Live Review: Lifehouse, Antiskeptic

Local Melbourne rockers Antiskeptic are thrilled to be playing their first show at the Forum tonight and they reminisce about the last time they played alongside the main act Lifehouse at M-One Festival back in 2002. They tear up the stage with their trilling guitars packed with punk rock energy and loaded with catchy melodies and riffs.

Like the name of their opening song Hurricane, Lifehouse hit the stage in full force with an intense storm of surging energy. Having been around for such a long time, it's hard to believe that it's the band's first ever headline tour in our country, but they are welcomed with open arms 13 years after they last visited. The audience makes it clear they are all old school Lifehouse fans as they deliver the biggest reactions to songs released over a decade ago. Having just released their seventh studio album Out Of The Wasteland earlier this year, the band also share some new songs including One For The Pain.

The band leaves the stage for a short time while lead singer Jason Wade takes centre stage underneath the smoky blue light for an intimate acoustic performance of H2O and From Where You Are; he sings, "Yeah I miss you and I wish you were here," and it's a lyric his longtime fans can relate to since they saw him last. The heartfelt Everything starts with a solo chorus before a short pause to allow the band to join in once again and explode with a powerful rock chorus.

Bass guitarist Bryce Soderberg takes the lead vocals for Stardust and he's brave enough to belt out a chorus of the classic John Farnham anthem You're The Voice in honour of their Australian fans.

Lifehouse are well known for their emotional alternative rock music and You And Me is one of their most romantic and vulnerable. Couples get a little closer together for the slow burner as Wade pours his heart out, projecting his distinct and deep, husky vocals that create a profound connection with the audience.

After a strong 20-song set, they save the very best 'til last, leaving us with their biggest hit single Hanging By A Moment and the fans only hope that they won't have to hang around for another 13 years to see them again.