Underoath

with Forgiven Rival

Wednesday, October 1 2008 -Billboard the Venue, Melbourne

~~~~~~~~Click here for photos of the gig~~~~~~~~

With vocals from Spencer Chamberlin that are reminiscent of former Killswitch Engage front-man Jesse Leach, it was clear to see that he is stepping into his own with the launch of Underoaths new album ‘Lost in the sound of Separation’. With live backing vocals from Timothy McTague and the bands only original member, drummer Aaron Gillespie giving the same depth and contrast to their live performance, as their recorded material.

Their latest album which was co-produced by Killswitch axeman Adam Dutkiewitcz helped keep their the album tight and focused, and it seems their on stage performances have benefited from this.

The nights only support band ‘Forgiven Rival’ did well to prepare the audience for what was to come. With the drummer doing his bit for the ladies and removing his shirt in only the second song, I thought they were a bit keen to make an early impression; but with a small drum solo intro and other musicians skipping onto the stage, I found myself thinking.. is it hot in here?! With a 25% crowd enthusiasm rating, and a slight equipment mishap costing them 5 minutes, I thought they did well to build up to the main event.

After a lengthy break between bands – a little of which could be blamed on ‘Forgiven Rival’ running over time – featuring various chants, the reaction from the near capacity Billboard crowd to the first track Viper Pit was quite impressive! The band is in Australian for their third tour in as many years, and although its a brief one, they were quick to show they mean business! The synergy between the bands members was fantastic, there was a flow that seemed natural. The set was tight, especially between Christopher Dudley on Keyboards/Synthesiser, and Gillespie on Drums. The on stage performance was quite energetic, from running on stage at the start, all the way to the nights final notes. At times I thought Duddley was going to rip off his own testicles in excitement.. either that or bite a chunk out of his own keyboard! There was even a moment of hair grabbing satisfaction for the emo’s when Chamberlin posed gripping his water soaked blonde locks in angst during ‘Desperate Times, Desperate Measures’. A note for people who are about to see the band: either bring an umbrella, or don’t stand in front of guitarist Timothy McTague in his uber fashionable denim cutoffs.. he spits more than an alpaca!

Spencer held the energy of the crowd till the final call – including singing from the pit on 2 occasions – although at times fairly displeased with the majority of the audiences involvement (“it looks like someone put a gun to your head and made you come!”).

Towards the final songs of the night, Chamberlin stated that Underoath were ‘here in the name of Jesus Christ’ adding ‘ we are not perfect… but we are all in this together.’ Appropriate given the state of things. Tonight was a good example of how far this metalcore/post hardcore 6 piece from Florida has come since its debut ep ‘Act of Depression’ in 1998.

8/10

Setlist:

Review by Michael Harris

Photos by Scott Boelsen
Thanks to KMW for the passes