.

Stand Atlantic / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

.

STAND ATLANTIC
+ Sly Withers + Vana
@ The Forum, Melbourne,
28 August 2024
(Live Review)

Review by Stephanie Tang

Photos by Cam Brown (@cambrownvisuals)

.

Stand Atlantic / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

.

Stand Atlantic, cuties of the pop punk world shook The Forum tonight, at their Melbourne show supported by Sly Withers and the lovely Vana. Following an epic run across the U.S., and dropping their new album “Was Here” on 23rd August, the band even found time to fit in some meet and greets as part of their Australian tour.

Promotional activity has been high in the Stat Camp, and the exposure is paying off with a nearly sold-out show and huge lines for merch as soon as doors opened. A sizeable crowd is gathered eagerly at the barricade.

.

Vana / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

.

Dripping in ruby red sequin and killer eye makeup, Vana bounces onto stage. There were a few side eyes with people a little unsure at what to make of her glam goth attire, but her opening song “Pretty Boy” started to capture their attention, with its sultry vocals and hypnotic melody. A sound that can be described as a mix between Melanie Martinez and Marilyn Manson, Vana brings seriously cool vibes both musically and aesthetically.

Vana brought a strong stage presence, playfully engaging with the crowd between songs. The set flowed smoothly with “BEG!” and “Ragdoll” standing out. A little “Thunderstruck” cover further gained the audience’s support, and she also got more comfortable on stage.

Some moments felt a little clunky with unexpected pauses, and the heavy use of backing track with gaps of missing live vocals was distracting, but Vana displays promise. Already standing out with a self-pronounced pretty metal sound, her demonic Disney Descendants style makes you want to know more. She’ll be back to play a headline show soon, just wait.

.

Sly Withers / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

.

Wholesome alternative Perth rockers Sly Withers came on next and delivered a solid performance. They came tonight to play a show, and absolutely hammered through their 30 minute set. Spirits were high and heads were bobbing in the crowd as a relaxed energy swept through the crowd.

Where Vana bought excitement and surprise, Sly Withers brought comforting rock, like being with friends at a house party. Starting with upbeat favorites “Lately”, “Cracks” and “Passing Through” the crowd was undeniably filling in and inching closer to the stage.

Their signature blend of chill, groove-laden rhythms and emotive lyrics created an irresistible atmosphere, time standing still, drawing the audience into a cozy world. The band’s vibrancy and easy chatter made it impossible to stand still, “Clarkson” getting a particularly loud sing along. Even if you’ve never heard of Sly Withers their melodies were undeniably as catchy as they were poignant, perfectly balancing relaxation with an urge to jump and dance.

.

Stand Atlantic / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

.

There would be much dancing when Stand Atlantic comes on, and a whole bunch of chaos. Amnplify caught up with lead vocalist Fraser (HERE) ahead of their album release, and she gave some cryptic hints to the madness they were bringing on tour.

Opening with “WAKE UP-SIT DOWN-SHUT UP” the band looks at home on the stage. And in those first few lines Fraser demonstrates a voice in top form. The band are well oiled, prepped, primed and ready to throw everything they got into tonight. Stand Atlantic have supported at The Forum before, but this is their first headline in the venue.

“Hair Out”, a high-energy pop-punk track with a punchy, upbeat rhythm driven by gritty guitar riffs and a driving drumbeat, create an infectious sense of urgency. This along with “Hate Me, Sometimes” featuring later in the set is one of those pop punk songs you need to jump up and down to.

.

Stand Atlantic / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

.

The band’s antics ensure the crowd can’t stay still for long anyway. Because apparently the cops are here, and the show needs to stop? Confusion ripples through the crowd as sirens blare. Two female “cops” step onto stage before realisation hits, we’re being punked. Cue the opening of a mosh pit and “Sex on the Beach” with said cop pole dancers. Absolutely wild.

Their latest album “Was Here” released last week, but already songs like “Nosebleed”, “Kissing Killer Cobras” and “Kill(her)” are new crowd favourites judging by the number of people singing along. “Pity Party” and “Hair Out” are played from the FEAR era, “Jurassic Park” and “Lavendar Bones” rounding out some older material. Majority of tonight’s set was made to showcase their new era in a fun, ridiculous way that the band are known for.

From requesting a mosh pit of couples for “Toothpick” to launching their dancers on raft boats to crowd surf, whilst slinging free merchandise, its clear tonight you need to expect the unexpected. Like Mack of Red Hook, stepping in to cover Hail’s parts on Criminal. Not recognised as a heavy band, but now possessing a few harder songs on their discography, even a wall of death has a place in a Stand Atlantic show.

.

Stand Atlantic / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

.

It was a relief when the lights turned on, so winners of tonight’s competition could be announced. My flat feet appreciated the recovery time, to hear the lottery winners of some signed drum skins, chosen from a pool of purchasers of the record “Was Here”. It was nice seeing the band give back in small ways to their fans and passing some of those winners at the end they looked stoked.

“Coffee at Midnight” brought up some wild cheers and choked screams, a true vintage from the archives. Perhaps another oldie to finish off? No, the band chooses to end on “Girls” bringing back the pole dancers to get the crowd real rowdy. Its unclear where the smoke guns came from, but Fraser can be seen brandishing a cannon over the crowd as plumes of smoke billow out to the songs ending bars. What a show to remember.

.

Stand Atlantic / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

.

Check out Cam Brown’s (@cambrownvisuals) full gallery of this event HERE

.

Stand Atlantic / Photo – @cambrownvisuals

.

Follow STAND ATLANTIC
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Tik Tok

.

.

Press Release 11th April 2024 (below) HERE

STAND ATLANTIC
announce
‘WAS HERE’ Tour
with support from 
SLY WITHERS & VANA

New studio album
‘WAS HERE’
out August 23

ON HOPELESS RECORDS

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB