Hitting the stage ahead of our UK headliners were local outfit Breakaway. Think The Used and Lights and Sounds-esque Yellowcard and you get a band with talent and passion that soar to new heights. After catching them in a few gigs last year, there’s no denying that the Sydney group have what it takes to crush a setlist with pulsating energy.
Even though the crowd were a bit stagnant at first, everybody’s energy levels picked up to speed as they put on a killer cover of timeless classic hit, “Behind These Hazel Eyes” by Pop Queen Kelly Clarkson. The band managed to work their magic with playing songs from their EP One Minute, One Moment and if you could feel emotional sadness coming through the lyrics of their songs, you just had to be there for “Memories”. It was both tragically heartbreaking and stunning as there was a sense of raw vulnerability that evoked all kinds of heavy emotion.
Coming all the way from the UK and making their mark rapidly by touring the world, pop-punk band, As It Is started off strong. Opening up with “Cheap Shots & Setbacks”, the band rippled through the track while frontman Patty Walters immersed himself completely as he moved around the stage. Despite the appalling feedback his mic was receiving, the loyal crowd effortlessly sung through each lyric passionately while jumping off the crowd and completely soaking up the one-night experience of a lifetime.
Having released their debut album called Never Happy, Ever After this year, songs from the record have charming guitar riffs and rhythmic drum work. Suffice it to say, their first Sydney show brought an endless delight to fans who connected with a band having great influence from the likes of blink-182 and All Time Low. Bringing sweet serenades of soft acoustics in “My Oceans Were Lakes”, it held the young hearts among the Sydney crowd which brought everyone to a starry glaze of magic, intimacy and hope.
Call for half-time and the audience catch a break to hear the band’s funny story about their trip to the zoo, bringing a humorous take to ‘Stranger Danger’ which lead to a laughing uproar. Continuing their ambitious setlist, the band showcased their best in setlist closer, “Dial Tones”. Walters, being the interactive budding musician he is, enthusiastically united some fans as he allowed them to yell the lyrics at the top of their lungs, pushing forward a priceless memory to those involved. It was one of those ‘you had to be there’ moments where the little intricacies of what happens at gigs are what make the lives of the young so exciting.
Despite mic dropouts and feedback, As It Is put on a worthy show. They are probably one of the more important voices of the pop punk genre, proving that the originality and greatness of this band originates from their authenticity on stage.
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