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Live Reviews : Mastodon & Caligula’s Horse @ Eatons Hill, Brisbane 29/03/15

By on April 1, 2015

It is almost hard to believe that a band of Mastodon’s stature that has been around for the past 15 years is only today finishing their very first headline tour of Australia, having only previously toured as part of the Soundwave and Big Day Out festivals and a supporting tour with Slayer. Initially I was sceptical about how a single headlining band might go filling out the Eatons Hill Hotel on a Sunday night, and arriving a bit before doors opened I was concerned at the small line-up waiting patiently to enter. Luckily, just before the doors opened, the line grew tenfold in size and you knew already that tonight was going to be a good night.

Local support, Caligula’s Horse were a perfect fit for this bill. Their unique take on progressive/alternative rock/metal is nothing short of mesmerising. Having only had the privilege of seeing them once before, I was taken back by how technical their unit is. Vocalist Jim Grey does a fantastic job of enticing the crowd to get involved and lead guitarist Sam Vallen makes every technical part of what he does look so simple. Each individual member though brings their own energy forward which created such an infectious vibe that by their fourth song “Rust”, which they debuted for the very first time, there was a healthy sea of heads bobbing. By the time they finished with “A Gift to Afterthought” they had proven to myself, and a few others in the room, why they are such an impressive band, and definitely one I will take more time to look out for in the future.

The venue was well and truly packed out by the end of Caligula’s Horse’s set, with the room filled to the rear entrance with fans eager to see tonight’s drawcard. As the house lights dimmed and Mastodon appeared, the band was met with a rousing cheer as each member assumed their rightful position on stage.

After opening with songs “Tread Lightly” and “Once More Round the Sun” off their latest offering, the crowd began moving fiercely once “Blasteroid” kicked into gear, starting a circle pit that would then resume for almost every song during the night. Even a broken string on Bill Kelliher’s guitar during “Blasteroid” could not stop the band, who continued playing throughout the disruption, and thankfully, due to the actions of a very quick thinking guitar tech, there was only a minor disruption to the song, a true credit to the band, and to that technician. Anyone that wasn’t involved in the show at this point jumped in when the synonymous guitar introduction for “Oblivion” kicked in.

The thing that I really love about Mastodon is that each member is able to entertain the crowd in their own unique way, whether that be Troy Sanders and his sleek movements across the stage with his unique bass style; being mesmerised by Brann Dailor behind the drums; the showmanship of Bill Kelliher; or the sheer brilliance of some of the runs that Brent Hind’s does on guitar, there is always something to watch and once your pulled in, it is very difficult to look away.

One of the true credits to Mastodon is their ability to share vocal duties, with every member contributing in one way or another. From Troy and Brent sharing their unique vocal styles as lead on a majority of the set, Brann covering a few songs from behind the kit, and Bill providing his voice when needed, it is truly a sight to behold. Most bands have trouble maintaining single or dual vocalists, but to have four members contributing and not having it affect the sound in a live setting is truly incredible.

As the night progressed, the crowd is treated to favourites from across the entire discography through a really versatile set. It is quite impressive that a band with a catalogue spanning six studio albums can manage to select the right mix of songs to please every type of fan present.

While the night covered a lot of material I was worried that some of my favourite songs from 2004’s “Leviathan” might not make an appearance, but that was not to be. The band closed their set with the triple knockout of “Megalodon”, “Crystal Skull” and “Blood and Thunder” which had every member of the crowd chanting and singing along. There could not have been a more fitting finish to the night than closing with these songs.

Finally, as the house lights come up and the band began to depart the stage, fans are given one more treat, an off the cuff speech by drummer Brann, expressing his gratitude on behalf of the band, to all the fans that came out to any of the shows on the tour. It is these small personal notions that make a great experience a surreal one, and leave lasting impressions with the audience and fans alike and really make you wish that such a fantastic night didn’t have to end.

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