ALPHA WOLF // The Horror Of Being Alive

ALPHA WOLF with Honest Crooks, Daybreak, Blklst, Skorched
Northcote Social Club
3rd February, 2018

It feels like an age since Alpha Wolf dropped their head-turning debut Mono.

Finally time for their first headline tour and second sold out show (their inaugural headliner at Wrangler Studios takes the honour for those paying attention), they’ve stacked the bill with four other heavy AF contemporaries.

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It’s impossible not to take notice of Skorched on stage. Seven members each kitted out with a balaclava or mask make for a striking image. One bloke in an Under Armour exercise shirt is SWOLE people, and he’s not even the main vocalist. They surprisingly work around each other on stage, and it’s not until after we find out it’s their first show. The rap rock/nu-metal vibe and the image? Skorched are easily carving a niche for themselves.

Skorched // By Bree Wallace

It hasn’t been that long since Buried In Verona left the stage but Blklst are bringing the sludgy riffs and fuck you attitude to fill the void. That kind of sound doesn’t always mix too cleanly and unfortunately the riffs and bass fall into a muddy mess. Their fill in guitarist does well to keep up after two days of practice though, and vocalist Josh Westwick does a stellar job of pushing into the crowd and working them up. Maybe it’s still the sensory overload of Skorched that has us wanting more, but Blklst wash over heads rather than crashing with force.

Blklst // Bree Wallace

Daybreak need to make a move from WA to Melbourne, purely due to the fact that a premiere deathcore act with such promise shouldn’t be relegated to (ugh) the west. From the moment they hit the stage their stage presence and crowd engagement is electrifying. Their breakdowns are pure filth and often that’s not even the heaviest part; they’re somehow dropping even further in the next section. Vocalist Shaun Cox’s screams are disgustingly low during Lost Sentience in particular and we can’t get enough. The moshing crowd are losing their minds, and we’re pretty sure the screams of “FUUUUUUUUCK” for each crushing break is evidence enough. Daybreak are phenomenal fun and almost steal the show with The Possessor’s bone-cracking finale; that’s how much of a good time they’ve brought over. If they can make their way across the country on their own, they’re set to reign.

Daybreak // By Bree Wallace

For a band like Honest Crooks, timing really isn’t a concern. From an outside perspective that’s harsh to say and we do love seeing them perform. But when their vocals have forgotten to bring crackers along with their BREEEEEE that goes for the whole set, does anyone genuinely care whether the drums are in time? Breakdown after breakdown slam into the Social’s ears and it’s not even clear if we’re experiencing a bridge, chorus or just an excuse to bass drop into oblivion. Perfection isn’t what they’re aiming for so we aren’t holding them to it: fuck click tracks, just give the crowd a reason to spin kick and throw their fists and they’re good.

Honest Crooks // By Bree Wallace

After a number of juicy support slots (Thy Art Is Murder and Parkway Drive in one year ain’t nothing to sniff at), Alpha Wolf finally bring Mono to its first bonafide headline performance. Opening with mission statement Ward of the State, it’s clear that guitarist Sabian Lynch is the most eye catching of the group. Make fun of the face mask all you want: the dude has his own aesthetic and his dead leering gaze that morphs into a staggering ragdoll gives the music a creepy edge. Vocalist Aidan Holmes genuinely feels like he’s living the lyrics.

Alpha Wolf really have mastered an atmosphere of malaise and despair by this point, and their live show is a testament to how well they’ve crafted their image over the past year.

That’s when he’s actually screaming, of course: a heavy touring schedule could be to blame for his penchant of speaking rather than putting force behind his words. A few choice moments in #104 and No.2 where the breakdowns really do need a scream to kick them into gear are left to the crowd. But that’s fine to those who are right up the front because it’s the realistic image of depression and hopelessness that Alpha Wolf have created that overshadows any technical issues. Hell, Holmes speaking the lyrics probably makes the show even more honest to some of them.

Alpha Wolf // By Bree Wallace

The band stick to the tracks that punched them through to the disillusioned youth last year: heavy beasts like Failvre and Nail Biter take centre stage instead of the record’s less-inspired interludes. That being said, Mono doesn’t do the lurching guitar effects any justice compared to how they sound in a live setting. Their extra high pitched guitar whines are almost sickening. Alpha Wolf really have mastered an atmosphere of malaise and despair by this point, and their live show is a testament to how well they’ve crafted their image over the past year.

Alpha Wolf // By Bree Wallace

If we saw Holmes swing his mic cord onto the rafters and tie a noose, it wouldn’t even be that shocking. Nearing the end of their set, it’d be rude not to get into the pit for Golden Fate; Gut Ache. That ends up being a terrible idea as a few moments and a crack later, Hysteria’s leg is promptly swept out awkwardly and we’re down for the count. Mosh warrior; thy name is not Simmons. So with an ice pack soothing the aching knee and a sense of appreciation for those who mic grabbed and managed to swing fists and stay upright the whole night, the Alpha Wolf have clearly made their mark.

Alpha Wolf Mono Australian Tour continues this week with special guests Honest Crooks & Daybreak.
Tickets available here.

Friday February 9, Crowbar, Brisbane QLD with APATE & UNI/VS (18+)
Saturday February 10, Factory Floor, Sydney NSW with Diamond Construct & Heists (18+)