Project Description
. . PEACE RITUAL / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . PEACE RITUAL / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . FUTURE HEAVEN / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . FUTURE HEAVEN / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . AMENDS / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . AMENDS / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . NO BRAINER / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . NO BRAINER / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . SOFTCULT / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . SOFTCULT / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . NO PRESSURE / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . NO PRESSURE / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . TOUCHE AMORE / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . TOUCHE AMORE / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . MOVEMENTS / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . MOVEMENTS / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . MOVEMENTS / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . MOVEMENTS / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . CITIZEN / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . CITIZEN / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . CITIZEN / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . CITIZEN / Photo – @cowbo_visuals . . . . CLICK THE PIC TO VIEW THE NEWS
.NEW BLOOM FESTIVAL
@ UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney,
16th March 2024
(Live Review)Review by Zoe Williams
Photos by Nathan Barwick (@cowbo_visuals)
.Peace Ritual
Peace Ritual were the first band of the day to play at New Bloom, and they kicked it off with a bang.
The homegrown talent delivered a mesmerising performance.
The crowd was instantly captivated by the band’s powerful stage presence and the infectious energy that radiated from the stage, as well as their own incense blessing the stage.
As Joel Martorana’s soulful vocals filled the venue, the audience was swept up in a wave of deep connection.
Throughout the show, Peace Ritual showcased a range of songs that resonated deeply with the audience. Each song served as a reminder of the band’s ability to inspire and uplift through their music. Joel Martorana’s commanding presence and heartfelt delivery of each lyric further empowered the audience.
As the set reached its climax, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause. Peace Ritual had successfully warmed up the growing eager room.
Future Heaven
Future Heaven, the ethereal shoegaze dream pop band, delivered a performance at New Bloom Festival that moved beyond music to evoke pure emotion. Their lyrics rich with atmosphere and feeling painted a vivid picture of the human experience, while the lead singer’s voice soared, creating a tapestry of sound that resonated with the audience.
As the audience stood enraptured in the powerful performance, Future Heaven’s ability to connect and uplift through their music was undeniable. Their transcendent performance transformed the space into a sanctuary of sound and emotion, where the boundaries between artist and listener dissolved, leaving only a profound connection.
Amends
Amends, from Western Australia, the 3rd act of the evening. Amends incendiary performance left an indelible mark on all who were there to witness it.
From the searing guitar riffs to the thunderous percussion, every note and every chord was sensational, leaving the audience feeding off every minute.
No Brainer
Lead singer Charlie Williams and his band from Perth, Western Australia, delivered a performance that started to change the interactiveness of the viewers. Their exceptional crowd engagement with the audience created a palpable connection.
With unrelenting energy and aggressive sound, No Brainer’s performance ignited a frenzy of moshing and head-banging. Charlies’ commanding presence and powerful vocals led the band with a magnetic energy that left a lasting impression on all who witnessed their performance. Their musical force and level of artistry showcased at the prestigious event solidified them as a band of extraordinary talent, with their performance leaving an indelible mark on the audience and possibly some bruises from the pit!
Softcult
Softcult, the 5th band of evening, take the stage, ready to transform the night.
With each chord struck and every melody unfurled, Softcult beckon us into their realm—an ethereal world where music is not just heard but felt. Their performance is an intricate dance of interaction, where notes leap from the strings and keys like living entities, intertwining with the crowd’s energy. Each song is a conversation, a give-and-take that blurs the line between artist and audience, creating a shared mosaic of emotion and rhythm. The air itself becomes a conduit, vibrating with the collective heartbeat of hundreds, all moved by the same sonic story.
At the forefront of this revolution stands the emblem of girl power, the driving force behind Softcult’s empowering lyrics. Each word, each verse, is a hammer striking at the chains of convention, forging a new narrative of strength and independence. The band’s lead, with her commanding presence, becomes the voice for every woman in the crowd, embodying the resilience and fire that burns within the feminine soul. The lyrics resonate, a chorus of defiance and aspiration in each and every song played.
The evening unfolds, a tapestry of sights and sounds that will linger. The things I’ve seen & everyone else who attended soft cults set is definitely something that will replay in not just mine, but the crowds minds for days, weeks to come. Eyes in the crowd alight with pure joy and utter shock that they’re in Softcult’s presence at such an unforgettable show.
The things I’ve heard—the resonant bass that courses through our veins, the harmonies that lift us to a higher plane—are the anthems of a new era.
As the final notes bleed into the silence, a sense of unity lingers in the air, a testament to the power of music to bind us together. Softcult, with their artistry and vision, have not merely performed; they have ignited a fire that will burn through the night. Softcult truly put on an amazing show!
No Pressure
The patrons of New Bloom Fest were bound by the magnetic performance of No Pressure, led by the incomparable Parker Cannon. From the electrifying moment they took the stage, it was clear this was no ordinary show – it was an unforgettable experience that resonated long after the final notes faded.
After having some technical issues during the first song the band made the decision to wind back the clock and play it as they intended to; loud, hard and fast.
No Pressure’s cohesion as a band was mesmerizing, with each member contributing unique energy and skill to create a captivating musical fusion. The synergy between them was palpable, drawing the audience into a whirlwind of sound (and a whirlpool of bodies) and emotion that was impossible to resist. As they delivered hit after hit, the crowd was swept away by the infectious energy radiating from the stage.
Touché Amore
Touche Amore’s performance was unforgettable, with lead singer Jeremy Bolm’s raw vocals and intense delivery captivating the audience from start to finish. Their set list, a perfect mix of beloved tracks and newer material, keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged throughout the night. Bolm’s genuine interactions with the audience created a sense of intimacy, adding depth to the show and resonating with everyone in the venue.
The band’s flawless performance showcased their musical talent and dedication considering commencing the band is 2007. Bolm’s powerful vocals complement the intense instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics. The energy and vibe they brought to the stage created a magnetic atmosphere that held the audience captive. Touche Amore’s performance will be remembered as a standout moment for the first ever New Bloom Festival, leaving a lasting impact on all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
Movements
Movements took the stage as the second last performance of the night, immediately captivating the audience as bodies squeeze ever closer to the barier. Lead singer Patrick Miranda’s haunting vocals and introspective lyrics drew us in, creating a sense of connection and shared experience among everyone in attendance. The band’s ability to convey deep emotions through their music was truly remarkable, engaging the crowd in a genuine and heartfelt way.
Patrick Miranda’s candid and vulnerable stage presence made us feel like we were witnessing something deeply personal and authentic. At one stage Patrick Miranda was urging everyone to “spin this motherfucker” to the music, lighting up the entire venue in smiles & the entire crowd spinning together.
The band’s interaction with the crowd was warm and inviting, inviting us to join them on a journey through their music. It was clear that Movements was not just there to perform, but to connect with their fans on a deeper level, and that sincerity was felt by all.
As Movements performed hit songs from their discography, the energy in the room was electrifying. With Movements playing old hits to new hits, the audience responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause, dancing and singing along to every word. The band’s infectious energy and dynamic stage presence had everyone on their feet, fully immersed in the music and lost in the moment. As the night progressed, it was made known that lead singer Patrick Miranda wasn’t feeling the best. They made the decision to cut the show short, but It was a night of pure euphoria as Movements delivered one unforgettable performance after another, leaving us all craving more!
Citizen
Citizen, the final band of the night, left a lasting impression on both me and the entire crowd with their infectious energy and dynamic stage presence. Their passion for music was undeniable, creating a sense of unity and connection that made the concert feel truly special. Through each line front man Mat Kerekes delivered raw emotion and honesty, showcasing the band’s tight musicianship and powerful vocals.
Mat Kerekes stole the show with his mesmerizing performance, captivating the audience with his soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence. The rest of the band members also impressed with their musical prowess and tight-knit chemistry on stage, effortlessly playing off each other and feeding off the energy of the crowd. As the night progressed, the energy in the room continued to build, culminating in a memorable moment during one of their hit songs, “The Night I Drove Alone,” where the audience was deeply connected and swept up in the music. It was a night that will be cherished for a long time to come.
Check out Nathan Barwick’s (@cowbo_visuals) full gallery of this event HERE
Follow NEW BLOOM FEST
.Press Release 27th February 2024 (below) HERE
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