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WINDWAKER
+ Caskets + Alt. + Outloved
@ Max Watts, Melbourne,
22nd July 2023
(Live Review)

Review and Photos by Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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Windwaker / Photo – Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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Tonight, is a night I have been waiting for ever since I saw the announcement of the ‘Love in the Dark Tour’. Windwaker is headlining at Max Watts (Formerly Hi-Fi Bar), and what a night it is turning out to be. Four bands are on the bill tonight: Outloved (Melbourne Rock/Emo band), Alt. (South Australian Alternative Metal band), Caskets (United Kingdom Post Hard-Core band), and the headliners, Windwaker.

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Outloved / Photo – Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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First up was the local band Outloved, and they brought high energy to kick off the night. Their sound was fantastic, and right from the beginning, they delivered the screams, soaring vocals, and heavy sound. All band members knew how to engage the crowd, and I knew the pit would be crazy tonight as it started right from the beginning.

During their set, they played a song called “Never Enough,” and singer Jaydon Colvin got the crowd involved by asking them to clap along with the song. The blue and pink lighting, along with the smoke-filled air, created a great atmosphere. At one point, a guest singer came out from the side of the stage to briefly help on vocals before disappearing once again.

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Alt. / Photo – Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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Next up was the South Australian band Alt., bringing their style of Alternative Metal. In the first couple of songs, the crowd became even more alive, and the mosh pit truly took off. Alt. played songs like “A.D.D.,” which had a brutal punchy sound and touching lyrics of sadness and loss of hope. They continued with heavy groovy songs like “Back to Earth,” which brought a sense of nostalgia and a nineties sound. I appreciate Alt.’s lyrical style, as they showed tonight that they not only bring the heavy and the groove, but they also have a profound sense of understanding when it comes to engaging the audience with their lyrics.

The crowd grew increasingly engaged with each song, and the pit was constantly moving with every beat. One song they played was “APEP,” featuring Jack Bergin (of Void of Vision), but unfortunately, he could not be there tonight to sing his vocals.

During the breaks between sets, the sound guy played some great tunes that entertained the crowd while the next band set up on stage. Unexpectedly, when Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” came on, the whole crowd sang the lyrics in unison. This signalled that the crowd was fully awake and ready for what is to come.

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Caskets / Photo – Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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Following Alt. was the UK based band Caskets (Formerly Captives). The crowd was strong with Caskets fans, and as soon as the band came out on stage, the crowd roared to life with screams and cheers. The pit was instantly moving as Caskets started one of their big hits, ‘Guiding Light,’ and the crowd was fully engaged throughout their set. Caskets seemed like a very tight-knit band, and it showed in their performance. They played songs from their catalogue, including “Hold Me Now,” “Downed in Emotion,” and their biggest hit to date, “Glass Heart.” They also played a new song yet to be released called “Too Late” off their upcoming album “Reflections.” It was evident that Caskets knew how to engage the audience, and even though it was their first time in Australia, they received a tremendous response, gaining new fans like me.

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Windwaker / Photo – Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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Finally, the headliner of the night, Windwaker, took the stage. I was a little apprehensive about what to expect, considering the change in lead singer from Will King to Liam Guinane. However, my worries vanished within minutes as Liam’s vocal range proved he was the perfect fit for the band. Liam, having been a member of Windwaker between 2017-2020, already had great chemistry with the other band members and effortlessly filled the place of the former lead vocalist, Will King.

They started the night off with their song “Superstitious Fantasy” and followed with various other tracks from their back catalogue. Windwaker also unleashed two new tracks for the eager audience: “Left in the Dark” and “Sirens,” both of which sounded fantastic live.

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Windwaker / Photo – Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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Throughout the night, there was a lot of movement on stage, with vocalist Liam, the guitarists, and even the Synth/Electronic Drummer Connor Robins engaging the crowd. As the set ended, Liam announced they had one more song, and after finishing it, they left the stage. However, true to the band’s style, they returned for not one, but two encore songs. Liam started off singing to a backing track, and then the band joined him on stage to finish the song with their full band sound.

The last song of the night was “Beautiful,” which I was initially apprehensive about, but Liam proved that he could step into Will’s shoes while also making the song his own. He flawlessly delivered the high notes and the brief rap section, leaving an impression.

Overall, tonight was an exceptional night, with a perfect blend of heaviness and slower moments in each performance. I will keep an eye out for more tours from all the support bands, as well as Windwaker. It was a 10/10 performance for everyone tonight.

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Windwaker / Photo – Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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Check out Michael Gow’s (@alchemi_glow_music_phot) full gallery of this event HERE

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Windwaker / Photo – Michael Gow (@alchemi_glow_music_phot)

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AMNPLIFY – DB