Pix thanks to Jordan Munns (taken at Hordern Pavillion)
‘Fuck you, Alfred. Alexisonfire crossed oceans to be here. Are you here? You know what to do…’ – George Pettit 2025
I feel so lucky to be writing this review right now. Cyclone Alfred tried to take this away from me, however, the stars aligned… (meaning all the amazing team members behind the scenes and the bands put in a lot of planning and extra time) and rescheduled their Brisbane leg of their Australian tour. Best news I’ve had all year, I’m a huge Alexisonfire fan.
Graciously they played two shows, and I got to attend Sunday. For me, this means no traffic and less drunk dickheads to navigate through in the city. The doors opened to The Fortitude Music Hall, and it was on!
First up is Gel who have been popping up everywhere lately on huge tours! Their set was short, sharp and to the point. Their fast-paced music set the tone for the night and got everyone nice and lubed up. Being a Sunday night gig, that is a tough job to do, and they did it well. I don’t know any of their songs, but I will be going down the rabbit hole tomorrow.
Underoath are next to take stage performing They’re Only Chasing Safety, (aptly named after having to bail from a cyclone), to celebrate 21 years of the album. This album stands out in my mind. Not only the songs, but that album cover of the woman with the breathing apparatus on. Iconic.
They didn’t do the standard play-through; all of the songs were jumbled up, keeping things interesting. We started with Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape, which I thought was an interesting choice as it’s a slow burner. I haven’t delved into Underoath in many years but the second I heard A Boy Brushed Red Living In Black And White started, I was 15 again with these lyrics burnt into my brain all this time down the track. I love the feeling of nostalgia that races through my body, and I can’t help but smile.
After indulging in They’re Only Chasing Safety, we were treated to All The Love Is Gone off their new album, The Place After This One and two throwbacks with In Regards To Myself and Writing On The Walls. All in all, an amazing experience, and I’m so happy they showed up for Brisbane and shared the memories with us.
Alright. Full disclosure, I need to reign it the fuck in. I love Alexisonfire. They mean a lot to me personally. The memories tied to them, all the times I leaned on their music to pull me through tough times… the list goes on. I’ll try my hardest not to yap on for 100 years. Here we go.
After watching the gentlest guitar tech I’ve ever seen perfectly prepare their instruments and align everything perfectly straight, the lights go down and it’s showtime. As soon as Alexisonfire came out, their banner rolled out behind them, and they came out like a bat outta’ hell. The energy was HIGH.
Outfits? On point.
Sound? Huge.
Ferocious leg kicks? In abundance.
Balaclava frontman? Of course.
Accidents was first up and immediately everyone was cheering and ready to get the fuck down! It was like a moment hadn’t passed, they aged like fine wine. The chemistry between the band is immediately intoxicating. It’s clear from the get-go that they are going to blow the fucking roof off on the last show of the tour. I’m here for it.
We then seamlessly roll into Sweet Dreams Of Otherness, which feels like smooth salty butter rolling over your body. Dallas Green has two mics on stage, each with its own purpose, nailing his signature sounds. Teamed with Wade MacNeil’s grouchy – smokey vocals and, the whole song sounds like fucking magic.
As soon as Boiled Frogs started, I forgot that I was indeed a 30-year-old woman and began jumping and screaming my lungs out to every word like I was a teenager again. I’ve waited since Soundwave 2010 to have this moment again, and it did not disappoint.
It was such a beautiful experience to watch these guys on stage share such an intense bond. At one point, they all came together in a circle and jammed out, lending to this moment of pure admiration from the crowd. You can still see glimpses of these teenage boys in Canada, wondering if they would ever make it. Spoiler alert, they exceeded expectations and still bring joy to those lucky enough to see them around the world.
Sans Soliel is off their newest album and was beautiful to watch. All their vocals are so different but together in harmony is enough to bring a tear to my eye. Goddamn, I feel like I was watching a master class on how to kick ass.
This whole time, George was wearing a balaclava, which I can only assume is an inside joke thing? During We Are The Sound he finally ripped it off, revealing that A) it was indeed George under there the whole time and B) This mother fucker must be a vampire because he has not aged one bit. What are your secrets!?
Drunks, Lovers, Sinners and Saints kicked on as George announced. ‘I love you cu#ts’ and proceeds to bend his mic stand in half. I could imagine the stagehands going ‘Oh for fuck sake, when is he going to stop doing this bullshit’ – hands him another mic stand. haha!
For the old-school fans, we got a major throwback from a song off their 2004 album Accidents, That Girl Possessed, and it was killer, like they perfect it every time they play! Something special for us fans to hold onto.
‘We haven’t played this song in a long fucking time. I don’t think Alexisonfire has played that song for 20 years. It’s just for you’.
Finally, I got to hear Young Cardinals. Apparently they played it first the night before, and I’m super stoked that this was late on the bill for this show. The song gives me goosebumps immediately and turns on the water works, yeah, I’m not too proud to admit it! It’s everything I wanted from this show. Immaculate execution from the band, crowd singing along in unison, and this amazing energy in the room.
I really want to end this by speaking on behalf of their fans. The effort, time and money it takes to reschedule shows in such a short time frame is ENORMOUS. I personally am eternally grateful and commend you for your commitment. It won’t be soon forgotten, and I hope you felt the love and appreciation towards you all. Thank you.
