The Amity Affliction, Manchester Academy 2, 7/10/18
Endless Heights opened the evening, with the Australian quintet donning a very youthful look- mixed with an accompanying high octane energy to match. In the least patronising way, it helped emphasise the aggressive sound of teenage angst. Throughout their set they often slowed the tempo down and had lead singer Joel Martorana’s vocals emphasised, which led to their acoustic song being the highlight of their set. Emotional and raw.
Next up were Dreamstate who effortlessly justified why they are being excitedly tipped as alt-rocks new best thing. Described by Kerrang! as one of the ‘Hottest Bands Of 2018’, lead singer CJ campaigned confidently around the stage, enthusing the audience to join in with her. Emanating pop-punk vibes, she powered through upbeat and punchy rock. Her voice naturally switched between an almost Hayley Williams-esque Americanised vocal mimic and a deep guttural growl throughout. And it worked. In fact, they had won over the audience before they even got halfway through their set.
The Plot In You’s music style only broadened the eclectic range on offer, with what can only be described as late Bring Me The Horizon with Twenty One Pilots- an electronic style juxtaposed with throaty screams. All the while vocalist Landon Tewers’ delivers strength and emotion to their lyrics, the lack of energy comparatively to the band’s prior had them in danger of looking sub-par, although the further they grew into the set the more comfortable they got.
Originating from the same branch of Australian metal which boasts the likes of Thy Art Is Murder and stadium-fillers Parkway Drive- The Amity Affliction returned to Manchester after a year out. The time apart gave the band the chance to reform their line-up and their eventual return gave them the perfect opportunity to play through material off their latest album, titled Misery. The juxtaposition between old and new gave them a pivot to work around throughout the set, with their newer electro-focal sound clashing with a heavier screaming vocal.
The shift, it seems, has been one of maturity. From their older, more conventional metalcore sound, The Amity Affliction have produced more anthemic music, with new releases D.I.E and Feels Like I’m Dying (spot the hidden theme) having a more chorus-focal sound, with repeatable lyrics easier to sing along to.
Even after releasing their new album Misery over a month ago, it seemed as though every song was a chance for personal reflection, both onstage and off- with lead vocalist Joel Birch offering a slight monologue before most and the softer, more emotional delivery from secondary vocalist Ahren Stringer really carrying the message home. Their subject matter; addiction, depression and heartbreak, really helped cement a rapport which had audience members singing the lyrics straight back at the band in moments of emotional intimacy.
The Australian quartet finished on their highest possible note. Pittsburgh dwarfed any of their other songs by almost a phenomenal 20 million Spotify streams, and had more feet in the air than on the floor by the end chords with vocalist Joel greeting the crowd surfers from the edge of the stage.
Ultimately, Amity’s relevance throughout all these years has resided in fan’s ability to resonate with their lyrics. In turn, they have amassed a loyal following which, without a doubt, will be wishful thinking on Joel’s final statement. “We’ll see you next year.”
