Canadian rock outfit Alexisonfire last played Cardiff 12 years ago and at the time missing out on that gig was something that I remember really regretting at the time. Particularly as they subsequently broke shortly afterwards; I’d thought that my chance at ever seeing them. Fortunately for everyone a series of reunion shows followed and it’s no surprise that tickets for these went quickly. With members of the bands working in other side projects, there was always a doubt as to whether we would ever get another album from them again. Come to last summer and brand new album “Otherness” was announced along with their first UK tour in over a decade. Needless to say that the first night in Cardiff sold out straight away and no one is looking to give away their ticket.
The opening notes build up the anticipation as all members enter the stage to rapturous cheering. From the off they are here to put on a show; “Hey you get the fuck off my lawn, you’re so damn committed to the con”, George Pettit screams down the mic and we are strapped in. “Which side are you on?”; you’ve either got Dallas Green stage right with his clean vocals that can make the hairs on your arms stand on end, or Wade MacNeil on the other with his low growl. Either way you’ve got your senses attacked from all angles.
On “Boiled Frogs”, the crowd take it up another gear singing back the “woahs” during the chorus and they really all get bouncing “Old Crows”. Something about the line “We are not the kids we used to be”, can certainly resonate with a lot of the attendees tonight. Whether it’s the age of the attendees or just the general vibe that is given out; it’s rare these days to go to a concert where everybody appears to be behaving amicably and it makes the whole gig that much more of an enjoyable experience.
“Sweet Dreams Of Otherness” is the perfect encapsulation of what makes Alexisonfire so great. The way in which they are able to meld together melody and heaviness in the space of five minutes is a thing of beauty. Played live there genuinely feels like another layer has been added to the song and it feels pretty special. It’s something that is distilled all through their brand new record on songs such as “San Soleil” and the live debut of “Blue Spade”. The influence of Dallas Green’s work with City And Colour shines throughout.
With every album their sound has evolved in some shape or form and with such a long time between records; it still feels like AOF, but an older and more mature band from their early alternative days. The first sign of their earlier material comes with “Accidents” and looking from the top down, one can see the pits opening up. The same is true for “Crisis” as the opening riff blares out like a siren across the Great Hall. It was on that said album; where the band really came into their own and that can be proved with something like “Rough Hands”. Whilst the pace is taken down a notch, the emotion or passion never fades away.
The same can be said for “The Northern” which feels like a real highlight this evening especially with its extended outro which you could listen to go on and on for the rest of the set. Dallas is already looking Christ-like on stage in white with the long hair and beard. Throw into the mix the crowd singing “Hallelujah” back at the top of their voices- it feels as though this is their church and we’re all disciples.
As the stage is bathed in red light you can sense it is building up to something big and that something big comes in the form of “Dog’s Blood”. It’s a song made up of three thirds: the first being it’s thrashy opening that rattles along a breakneck pace; whilst still being played incredibly tightly by everyone. The second with it’s melodic middle where everyone can take a slight breather before those two are mashed together again for the end. It’s a real roller-coaster of a song tonight and everyone is along for the ride. With this being followed by the glorious “Young Cardinals”, it’s a trio of songs which has the woman behind me constantly gasping at what is going to be played next.
It’s fair to say that “This Could Be Anywhere In The World” is probably one of the songs that most of the people here have been waiting for and needless to say it does not disappoint. As previously mentioned it has that distillation of both heavy and calm that has influenced so many since their formation; but none have managed to quite get that neat balance they are able to do. Finishing with “Happiness By The Kilowatt”, showcases the benefit of having three frontmen in the same band; yet not one outshines the other. You have Green who receives applause from the crowd, half way through a verse such is the power of his voice, Pettit comes back in and brings that heavy energy again and MacNeil adds his voice to the mix showcasing that melodic edge with a bite of venom; even getting himself into the mix of the first few rows in the process.
Tonight feels particularly special and that resonates throughout the whole crowd. Everyone from those stood near that back to those drenched in sweat from the pit are leaving with a smile on their face. The vibes all around are extremely positive and everyone is happy; that’s because they know Alexisonfire are back with a bang. Just don’t leave it so long next time guys!