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CASKETS
+ The Home Team
+ Stepson + Bad Love
@ 170 Russell, Melbourne,
12th May 2024

Review by Tristan Skell

Photos (Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May) – Missy Smiley (@itsmissysnaps)

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CASKETS, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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Last year in July 2023, I caught Caskets opening for Windwaker at Max Watts. So, when I heard they were headlining their own show at 170 Russell on May 12th, 2024, I knew I had to be there. Having seen their potential as a support act, I was super curious to see how the band from Leeds would step up their game as the main event.

Caskets’ headlining was a highly anticipated event, featuring an impressive line-up of support acts: Melbourne’s own Bad/Love, Brisbane’s Stepson, and Seattle’s The Home Team, marking their Australian debut.

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BAD/LOVE, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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Kicking off the night was Bad/Love, featuring Landon Kirk (vocals), Lachlan Monty (guitar and backing vocals), Martin Wood (bass and backing vocals), and Luke Weber (drums). They opened with their groovy track “Feel Good” from their 2022 album, “Life Imitates Art”, immediately capturing the crowd’s attention. Kirk’s vocals seem to almost mirror the recorded version with such prowess; however, the live performance was elevated with a surprising twist: three members – Monty, Wood, and Kirk – incorporated screams that aren’t present in the studio recording, adding a thrilling intensity that amplified the audience’s engagement.

Bad/Love continued to impress with hits like “DMU” from “Life Imitates Art” and “Dead Weight” off their 2023 EP “Mono No Aware, PT. II”. Their stage presence and crowd work were undeniably top-notch, leaving me with one resounding thought: THIS is how you kick off a show. The band’s energy, effort, and undeniable skill clearly paid off, setting a high bar for the rest of the night. If Bad/Love maintains this trajectory, their future in the music scene looks incredibly bright.

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STEPSON, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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Following Bad/Love’s phenomenal set, emo/metalcore band Stepson was next to take the stage, launching immediately into their 2022 single “Eraser”. Vocalist Brock Conry’s simple command to “get mental” was all it took to ignite the crowd, sending the pit into a frenzy. Comprised of Brock Conry (vocals), Jayden Ridley (bass and vocals), Nick Bennett (guitar), Nickolas Sean Farr (guitar), and Jordan McDonald (drums), Stepson showed to be the heaviest band of the night, maintaining a high level of intensity and adrenaline from the band members and the crowd alike. They had debuted a new unreleased track, “Venom”, which they claimed to be their heaviest song yet – a claim I can confirm, the absolutely feral breakdown left me with the biggest stank face.

Midway through their set, Brock took a moment to acknowledge drummer Jordan, who had recently become a father at the start of the month, giving the crowd a moment to cheer and scream in applause, offering a heartfelt congratulations from the entire venue.

To close out their energetic performance, Stepson performed their 2017 single “Come with me”, leaving the crowd buzzing and eager for the next act: The Home Team.

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THE HOME TEAM, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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The Home Team, featuring Brian Butcher (vocals), John Baran (guitar), Ryne Olson (bass), and Daniel Matson (drums), took the stage before a massive audience crammed shoulder-to-shoulder, a testament to the band’s admiration. The atmosphere erupted as they launched into their track “Watching All Your Friends Get Rich”, from their 2021 album “Slow Bloom”.

Right from the jump, The Home Team’s vibe was a stimulating change of pace from the other bands on the bill. Their upbeat energy, evident in both their lyrics and instrumentals, was a stark contrast to the heavier sounds of their tour mates and the upcoming headliner. Brian’s massive grin was the cherry on top, radiating pure joy from the stage. They even poked fun at themselves, calling themselves the “weenies of the whole tour,” acknowledging their lighter sound.

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THE HOME TEAM, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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This high-energy vibe permeated their entire set, with the band constantly engaging the audience. They shared personal anecdotes, like how they almost missed the show due to a flying in late, and even got the crowd moving with interesting dance moves, like hip thrusting to “On” from their album “Slow Bloom” (a surprisingly fitting move, considering the song’s lyrics). It was a fun, light-hearted performance that left everyone radiating.

Their setlist spanned their discography, featuring a mix of fan favourites and a sneak peek into their upcoming album, “The Crucible of Life”. They treated the crowd to four tracks released as singles: “Overtime” (making its live debut), “Brag”, “Hell”, and “Loud”.

They closed out their set with the crowd-pleasing “Right Through Me” from “Slow Bloom”, the bass reverberating through the venue and sending shivers down my spine. The Home Team absolutely crushed their performance, leaving a lasting impression on the Melbourne crowd (and I’m sure the rest of their Australian audiences). Based on this reception, we can only hope it won’t be long before they make a very welcome return.

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CASKETS, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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With the opening acts complete, the anticipation reached a fever pitch as headliners Caskets took the stage. They kicked off their set with the fan-favourite “Drowned in Emotion” from their 2021 debut album “Lost Souls”. While many of their studio recordings have a softer edge, Caskets unleashed a heavier live sound, fuelled by the powerful vocals of both front man Matt Flood and guitarist Craig Robinson. Rounding out the band’s line-up are guitarist Benji Wilson and drummer James Lazenby.

Caskets poured their hearts out on stage, mirroring the raw emotion found in their lyrics. Matt’s unwavering commitment was evident throughout the entire performance, his vocals filled with passion and intensity. This emotional connection peaked during their rendition of “The Only Ones”. It was clear how deeply this song resonated with Matt, as he appeared overcome with emotion, his voice cracking with vulnerability. As the song ended, he stood silently gazing at the crowd, seemingly overwhelmed. Recognising the moment, the audience erupted in the loudest cheer of the night, a wave of support washing over Matt and the band.

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CASKETS, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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After this touching moment, the energy shifted into a higher gear, and the band’s interaction with the crowd intensified. On two separate occasions, the audience’s excitement reached a new level. First, during “Guiding Light”, guitarist Craig Robinson leaped into the pit with his guitar, joining the moshing crowd. Later, during the final chorus of “Glass Heart”, Matt Flood followed suit, storming headfirst into the audience before triumphantly crowd surfing to the back as the last note faded.

As a final send-off, Caskets delivered a powerful rendition of “Better Way Out” from their latest album, “Reflections”. They poured every ounce of energy into this closing performance, leaving nothing on the table. Even amidst the intensity, Matt took a moment to smile and reach out and grab the hand of a crowd surfer passing by, creating a memorable connection with member.

It was a touching end to a night filled with raw emotion and electrifying energy. Every band on the bill knocked it out of the park with their performance: from Bad/Love through to Caskets, no one disappointed. The contrasting styles of these 4 bands served to highlight the diversity and richness of the alternative music scene, leaving concert-goers with a night of music they won’t soon forget.

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CASKETS, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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Check out Missy Smiley’s (@itsmissysnaps) full gallery of  Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May show – HERE

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CASKETS, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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Follow CASKETS
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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CASKETS, Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, 11th May 2024 / Photo – @itsmissysnaps

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Press Release 9th April 2024 (below) HERE

CASKETS
add
STEPSON and BAD/LOVE
to their
‘REFLECTIONS’ Tour this May
with special guests
THE HOME TEAM (US)

TICKETS ON SALE NOW VIA DESTROY ALL LINES – BRISBANE SOLD OUT

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AMNPLIFY – DB