Live Review: Plini, Intervals, Polaris

Max Watt's is lucky enough to be hosting Plini's Electric Sunrise tour, and it's clear the bands are putting everything into this show.

Right off the bat, the venue is effectively crushed by Sydney's Polaris. The band come out with crashing guitars, slamming drums and ear-tearing screams, hitting the crowd with tracks off their two EPs. For those who aren't about the djent, guitarists Rick Schneider and Ryan Siew layer complex melodies over the breakdowns that metalcore is known for, in one of the most refreshing styles out. In only six songs, Polaris prove that metal-core still has a breath of fresh air left in it.

The vocals leave with Polaris and Canadian prog-metal mastermind Intervals, aka Aaron Marshall, take the stage. With him are Nathan Bulla on drums, Simon Grove on bass and Plini himself on guitar. It's easy to see that this is Marshall's brainchild: he plays each note on his guitar with passion, putting his all into every song that the group weave on stage. The songs flow between heavy Slipknot-like power chords and soaring, soul-felt solos that Steve Vai would be proud of. Creativity like this isn't easy to find and for that, Marshall should be thanked and congratulated.

Leading on from one prog-metal virtuoso to another is the star of tonight, Plini. The first words out of his mouth are "Who's happy?" before launching straight into the first of many emotionally charged, wonder-filled songs from his catalogue. The flow between song segments highlights the compositional expertise that Plini holds. No moment is dull and each is uniquely refreshing. Plini can rip out melodies with such flow - being so in the moment - then slip into a djent stand-off with bassist Simon Grove. Complete with awkward head-cocking and fist bumps, this is what makes makes Plini a performer you won't be forgetting soon.

He brings Marshall back on stage for the encore and enters into a guitar battle with him, which is both impressive and light-hearted with some Sweet Child O' Mine and Smoke On The Water. His performance, and even his tour, can be described with words straight from his mouth: "You actually make me feel real feelings." If someone wasn't happy at the start, there's no doubt that they would've been crying with joy at the end.