Words by: Belinda Quick
Photos by: Shaun Wilkinson
“Be like a lotus. Let the beauty of your heart speak. Be grateful to the mud, water, air and the light” – Amit Ray, Nonviolence: The Transforming Power
Canberra’s HANDS LIKE HOUSES are intimately attuned to the complex interplay of natural beauty; the Atmospherics of the universe and the complementarity which, when in perfect balance, brings forth the full bloom of the garden of all earthly delights.
Such is the dynamic condition that manifested the band’s latest-in-a-long-line EP, Lótus (released in full on May 21), and brought about the curation of an eponymous Australian tour, featuring a flourish of hand-picked local supports across all seven nights, and, of course, their kindred spirits – DREAM ON DREAMER.
The tour ascending on Adelaide, DONNI HEAT bursts energetically onto the Unibar stage. A lengthy wait for entry inferring an eagerness to see the true talent tell his beautiful Lies, the frontman arches his arm in hopes, Maybe, the crowd will take over whilst the band break down an otherwise upbeat emo beat. Unbelievably, his guitarist in-and-out of hospital today, “there’s no way I’d miss this”, nor see Donni’s band Stay away from the acrobatic performance.
An emerging obsession, BLINDER channels fellow Australian stylists, THORNHILL, blending musical genres and adopting an aesthetic of chrome cinematics and casualised charisma. Dancing in and out of shadows, co-leads Will & Ella are joined in three-sometimes-four part harmony by the instrumentalists of the group, a testimony to the sublime integration of the burgeoning talent’s musicality. With but “One more chance to jump tonight”, drum and bass samples break through the nu-gaze, a droning call to ‘rest in peace’ closing the ethereal set.
The university venue is somewhat of a home-away-from-home for Dream on Dreamer. The Melbournians’ lamentations voiced via founding lead vocalist, Marcel Gadacz, “Adelaide, it’s been a minute”; we’re invited to, once again, Let It In and Surrender to the serene energy of the patriarchs of Australian post-hardcore. Gadacz undertaking duties as recording drummer, the band’s touring percussionist powerfully pounds the kit, vibrating the stage and stands around him, twirling his sticks like calisthenics batons.
Revisiting the old stomping ground for the first time since 2023, a decennial anniversary of their acclaimed sophomore album (the release headline tour also celebrated here, where Marcel and I last met, a moment which will be fondly recollected at the merch table tonight), Love is shared and nothing less. Co-founder, vocalist and lead guitarist, Callan Orr, encourages “Don’t Lose Your Heart”, DOD’s “comeback has begun” officially, HEAVENS set to fall this Friday.
The LP’s lead single, All My Life, breathes resurgence. Every member becoming visibly animated, is reborn with the band’s rediscovered sound; still so Heartbound to them, there is a vitality unprecedented in previous performances. From new beginnings, the final trio belonging to heartfelt favourites, 2013’s Hear Me Out begs DOD Stay a little longer but, alas, there’s only time for one more Runaway hit. Until next time, Orr assures us all, “we will be back very soon, Adelaide.”
The titular track of Hands Like Houses’ upcoming EP singularly unreleased, Lótus blossoms under a bath of yellow and magenta lights, signalling a shift, both literally and symbolically, into the main act of the evening. Love & Affection immediately on display, frontman Josh Raven slides across the stage in reconnaissance, gathering Perspectives on an adoring audience from every angle possible.
The shrouded drumkit belonging to Matt Parkitny is unfurled and illuminated, as lead guitarist, Matt Cooper, stands akimbo alongside, his fingers climbing the neck of his instrument. The scene set, Raven throws the crowd into cardiac arrest, performing ICU in its entirety from the pit, punters encircling, not in aggression but cohesive protection, before Parkitny concurrently intensifies and quells the latent heat with a DEFTONES-esque solo that segues into Flowers.
The sultry atmosphere Parallels momentarily to the “horror” of the outside world, Raven reminding us
“We live in crazy times… I may not know you, but I know what it feels like; remember, you are loved. This is for a dear friend of ours, please, if you’re feeling the weight, reach out, this is Hollow.”
A deeply reflective dedication felt on-and-off stage, there’s no Overthinking to be done, as the energy resurges and Raven exclaims: “Fuck I love Adelaide, you’re always so much fun.”
Not usually a fan of covers, especially ones which (often unnecessarily) reimagine songs of downright perfection, HLH’s take on CHRIS ISAAC’s Wicked Game is an atmospheric and honourable exception. “Coops” wailing guitar and shapeshifting cardiganned silhouette a secondary protagonist, this becomes a welcome journey Through Glass, Space and time to bring a classic into the modern musical era.
Beams of yellow across the LED serve as Warning Signs; the next phase is about to begin. “We not only get to share our new music with you, but our good friends. Please welcome back on stage, Dream On Dreamer!” Clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Zachary Britt, the mainstay, Gadacz returns from the DEAD; a moment of pure Paradise made all the more enjoyable by the banter between audience members requesting an “Encore!”, which Raven sportingly rebuffs with “I’ve not even left yet!”
Promising a performance that spans the band’s vast discography, a quadrant of fan favourites begins the descent into the Colourblind depths of The Water. Imbibing the following interlude with gratitude for the pandemonium that preceded it, Raven emotes: “Whether you’ve got a beer in your hand or not, cheers to you lot. Adelaide’s always a lot of fun and, even on only 2.5 hours sleep, travelling interstate, we don’t cancel shows”, so, he asks, if I Am in, are you?
The room’s energy befitting the Lótus full bloom, a poignant balance is struck between wonder and wishfulness. Unable to freeze time yet grateful for its presence, parting words precipitate the final ascent into Heaven. “I hope you leave this room a little bit happier, a little bit more confident, because you deserve to live your life that way”; in beauty, transformed.
GALLERY
HANDS LIKE HOUSES
DREAM ON DREAMER
BLINDER
DONNI HEAT
