An Evening at Elmwood

Anyone who attended the 2006 Perth Taste of Chaos may recall Anime Fire gracing the local stage and distributing an amazing amount of demo CDs, and more importantly, an even greater amount of stickers and fliers promoting their forthcoming EP. Almost one year later and one of the most anticipated local releases finally dropped in a four-date WA tour with The Amity Affliction and several other Perth bands.

Opening for any band or at any concert can be tough, but when you're an fairly unknown band that fails to draw in a crowd at 8pm, it can be even tougher. But not for Empire, who put on a performance worthy of a much fuller bar, proving that with more time and gigs, they are bound to grow to their full potential.

Next up: An Evening at Elmwood, and it was evident that their heavy gig itinerary was paying off. With a sound, strong performance that drew a substantial group of fans to the stage, this six-piece band with two vocalists managed not to get hurt while working the stage despite the throwing around of guitars, body parts and a backflip. It wouldn't be surprising AEAE become yet another local phenomenon.

Into the Sea took to the stage next with a confident, fast-paced performance for their bassist's final show, which left the crowd thinking that tonight was more of a farewell party for him than a band that was trying hard to impress. However, they did just that – and with the room filling fast, no doubt was left in anyone's mind that Into the Sea will be headlining their own tour very soon.

Then, The Amity Affliction appeared on stage. They had come a long way, in distance and since the struggles that once threatened the life of the band. It was clear that these boys were putting every ounce of energy they had into their set, with two members removing their sweat drenched shirts mid-set. Working the stage (and the crowd) well seemed to come naturally for this Queensland band, with the room almost full and despite not being the typical kind of band found in their genre (they have a keyboardist) The Amity Affliction made everyone from teenage girls to the hairy, older men move their heads to their sound.

Finally, it was Anime Fire's turn and it was clear that tonight was their night. Whether you are a fan that has followed them from the beginning, or the last time you saw them play was at last year's Taste of Chaos, tonight the Anime Fire you knew had changed. Their performance stronger and tighter than than ever before, despite the drums and guitars drowning out the vocals for the most of the set and their music alone has grown and progressed. With the Amplifier Bar full and the mosh getting somewhat out of control at points, it was clear that these boys knew how to put on a show. The amazing drum solos with additional lighting also left some of the crowd thinking that maybe Perth had Australia's answer to Travis Barker and with additional vocals from a guest vocalist, it was clear that Anime Fire are here to stay.


http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/10296/Anime-Fire-The-Amity-Affliction-Amplifier-Bar-Perth-2582007.htm - Fasterlouder.com.au