Legend has it that this band are famously named after watching a National Geographic segment about Alexis Fire, a contortionist entertainer with a special set of skills…But that is not the most interesting thing about this band. Turns out Sydney’s favourite Canadian post-hardcore band have a set of their own special skills too.
Whether it’s the extraordinary vocals of Dallas Green and George Pettit, the contagious energy of lead guitarist Wade MacNeill or the rhythm and heartbeat Chris Steele on bass and Jordan Hastings on drums bring to the stage – together they bring the FIRE! Alexisonfire!
Kicking off the set with Young Cardinals, Pettit in his balaclava and high jumps and MacNeill in his fabulous striped pants and epic facial expressions were welcomed to the stage with huge cheers from the crowd, all nicely warmed up by Underoath, but more about them later.
The Hordern Pavilion was packed and within a few songs the crowd seem to have summoned their residual Knotfest energy to the floor, crowd surfing in a conga line to get closer to the stage, singing their heads off – security lifting each safely over the barrier only to be followed by another and another.
Singer songwriter in his own right Guitarist, Green (aka City and Colour – check it out) has a beautiful melodic voice which works so well paired with Pettit who brings the thrash. Whipping through the set with songs from across the years, stand outs included early classics Happiness by the Kilowatt, It Was Fear of Myself That Made Me Odd and This Could Be Anywhere in the World as well as newer numbers like favourite Blue Spade from the 2022 album, Otherness.
Supporting Alexisonfire were Florida’s Underoath. Opening with the stunningly paired back Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape from the 2004 album They’re only Chasing Safety, you could be forgiven for thinking Underoath is simply a drummer who sings and a guitarist. As the song rolls out, more of the band join the stage till the full complement of five is present. Aside from the opener, the set quickly gets into its Metalcore rhythm – so no need to mention their Christian rock band origins! At times the staged felt chaotic with energy between charismatic lead singer Spencer Chamberlain, Keyboardist / nominated head banger Christopher Dudley and drummer Aaron Gillespie providing the super clean vocals, the crowds attention being grabbed from one side of the stage to the other like being at a tennis match!
Canada, Canada, Canada… we always knew you were a cool and a laid-back kindred spirit, but that you have a fire in your belly and don’t shy away from a bully – Canadiano coffee anyone? We can help but notice that’s reflected in the bands we have welcomed across the waves recently too.. Kittie, Angelmaker and now Alexisonfire.
If you want to feel some fire in your belly and join the good fight, check out Alexisonfire on the next stage of their Aussie tour in Melbourne this Friday 14th and keep an eye out for rescheduled Brisbane dates.
