Readying myself for the launch of Atlantis Awaits’ new EP I found myself startled, almost frightened in fact, by the unusual commotion at entry to the Holy Grail. Friends were being dramatically parted in scenes reminiscent of a WWII film, time and time again one underage hand being violently torn from their 18 year old friend, lover, brother or sister. Like a cow heading to the slaughter, all people “of age” were escorted upstairs while their frightened and confused young were held on the lower level to cower, alone. What was most absurd was that those upstairs could not come down. Before the first act of the night had even stepped up on stage, security had already had quite the busy night, what with a large amount of their 18+ audience trying to jump the fence of the smoking area to get onto the lower level of the venue, and underage individuals trying to sneak past and climb the stairs to social salvation.
Once the management got a mouthful from both the crowd and performers, they realised the error of their ways, and from that point on the evening became far more enjoyable. Friends were tearfully reunited upon the decision that those above 18 could indeed venture about the venue as they please.
Soon enough Retraspec stepped up on stage, and considering that they were the very first band to come on, the initial turn out was far more than could be expected. Having heard a very limited amount of their music prior to this night I was pleasantly surprised by their live sound. With the help of the sharp acoustics at this particular venue, they sounded excellent and opened the night with a spectacular set.
After Retraspec came a short interval of mingling, smoking and more mingling, before the crowd began to flock inside for the next band, Hands Like Houses. So in I went to park in a nice spot not too far out of the crowd and not too far in, but within no less than a minute of them playing I found myself being thrown about in the middle of the pit. So out I briskly went. Once again I was not familiar with this band or their music, and to be honest, I think I was one of only a handful of people at the gig who didn’t know the words to every song. Too weak to join my peers in the slaughter, I happily sat and enjoyed the music, subconsciously giving the odd bob of the head before realising I look like a complete arse. The length of each set was satisfying, each band performing for what would usually equate to two or three acts.
But nothing compared to the moment when Atlantis Awaits stepped up on stage; the screams were piercing and from the excellent view that I scored for myself, I could see the audience go absolutely nuts with excitement. When vocalist Alice opened her mouth and began to sing, I could feel goosebumps run up my arm. The performance was captivating in every way that live music can be, beautiful lighting, excellent PA work, indescribable skill as musicians and stage presence capable of making the crowd turn barbaric. I perched upon the bar, at perfect level with the heads of those being hacked to pieces by other people’s body parts. Even from my relatively secure vantage point, I had the feet of crowd surfers flying directly at my face more times than I wish to count. But of course these kind of occurrences are what make a night truly memorable.
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