Gallery, ReviewDitch This MagazineMay 30, 2019gallery, live, melbourne, forum melbourne, Anberlin, Antiskeptic

Anberlin + Antiskeptic @ The Forum 29-05-19

Gallery, ReviewDitch This MagazineMay 30, 2019gallery, live, melbourne, forum melbourne, Anberlin, Antiskeptic

words & photos: Lucas Packett @lucas_packett_photography

Review

“It is always too heartening to be a part of a live show by a band that have had such longevity and are genuinely excited to be in our city..”

Winter has arrived in Melbourne, but tonight in the beautiful, heritage listed surrounds of the Forum theatre, it is far from cold. Warmed by our mutual love of live music in this great city, expectations are high for what is Anberlin’s 13th trip to our shores. Although this is the first time touring here since announcing their break up in 2014, Australia holds a special place in the hearts of Anberlin and fans similarly embrace the band with open arms.

Opening the evening are local pop-punk trio, Antiskeptic, who announced their one night only reformation last month in support of tonight’s show. Touring with Anberlin on their very first trip to Australia back in 2006, it was a pleasure to see them reunited, not only with each other on stage, but with the headliners. Coming onto Farnham’s ‘You’re The Voice’, blasted through a solid set, enough to warm the energetic crowd.

After a short recess Anberlin graced the stage opening with ‘Godspeed’, ‘Never Take Friendship Personal’ and ‘Paperthin Hymn’. Billed as a greatest hits tour and performing career-spanning songs from their discography, they didn’t disappoint. The dedicated crowd were engaged from the outset.

Offering a good chunk of tunes from their sophomore album ‘Never Take Friendship Personal’, it was great to hear a bunch a songs from their follow-up albums ‘Cities’ and ‘New Surrender’ aswell. In-between tracks singer Stephen Christian engaged with the punters, taking random questions from the room about tattoos and body parts.

It is always too heartening to be a part of a live show by a band that have had such longevity and are genuinely excited to be in our city, which in turn is radiated from the stage engaging one and all. I look forward to Anberlin’s return to our shores soon!