ANIMALS AS LEADERS - Live in Brisbane 2023
Written by: Tom Wilson - Sense Music Media | Friday 21st April 2023
Photos by: Sam Salvadore >> VIEW GALLERY
Djenty Prog Declares War on 4/4
The ANIMALS AS LEADERS tour is ending tonight with a sold-out show at the Princess Theatre, and I occupy my traditional review position on the barricade as Youtuber and Adelaide djentleman Keyan Houshmand finishes setting up and disappears behind the curtain. The lights go down, and like Superman emerging from a phone booth, mild-mannered Keyan Houshmand has transformed into KEYAN, wearing a long black trench coat like he’s just stepped out of a Matrix movie. Djent Neo strikes a pose, and the band launch into a kinetic display of chugging riffs and guitar wizardry.
The sonic tone of the entire evening is set by the title of KEYAN’s first song, Arrhythmia – a perfect representation of the irregular, off-kilter rhythms that make djent what it is. A curveball is thrown early when Keyan welcomes the crowd and announces that, even if you’ve never heard of them, you’re going to know this song. What could it be? Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting a djent-rified version of Michael Jackson’s Beat It, turning the iconic riff into a chugging monster. Bassist Kynan Mallia is only nineteen years old, but handles technical gremlins like a pro – hastily yanking and plugging cords while Keyan throws shapes up the front.
A solution is eventually found, and drummer Steven Mathews hammers his snare to count in Black. The first single released from last year’s Gradient EP, Black is almost unfathomably heavy – the final twenty seconds like the soundtrack to a city being kicked to smithereens by a giant monster. White is a gentler shade, and with the closer Grey, Keyan introduces the band and gives both drummer and bassist a chance to show their chops. This is their first ever Australian tour, and I can safely say that they’ve already got the stage presence down pat. Well played, literally.
At the risk of sounding like a dick, I noticed at the recent Monolith Festival that prog musicians tend to be adverse to weightlifting, so I was slightly surprised when Tosin Abasi appears looking positively jacked tonight, strapping on a guitar that’s worth more than my car. There is much to ogle for the musicians in the crowd tonight, and as they kick off Tooth & Claw, the entire venue is transfixed. Javier Reyes showcases an impressive repertoire of riffs and power frowns, and drummer Matt Garstka is a sight to behold behind the kit. Arithmophobia and Ectogenesis follow, before Tosin takes to the mic and greets the crowd. “We just released a new album, Parrhesia. Did you guys get into that?” The roar is affirmative, and Tosin smiles. “Good.” You can’t help but laugh, and they kick into Conflict Cartography.
The sheer level of talent on display tonight is staggering, and it’s hard to know where to look. No one is showboating, just consumed in their craft – fingers dancing obtuse patterns up and down fretboards as Matt knocks out polyrhythms like they’re the easiest thing in the world. ANIMALS AS LEADERS are impressive enough on record, but in a live environment, the music is spellbinding – the shuddering pulse of djent drumming so loud it punches you in the chest and compels your head to move. Parrhesia closer Gordian Naught casts a spell, before they dial it back a notch for the gentler Thoughts & Prayers.
“Are you guys into circular mosh pits?” Tosin asks. “Sick. You should do one for this next song.” They plunge into Micro Aggressions, and, as requested, the crowd ignites – Red Miso sending a crowdsurfer sailing over the barricade, as a young AAL superfan next to me loses his fucking mind. Physical Education sees the crowd somehow singing the signature guitar riff, and the vibe is euphoric – Tosin and Javier alternating between beaming smiles and the kind of stank face that is only fitting for riffs this good.
The Woven Web is as intricate as its name suggests, before the stuttering pound of Monomyth brings their set to a close. The band leave stage, and entire Princess Theatre start chanting “One more song!” The call is eventually answered, and they return to the stage, thanking their road crew who, Tosin estimates, have had about three hours of sleep in the past five days. “Aussie Aussie Aussie!” He shouts, and the call is returned. “Does that work everywhere, in the whole country? That’s cool. I wanna hook up with an Australian chick and then say that in bed and see what she says. If anyone’s single, we’re here until 2:30AM, come find us.” From the cheers that follow, I doubt anyone in the band is going to bed alone tonight, and the crowd roars as they launch into the dizzying syncopated shredding of Cafo. It’s utterly spellbinding, and they leave the stage with their fists raised in triumph.
Tonight wasn’t a gig – it was a headfirst plunge into music itself.
All photos by: Sam Salvadore
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