It was prog night at Amps in Perth on Friday as Intervals teamed up with Polyphia along with special guests Voyager for the first night of the Australian joint tour.
Stopping half way down the alley way to The Amplifier to finish our pre show drinks, a well dressed couple approach us and asked “who’s playing tonight?”. Immediately I reply with “Voyager, Intervals and Polyphia”. “What sort of style of music do they play?” the fella asked. My mate and I look at each other and try and muster up a word that describes tonights affair. “Instrumental rock/progressive rock” I reply. “Ok thanks, we will check it out” the couple replied. As they walked towards the entrance my mate blurted out “You definately won’t be disappointed!” And he was bang on the money.
The beer garden inside was completely opened up with the punters scattered throughout. Immediately I knew this show was going to be packed. I had just finished a brutal night shift so I was keen to grab a Jager bomb to “refresh” myself and get into the spirit I had been longing for.
First up, fresh off tour was Perth’s Voyager. Vocalist Daniel Estrin welcomes the crowd to The Amplifier and quickly states how they are feeling slighty jet lagged after their whirlwind tour of ProgPower USA right through to Japan. It has been a while since I seen these guys but, WOW these guys were on point! Really tight and energertic, absolutely no signs of fatigue. I always love watching Simone and Scott work their guitar magic and stage antics. These guys have been around for a long time and their refined brand of progressive metal got the crowd off their feet with songs “Hyperventilating” and “Ascension”.
In between songs Daniel states “time to write some new songs!”. I honestly cant wait for their next installment of amazing prog metal and after briefly chatting to Simone and Scott they mentioned they have 5 new songs in the works. Well done guys!!
As I look around The Amplifier the crowd is more tightly packed and ready for the instrumental onslaught. Next from Toronto, Canada is the mighty Intervals. Aaron Marshall takes to the lone microphone and says “We are going to play some dirty instrumental for you, is that ok Perth?” Immediately the crowd responds in a roar of anticipation. I’ve been waiting to see Intervals for a long time and had missed their last show in 2016.
Songs taken from their latest album The Way Forward, the precision guitar riffing of“Touch and Go” mesmerized the crowd with Aaron’s brand of catchy instrumental prog rock. Slight technical problems in between songs were unnoticed due to drummer Nathan Bulla and bassist Jacob providing us with some Seinfeld inspired grooves whilst Aaron and Sam fixed the so called issue.
On through the set, I’m really taken back by the sheer brilliance of skill, musicianship and profound energy these guys are emitting to the crowd. I can tell these guys absolutely love what they do. “Sure Shot” taken from The Shape Of Colour got the crowd bouncing hard with those catchy hooks that will be stuck in your head for days with Nathan Bulla looking like an old jazz drummer in the slower sections of this track.
A quick guitar change and the 7 string guitars quickly grabbed my attention knowing that songs from the EP In Time might be played. And “Oh my god” Yes!! The heavier tracks “Epiphany” and “Mata Hari” erupted in a chaotic mosh. Last song “Libra” was the icing on the cake, smooth guitar riffing that highlights who these guys are. Absolutely amazing!!!
Next, what everyone had been waiting for, Polyphia!!! I had to move positions from the front of stage to the right, because the crowd was now packed like sardines from the front of stage to the bar. These guys have such a distinct sound like no other, that I cant help thinking to myself that they have set the bar a lot higher for this genre and for musicians like myself that admire the absolute skill and songwriting.
For Polyphia and Intervals to have no vocals at all and to rely on their instruments to tell the listener a story is in my book, absolute genius. Opening with G.O.A.T is a prime example, taking the band in a new direction, with the slight hip-hop/ electronic vibe. Next track “Champagne” starts then bassist Clay Gober stops the song and looks at guitarist Scott LePage and says “How long have we been doing this…..? 4 years….I want you guys to finish your drinks before we play this song….and give it up for Scott’s nose”.
On through their set “Lit” gets the crowd “lit”. Classics like “Crush” and the super smooth and sexy Euphoria really hit the spot. The dynamics of Tim and Scotts guitars are unmistakeably powerful and fresh with the bass line thundering down the middle just made me smile, I was definitely in my element. This was the first time these Texans have hit Australian shores and if you have never seen these guys mixing R&B, fusion jazz, rock and metal you’re in for a treat, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Destroy All Lines presents
Intervals / Polyphia Australia Tour 2018
Friday 21st September: Amplifier Bar, Perth 18+
with special guests Voyager
Saturday 22nd September: Corner Hotel, Melbourne 18+
with special guests I Built The Sky
Sunday 23rd September: Bald Faced Stag, Sydney 18+
with special guests James Norbert Ivanyi
Monday 24th September: The Brightside, Brisbane 18+
with special guests He Danced Ivy
Tickets on sale now via www.tickets.destroyalllines.com
