Anberlin/The Academy Is... - August 28th 2009

It's not secret I will line up early for concerts because I want that barrier spot! However, running a bit late for this one (if by late I meant we got there at 4.15 to line up rather than 3 or 3.30....for a 7 pm start =I) there was a good 30-40 people already in line. Oh well, as long as I can see at the end of the day that's all that matters.

As I sat down, ready to sit out the wait, I listened to the convos going on around me. After an hour or so a guy came up and asked Renae and I who the line up was for. Renae replied 'The Academy Is... and Anberl....' before she got cut off by some loud girls in front of us 'IT'S FOR ANBERLIN! God!' Chill out girls. Don't get your panties in a twist...she was just about to say Anberlin as well. Settle down.

Lining up I remembered why I wasn't a fan of underage gigs. Generally in an over 18s concert/line up you can meet some rad people, and have decent convos about the music rather than have to listen to the girls in front of you talking as though no one else is allowed to be a fan of the band, and because how they met the band once, it must mean they own them. Clearly...

Wherewolves were first to kick of the night. The band from Brisbane, previously known as 'A Year To Remember' performed well, and although I didn't know many of the songs that well, it was enough to convince me to buy their music. Their energy and presence on stage was good, and they seemed like genuine guys, just out there doing what they love. I would recommend checking them out, if you don't know them already.

After a wait, and a lot of pushing from one side to the other, it was time for The Academy Is... to enter. Pretty much the moment I have been waiting for, for 3 years now. Although I sometimes feel the urge to hack off tall peoples heads in mosh pits, I instead just resorted to standing on my tippy toes. The mood in the air was infectious, and all I had to do was see the 5 silhouettes of the boys on stage, before a massive grin broke out on my face. This grin soon vanished when the girl in the wheelchair STOOD up in front of me. Ok um thanks.
I am all for people in wheelchairs being able to attend concerts - they deserve to yes. But in the middle of a mosh pit, I just think is ridiculous - it's not safe for them or for others. Example - before TAI came on, I was exhausted enough trying to hold back from hundreds of people pushing on me, just so I wouldn't fall on this girl and her wheelchair. This is no easy feat when you weigh 45kg, and you have people pushing you from all directions. My sister was nearly in tears as she kept being repeatedly shoved in the wheel of the chair, injuring her legs. Yes moshpits are always going to be this way and you are going to be pushed, I understand that. But if the option is there to be able to watch from somewhere else, then people should take it up at the time, rather than wait halfway through The Academy Is... set before knowing that it couldn't be done anymore, and both girl and wheelchair had to exit the mosh. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but it was a very frustrating situation - I don't blame the girl in the slightest, she did deserve to see the concert as much as anyone else, i just don't think the middle of a mosh is the best place to do this.

Anyway - The Academy Is... opened with Almost Here, a song I had an absolute obsession with a couple years back. I was excited to see it live. Williams vocals were near perfect throughout the whole show, and he played with a massive smile on his face as he took in the crowd. His energy & charisma on stage as a frontman is amazing. He had the crowd wrapped around his finger completely.
The setlist was a great mix of the old and new stuff. The chanting of the crowd back and the energy all up in the mosh, took me by surprise with everyones crazy enthusiasm, but all in all it was a great environment to be part of.
Our favourite Aussie Michael Guy Chislett, showed off his incredible guitar skills, particularly with a little solo at the end of After The Last Midtown Show.
The energy of both band and crowd were still high, as they finished off with 'About A Girl,' to thunderous cheers and screams, with William promising to see us next year.
During one point of the night, my face squashed between the arms of two other people, I had a little eye sex with Chislett. (Sorry couldn't resist)
Anyway, I made slight eye contact, and he went to throw his pick, but it did a weird swerve mid air and I have no idea what happened to it. I wouldn't have been able to catch it anyway because I was quite clearly in an awkward position. Fave songs of the night were Checkmarks, We've Got A Big Mess On Our Hands, Slow Down and After The Last Midtown show. Every song performed however, was amazing - I would go back and see them live again and again faster than you could say 'Santi'

I exited the mosh after The Academy Is... honestly I only went to see them. So I dwelled near the back for Anberlin, concentrating on the music and vocals rather than having to worry about not falling over. Always a bonus.
Stephen Christians vocals were spot on - he does have a strange voice in some ways - well it's unique. But man does he have some pipes on him.
I enjoyed Anberlin live, musically and vocally they were fantastic. However I don't know if it's because i am not a huge fan, but halfway through their set, all the songs seemed to blur in together, and it just didn't sound diverse or exciting.
Feel Good Drag and Paperthin Hymn were the standout tracks for me. I personally feel they should have ended on Feel Good Drag --> The audience seemed to pick up again for that song, and it would have been an awesome way to end the night.
Anberlin fans may disagree, but the general consensus I heard from people (myself included) is that The Academy Is... stole the night. However after seeing Anberlin live, I do have a lot more respect for them. I did enjoy their live music/vocals more than I did on the CDs.

All in all it was a great night musically, with all bands impressing. Now having fulfilled my 3/4 year dream of seeing The Academy Is..., I am just counting down till they are back again. Who agrees with me in that they should come back and HEADLINE a tour? I think it's about time!