Will Marshall
The Ocean might have only recently announced their latest album Holocene and unveiled lead single ‘Preboreal’, but it’s noticeable by its absence from their set. Instead, we’re treated to a seven song, near hour length set drawing heavily from the remarkable Phanerozoic II, the second half of their double album, and a delve into 2013’s Pelagial. Opening with ‘Triassic’, its ambient beginning erupts into an onslaught of what can only be described as tectonic plates shifting. The German outfit might look unassuming but their stage presence is enormous, their sound as vast as their namesake. Throwing in ‘Miocene | Pliocene’ and ‘Mesopelagic: Into the Uncanny’ rounds off an exhilarating opening trio that runs from crushing heaviness to emotional crescendos, all wrapped in their uniquely progressive take on the genre.
In particular, ‘Mesopelagic’ has the kind of bouncing chorus that’s simply undeniable, amongst gentler piano and savage breakdowns. They say very little between songs, short of a brief acknowledgment they’ve had a great tour; instead, their enthusiasm shines through their performance itself, as they deliver a precise, earth-shattering bludgeoning that floods the world with sound. In particular as ‘Pleistocene’ reaches its zenith it’s utterly captivating as they switch to blastbeats and blackened shrieks without losing any of their sonic weight. As they close with the monolithic ‘Jurassic’ with its serpentine twists and sprawling, engrossing length, in which vocalist Loïc Rossetti launches himself into the crowd to thank them personally, it’s hard to see how they could possibly be followed after such a mesmerising show.
To say Karnivool have a tough act to follow is an understatement but they certainly give it their all in trying. Opener ‘C.O.T.E.’ is greeted by not only deafening cheers but the crowd all the way to the back singing along. What they lack in sheer heft they make up for in emotional reach; vocalist Ian Kenny switches between croons and falsetto wails effortlessly, while the swirling guitars lend a real gravitas. The Australian troupe are clearly in awe of the reception they’re getting; unsurprising given every song and utterance between them is followed by enough cheering for their friends back home to hear. ‘All It Takes’ thumping bass is magnified tenfold, underpinning guitars that swirl and crunch in equal measure. It’s been a long time since Karnivool graced these shores and they do their utmost to make up for it, barely pausing, flowing between songs to give their gathered throng as much of themselves as they possibly can. The energy exchange is palpable; glancing round the room, there’s eyes closed in reverie, heads nodding and people swaying, lost in the music. In spite of this, though, there’s still a feeling of emptiness towards the low end where The Ocean dwelled, and they just don’t quite match to reach the same heights (or depths). It’s through no fault of their own; ‘Goliath’ towers like its namesake and closer New Day shows exactly why it’s a fan favourite. Karnivool are a great band but tonight, even they get a little upstaged.