Live Review: Funeral For A Friend, Vices, Mayweather, Coves

With what was sadly a small audience at Fowlers on this frosty evening, a very admirable effort was given by local emotional hardcore outfit Coves, who quickly managed to tear the majority of this crowd away from the bar.

Blending a sound inspired by Hundredth, More Than Life and even at times Stick To Your Guns, the quintet showcased a talent that sits at a superior level to their opening act position. With a set featuring cuts from their debut EP, Outcast, and their new single, Could’ve Would’ve, as well as a brand new song, demonstrating a darkness yet maturity the five-piece are undergoing with their newer material, Coves are certainly a band on the rise. This writer and many more are very intrigued to see their next step.

Mayweather are no strangers to the Adelaide music scene and the five members illustrated their wealth of experience instantly once they hit the stage. With drummer Peter Edwards wearing baggy shorts that Fred Durst would be envious of, he began the beat for the remaining four members to make their entrance in a professional arena-rock-band style. Possibly a bit more cheesy than elegant, it required attention the growing attendant number at the venue was unable to ignore. Suffering a slightly weak vocal mix at first, the five-piece powered through and the Trial Kennedy-inspired Lions Cage was uplifting. Machine Men continued this excellent momentum and it became obvious why Mayweather have been receiving recognition and achieving supporting roles with their heroes like Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

Personally, Sydney’s Vices was the band I was more eager to see tonight. Since the release of their second album, We’ll Make It Through This, a full-length just exceeding 20 minutes of heart-on-the-sleeve passionate hardcore, the five-piece have become nationally adored on a grander scale. Opener, Vagrant set the tone for the performance but the band’s intensity obviously took a few people by surprise. What really separates Vices from the ocean of other hardcore acts is their sincerity. The quintet aren’t about what is fashionable or what’s cool, they’re committed to their art, message and their true hardcore musicianship. Their track, We’ll Make It Through This justifies this standpoint beautifully and was executed with brilliant precision.

After 14 years together, seven full-length albums and eight member changes, it’s nothing short of remarkable that the UK’s Funeral For A Friend are still together let alone on the other side of the world in support of their seventh album. Still, the outfit is driven by its reconnection with their hardcore roots and has a political message that needs to be heard. They opened with Pencil Pusher, which might not have been the best choice, but the calibre of remarkable manners shone through these five fine gentlemen. High Castles, The Distance, Streetcar, You’ve Got A Bad Case Of The Religions, Bend Your Arms To Look Like Wings, Storytelling, 1%, Recovery, Juneau, The Jade Tree Years Were My Best, History, Roses For The Dead, Rookie Of The Year and Escape Artists Never Die made up the setlist, captivating the audience who sang along, got crowd surfing and created a polite mosh pit. A little more diversity with the performance would have benefited the show, as with previous tours where vocalist Matthew Davies-Kreye has played songs in an acoustic format which was, simply, astonishing. His voice and desire for the band have only become more accomplished with age, while his outlook on the state of the world and politicians in charge is excellently researched and shared with undeniable wholeheartedness. What could have made the event better? Honestly, a more intimate setting. If Every Time I Die can play Enigma Bar, FFAF would feel right at home there.