Despite the tumultuous lead-up to Soundwave 2014 – tour cancellations from Desaparecidos, Megadeth and Stone Temple Pilots, and timetable clashes – the atmosphere at Flemington Racecourse was sparked with excitement when this reviewer arrived with her best friend in tow; crowds had pooled around stages in anticipation for the first act, while others had simply started their day by lounging on the grass, preserving their energy for later that night.
This year Soundwave was spread out over seven main stages, catering for the 90+ bands that AJ Maddah organised, which meant that there was going to be clashes (hence, I apologise in advance if I missed your favourite band).
Our day started at Stage 1, where Scottish band Biffy Clyro opened with an impressive set — they were energetic, charismatic and damn good live, performing tracks from their oeuvre with ecstatic fervour and enthusiasm.
A quick wander off to Stage 3 and we caught the last few songs of pop-punk heartthrobs, Mayday Parade, who performed Three Cheers For Five Years, Oh Well, Oh Well, and Jersey with as much charm as Chad Michael Murray (and he has a lot). Following act, The Story So Far, were mediocre in comparison.
Severely underwhelmed, we ventured over to Stage 5, where its gargantuan tent introduced us to the wonder of Alkaline Trio. Brash, honest and bass-driven, the trio performed This Could Be Love, Radio and I’m Only Here to Disappoint, enrapturing the crowd, who fist-pumped away blissfully. Up next was MUTEMATH, who convinced my best friend to finally listen to them with their impressive renditions of Prytania and Blood Pressure.
However, before we could finish watching their set, we rushed over to Stage 3 to ensure we had good spots for Californian quartet, AFI. We were early; hence, Our Last Night earned some new fans with their charismatic post-hardcore sound and Trevor Wentworth’s controlled timbre, or as my friend put it, “his beautiful face.” AFI were everything I imagined them to be and more. They were humble and polite while churning out numbers like Silver and Cold, Dancing Through Sunday, and I Hope You Suffer, reminding us why they’ve been in this business for over 20 years now.
Next up on Stage 3 was Panic! At The Disco. Their appalling performance was enough to sway us to believe that this was why guitarist/vocalist Ryan Ross and bassist/guitarist Jon Walker decided to leave back in 2009. In fact, their performance was so bad that my best friend and I created a review scale based on it.
On Stage 1, Placebo enchanted us with their innovative and somewhat drawn out performance, before A Day To Remember rocked up on Stage 2 and made their guitars cry. It was disappointing for a band who are so enamouring on record.
The rest of the day followed similarly; Green Day’s set was a highlight, ridden with reminders that this was “our night” while the trio performed over 30 songs, including Known Your Enemy, Basket Case, Minority and American Idiot. Green Day deserve a fucking medal for their set.
Overall, Soundwave 2014 was a day of sunburns enveloped in an atmosphere of elation and hardcore dedication.
BY AVRILLE BYLOK-COLLARD
Photos by Rebecca Houlden
Loved: The people.
Hated: Panic! At The Disco.
Drank: Slushies and water.
