Beginning as a melodic hardcore quintet, alt-rock duo Days Like These have come leaps and bounds since their 2021 debut EP Wide Awake. After releasing their anticipated debut album ICON in 2023, they now make their own brand of dark pop songs with the occasional breakdown. The band kicked off their Suckers for Fame tour last night with a hometown show at Black Bear Lodge in Meanjin/Brisbane, supported by The Last Martyr, Headwreck and Live Like Animals to a packed room.
Unfortunately, this writer missed the first two acts due to forgotten wallets (sorry!) but please check out the debut album Modern State of Mind from local alt-rockers Live Like Animals and the latest EP Reflection Room from alt-metal favourites Headwreck. Both are super talented and you can sleep easy knowing you’ve shown love to the little guys who should be on your radar by now anyway.
Naarm/Melbourne alt-metal outfit The Last Martyr took to the stage with an ominous backing track before launching into an instant crowd pleaser. Vocalist Monica Strut’s fluid blend of soaring cleans and searing screams melded with the grungy riffs and nu-metal arrangements. Their fervent set of heavy grooves – including a blistering cover of Bomfunk MC’s’ “Freestyler” – set the bar high for the evening and kept the positive energy flowing with comments like ‘mosh pits are safe for everyone’.
Punters were treated to the live premiere of an unreleased song featuring guest vocals from Brisbane punk rapper Rivilin, as well as the first performance of the band’s latest single “Antidote”. The floor opened for a handful of dedicated fans to let loose in the crushing breakdowns and saw familiar faces sporting toothy grins. Check out the new song from The Last Martyr and stay connected on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
The mood shifted with an almost seductive intrigue when Days Like These emerged in a black puffer vest and retro sunglasses under red and purple lighting. Their upbeat singalongs with haunting melodies made for an unusually appealing contrast, much like the breakdowns that refused to slow to a typical halftime speed. Glittery new single “Show Me Love” and popular deep cut “Foolish” got heads banging before the band encouraged circle pits, an eclectic set near inducing whiplash between dancing and throwing hands.
Vocalist Callen Batson’s wholesome crowd interaction kept the room engaged, even letting Headwreck frontman Connor Hickman join him for one song. Drummer Noah Murphy lent his silken voice to “Bleed Yourself Dry” after an emotional introduction, begging the question as to why he’s behind the tubs for much of the set. The band let fans choose between “Honey” and “High & Glow” for the sole representation of Wide Awake, the crowd opting for the latter’s fiery screams and harsh synths, before closing with catchy banger “Bloodshed”.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Days Like These will be playing the Bergy Bandroom in Melbourne on 12 April and Chippo Hotel in Sydney on 13 April to round out the Suckers for Fame tour. Get your tickets here to catch the dynamic duo in action at a city near you!
Follow Days Like These on Facebook and Instagram for more, Icons.
