Karnivool’s Re-Animation tour was somewhat of a mystery, with many fans wondering if it would be promoting a new album. But opening with 2009’s Goliath set the tone of the show – the prog rock outfit were there to please the fans.
The glaring siren screams layered over a sensationally dense rendition of Set Fire To The Hive. Simple Boy, All I Know and We Are let the band rise to the heights they are famous for, with Ian Kenny’s strong vocals flawlessly floating around the music.
There’s something hypnotic about the way the singer moves on stage. His body smoothly melts into the rhythms and riffs with an understated elegance. He’s been doing Hotline Bling style dancing long before Drake ever thought to.
There’s something truly special about seeing Karnivool in an intimate environment, surrounded by their dedicated fans all singing the tracks with the same passion. Crowd favourites Roquefort and Themata were sung along by all with such power that they more than matched Kenny’s own vocals, while the small taste of album four with tracks; All it Takes, Animation, and Reannimation, suggest the band will be in their best form on the upcoming release.
The show was musically and visually stunning, with the lighting flashing and moving in line with the beats and riffs, streaking the ceiling with hundreds of white beams like a cobweb.
New Day brought the show to a perfect close, with nearly every voice in the room joining in singing the nine minute track. Kenny opened his palms as the dense riff began, his hands moving like a conductor commanding an orchestra of music, lights and crowd.
I still claim the first time I saw Karnivool, back at The Palace (RIP), was one of the best gigs I’ve seen. The Pre-Animation tour rose to those same heights and reminded the crowd that they’re still up there with the best.
WORDS BY CLAIRE VARLEY
IMAGE BY ZO DAMAGE
Loved: Singing alongside fans, and lights that made everything better.
Hated: That I can’t watch them every weekend.
Drank: Vodka and orange.
