Review by Matt New
Photography by Angie New
The Roundhouse on the grounds of the University of NSW is widely regarded as one of Sydney’s hidden gems when it comes to the ultimate live music experience. A great room that sounds incredible, matched by a seemingly clever architectural design that alludes to an atmosphere more intimate and special than expected of a venue of its capacity. A favourite location for Brisbane prog heavyweights The Butterfly Effect, who return to share songs from their new album IV, with Melbourne’s up-and-coming talents Thornhill and Brisvegas prog journeymen Caligula’s Horse.
Although Sydney has been experiencing predictably dour weather of late, this did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of many fans entering the venue early to get settled for an evening of elite quality Australian music. Up first are Caligula’s Horse, who return to Sydney for the second time in 2022, making up for lost time after Covid denied them the opportunity to tour their 2020 masterpiece Ride Radiant. Starting with the opening track from this album, The Tempest, the lads immediately settled into a tight groove and showed why they are internationally respected amongst their progressive music counterparts.
This was the first time I have experienced the group perform as a four-piece ensemble; however, the sheer energy and power of every member resonated, and you could get lost in each intricate melody and beat immensely. Treating the fans to the classics such as Marigold and Rust from their 2015 album Bloom with a mix of new and more recent tracks, they delivered an entertaining performance as they always do. Consummate professionals in their craft with a pinch of wit and cheekiness to match.
Australia’s heavy music scene is always vibrant and a growing amalgamation of talent, and one band that has been sending shockwaves through it recently is Melbourne’s Thornhill. They set out on this national tour to promote their second LP release, Heroine, an album which has been drawing some serious attention and accolades. Opening with Raw, you are sucked into the tight drum grooves before being slapped in the face with heavily detuned guitars roaring with power.
Frontman Jacob Charlton is a very captivating frontman, who channels a swagger likened to those iconic vocalists from 80s new wave bands and powering melodically with an impressive vocal range likened to Jeff Buckley. This young ensemble are a very welcome surprise, and the hype around them is by no means a fluke. One would even argue that they add a touch of class to a genre of music that at times seems blurred and repetitive.
Their set was dynamic and engaging from the first to last song. Highlight tracks included Arkangel, The Hellfire Club and the incredibly catchy single Casanova. A band on an excellent trajectory that I hope will only continue to grow and achieve great things in the future.
For over 20 years now The Butterfly Effect have been a band that are much loved and respected by both fans and their musical peers. An incredibly talented and hard-working act that has left a serious impression musically on so many other bands to follow around the country. So, you can imagine the excitement that has ensued after releasing their first album in 14 years and getting the chance to share new music from it with an eager live audience.
Shrouded by a smoke haze, the lads emerge full pelt into Dark Light, and the crowd lifts a gear in energy as a powerful sense of nostalgia to a golden era of Aussie prog is awoken. They immediately follow up with The Window and the Watcher and A Slow Decent which commands strong vocal participation by the crowd, leaving frontman Clint Boge in awe with emotion. The joy of being reunited once again is ever present on each member’s face, as they channel a familiar youthful energy and apply it with experienced precision.
Clint takes a moment to show gratitude on behalf of The Butterfly Effect family for the overpowering warmth and reception to their reconnection with a passionate audience. They bulldoze their way through a set that beautifully encompasses their illustrious career, ensuring the fan favourites like Always, One Second of Insanity and Gone are included to keep the intensity of the crowd salivating for more.
The new material stands up very well live and even though these songs are in their infancy, they blend effortlessly into what was a very enjoyable set. Every member of The Butterfly Effect gave their absolute best on the night, all whilst making it perfectly abundant, they are not going anywhere anytime soon.
