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AGAINST THE CURRENT, Melbourne, September 2023 / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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AGAINST THE CURRENT
+ Days Like These + NTH RD
@ Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne,
30th September 2023
(Live Review)

Review and photos by Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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AGAINST THE CURRENT, Melbourne, September 2023 / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Against The Current is currently captivating Australia on their Nightmares & Dreams 2023 World Tour, and Melbourne serves as their third stop down under. Sharing the stage tonight are two exceptional bands: Melbourne’s very own alt-metal powerhouse, NTH RD, and the Brisbane-based alternative sensation, Days Like These.

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NTH RD, Melbourne, September 2023 / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Kicking off the night, I was already well-acquainted with NTH RD, having previously worked with them while photographing their support for the Melbourne-based band Modality. I knew what to expect, and they did not disappoint. Their blistering, fast-paced heavy sound had the crowd immediately enthralled, with hands waving in the air. Knowing NTH RD’s capabilities, this enthusiastic response was a fantastic sign. NTH RD set the stage ablaze, priming the audience for what was yet to come.

Next up were the newcomers for me, Brisbane’s Days Like These. Right from the start, it was evident that we were in for a remarkable performance. All three members of the band were dressed to impress, radiating a strong sense of identity. As with NTH RD, the crowd was swaying and bopping to the infectious music of Days Like These. Vocalist Callen Batson encouraged the audience to clap along, and they eagerly obliged. During their set, Callen exclaimed, “Hope you like heavy music,” before launching into a song where he screamed his heart out. The guitarist even leaped into the crowd to ignite a mosh pit, further engaging the already pumped-up audience. The anticipation for Against The Current was palpable, and the crowd was fully ready for their favourite band.

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Days Like These, Melbourne, September 2023 / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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It was a delight to witness a band where both the singer and drummer shared vocal duties, adding a unique dynamic to their performance. I couldn’t help but think that Days Like These is a band worth following. Before their final song, Callen encouraged the crowd to scream as loudly as possible for Against The Current to hear. Then, he urged everyone to jump and touch the ceiling. During their set, they delivered an astonishing cover of Pierce The Veil’s “King for a Day.”

Finally, it was time for the main event, Against The Current, to take the stage. As soon as they did, the crowd was immediately captivated. Lead singer Christina Costanza’s stage presence was electrifying as she moved with grace and energy, commanding the audience’s attention. Many in the crowd held their phones high, eager to capture lasting memories of this special night. It had been at least six years since Against The Current last graced Australian shores, so there was much catching up to do. They delved deep into their catalogue, with a focus on their 2021 album “Fever.”

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AGAINST THE CURRENT, Melbourne, September 2023 / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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During their set, the crowd clapped along to the song “Strangers Again,” solidifying their commitment to a memorable night. I, like many in the crowd, was becoming an even bigger fan, reluctant to see the night end. Against The Current’s live stage presence was nothing short of fantastic, and it was clear that this underrated band deserved to be headlining larger venues. Christina’s vocals were a revelation in the live setting.

The pace briefly slowed as a backing track took over, seamlessly transitioning into the catchy tune “Blindfolded.” The crowd sang along enthusiastically, especially to this popular Spotify hit. Christina’s occasional vocal prompts were met with screams from the audience, confirming her ability to command the crowd’s attention.

The entire band was a sight to behold, with drummer William Ferri’s thunderous beats reverberating through the venue. Christina mentioned that they were about to play their oldest song in the set, acknowledging that some fans might prefer their earlier work.

Christina engaged with the crowd, mentioning Frankston. To everyone’s surprise, the mention of Frankston garnered some playful boos. She also took a moment to discuss the AFL Grand Final taking place that day, prompting cheers from both winning and losing sides in the crowd. She cleverly concluded, “Everyone’s winning here tonight.”

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AGAINST THE CURRENT, Melbourne, September 2023 / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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As a touring artist in Australia, there’s a tradition known as the Shoey, where you drink from your own shoe. Christina embraced the moment, removing her shoe, pouring a drink into it, and downing it before continuing to sing. It was a memorable and quirky part of the night.

As the night drew to a close, Christina instructed the crowd to illuminate the venue with their phone torches, resembling a sea of waving cigarette lighters. The anticipation built as the set neared its end. I couldn’t help but notice the drummer playing with a towel over his head, a testament to the intensity of the performance.

The inevitable end arrived as the band announced their last song. The crowd clamoured for more, chanting “One more song!” And sure enough, Against The Current returned for an encore, treating the adoring crowd to their biggest hit, “Legends Never Die,” before concluding the night with “Weapon.”

As the lights came up in the venue, signalling the end of this incredible night with Against The Current, Days Like These, and NTH RD, I couldn’t help but feel privileged to have witnessed such a remarkable show.

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AGAINST THE CURRENT, Melbourne, September 2023 / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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The full setlist for Against the Current was as follows:

“Good Guy”
“Wildfire”
“Again & Again”
“Jump”
“Strangers Again”
“Personal”
“Running with the Wild Things”
“Blindfolded”
“Silent Stranger”
“Lullaby”
“Paralyzed”
“Another You (Another Way)”
“Roses”
“Voices”
“Gravity”
“Wasteland”
“That Won’t Save Us”

Encore:

“Legends Never Die”
 “Weapon”

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AGAINST THE CURRENT, Melbourne, September 2023 / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Follow AGAINST THE CURRENT

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AGAINST THE CURRENT, Melbourne, September 2023 / Photo – @alchemi_glow_music_phot

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Press Release 10th April 2023 (below) HERE

AGAINST THE CURRENT
upgrade Sydney show on
‘NIGHTMARES & DAYDREAMS’
Australian Tour

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Destroy All Lines Presents

AGAINST THE CURRENT
NIGHTMARES & DAYDREAMS
Australian Tour 2023
Tour Dates:

THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – THE BRIGHTSIDE, BRISBANE
FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER – FACTORY THEATRE, SYDNEY* VENUE UPGRADE
SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER – CROXTON BANDROOM, MELBOURNE* VENUE UPGRADE
SUNDAY 1 OCTOBER – SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE
TUESDAY 3 OCTOBER – JIVE BAR, ADELAIDE
WEDNESDAY 4 OCTOBER – AMPLIFIER BAR, PERTH

Tickets on sale NOW from destroyalllines.com

*All existing tickets remain valid

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