australian tour. Somehow the weather God’s came through and I’m glad to report it was such a perfect night & to be supported by President and House of Protection, tonight’s show was destined to be huge!
It can be a tough slog being the opener for such a huge band, President not only pulled the massive crowd early on, they captured their attention and got everyone ready for the show ahead. It gives me goosebumps thinking about a huge crowd cheering & singing along in unison and feeling that massive presence teaming the sun slowly setting over the Riverstage really set the mood for evening.
As everyone waited for House of Protection to take the stage, I was pleased to see so many fans continue to flood the venue. The perfect space presented itself right as the incline began on the edge of the grass, giving me the best view of the stage. Basically no matter how tall someone was in front of me, there was no obstruction of the stage. Winning!
This was the first time I’ve watched House of Protection, and by all accounts they were doing exactly what they were invited on this tour to do – work the crowd. They managed to get a circle pit going by the second song in, Learn To Forget, and were pulling out all the stops to entertain. There was always a lot going on. At one point Aric Improta (vocals, drums) had his drum tech’ step in so he could be front man and get into the crowd. Stephen (Steve) Harrison (guitar, vocals) was bringing high energy to the performance and managed to get everyone on their feet & moving. By the end of their set everyone was jacked & up sweaty – ready for the Architects.
After singing my lungs out to System of a Down’s Chop Suey with my buddy Fatso, Richie Hardcore took stage and addressed the crowd with an important message. Speaking up about violence against women & domestic violence, done so in a way not to shit on men – to shine a big light on the terrifying statistics that is our reality and pleading that we all together as a society do better. ‘Make the world a safer place for our Sisters.’ Thank you to the Architects for using your platform and having the gollies to speak about such an important topic right before curtain call. Every time Richie addresses the crowd is another chance for change, to re-wire the way someone thinks and potentially put them on a better path. I can only say THANK YOU for being that non-judgemental and friendly face steering the ship.
‘Conversations That Challenge. Actions That Transform.’ – Richie Hardcore
Oasis’ Don’t Look Back In Anger echoed through the speakers, and with that I knew it was showtime baby!
Adorned with a simple Architects backdrop, these guys mean business. Personally, the last time I watched the Architects was back in the Soundwave days. Since then there have been changes, (plus grey hairs), and I’m so excited to watch them in this era. My first thought was ‘Why on earth is Sam Carter (vocalist) wearing a wind breaker? It’s 30 odd degrees!’ For Whiplash Sam asked us all to get down on our knees and jump up at the drop. Traditionally I wouldn’t take part because well – getting old and all & my knees will immediately fuck off to another country. Remember that awesome spot I was bragging about? Yeah, everyone around me was complying and I felt compelled to join suit or be crucified for not being a team player. No regrets. Jumping up and down like I was teenager again had my blood pumping.
The feeling of the crowd was one of unity and pure happiness. Everywhere I looked everyone was smiling from ear to ear and passionately singing along to every word. Exactly what I wanted for this show and I’m sure the Architects appreciate all the love too!
There has been a buzz online leading up to tonight and rumours growing amongst the crowd that Winston McCall (Parkway Drive) will jump up for Impermanence, being semi-local from Byron Bay and all. I may or may not have had some insider knowledge that he was indeed: A) present at the show, and B) jumping up for their song together. It was exciting knowing that everyone around me was just about to lose their shit. Sam Carter kept looking stage right, and I knew that any moment now Winston was about to burst onto the stage and make history. There was a small hint for the crowd there when Architects paid respects to opening for Parkway Drive many moons ago in Australia, only moments later we would see an amazing moment shared together on stage and it was nothing short of electric!
It was a great setlist, boasting 16 songs and generously coming back for an encore of Seeing Red and of course, Animals. It’s a huge testament to a band who have well and truly done the rounds to have this massive headline tours in Australia. Architects have grown through the highest of highs and lowest of lows together to evolve into the monsters of this genre and industry that they are today. I can’t see them going anywhere anytime soon and I can’t wait to watch them experiment with their sound and mature for years to come. As it stands they are only getting better and bigger with everything they put out.
Don’t be strangers now!
See you around, legends x
HOUSE OF PROTECTION – Gallery
ARCHITECTS – Gallery
