Live Review: High Tension, Grieg, Harmony

With barely any warning, Harmony transition seamlessly from soundchecking to their lowkey opening song, Pulse. Fourteen, Big Ivan and Do Me A Favour all follow, getting the set off to an excellent and attention-grabbing start. They give most of their attention to the recently released Carpetbombing (only Fourteen and Cacophonous Vibes appear from their previous album). Harmony finish their set with the same trio of songs that finishes Carpetbombing – Wailing Widow, Vapour Trails and Carpet Bomb. The latter two songs bring a country-style shuffle to the mix, which ensures a more relaxed finish after the intensity of their earlier songs.

The time between bands is a perfect chance to head upstairs and check out Brisbane artist Alex Gillies' woodcut art exhibition, which opens tonight. Back downstairs and Gillies' own band, Grieg, are on next. They sound like the bastard child of Black Sabbath and '80s Metallica, but with a much shorter attention span. The songs are a mix of murky grooves and blistering riffs, which are all over in a few minutes or less. It's a furious, awesome set that feels like it's over almost as soon as it's started.

The squalls of feedback emanating from the stage make it clear that High Tension are starting their onslaught. Almost immediately, feedback gives way to the riffs and drums that signal Blaze Up and singer Karina Utomo's scream fills the room. The band power through a handful of songs without pause, despite everyone in the band throwing themselves around without regard for anything or anyone in their way. Collingwood is an early highlight, thanks to its gnarly riffs and relatable lyrics – who among us hasn't skipped paying the fare on the 86 tram?

Utomo is an incredible frontwoman. She makes use of every spare space at the front of the crowd; wandering around and staring down anyone who's game enough to make eye contact, before contorting herself into all sorts of shapes while screaming her lungs out. Utomo effortlessly switches between detached intoning and a banshee howl. This keeps everyone on their toes and gives High Tension a truly unique sound. High Risk High Rewards and Are You Safe bring things to a thundering close, but an impromptu round of Happy Birthday, for guitarist Ash Pegram, caps the night off with smiles all around.