Live Review: Iwrestledabearonce, Caulfield, At Fates Mercy, Aspiration Signals

With a slow start to their set, Signals came through and delivered in the latter half, showcasing their blend of post-hardcore and modern metalcore in a manner few locals can.

As the venue slowly started filling, Aspirations took to the stage. It felt like almost like jumping in a time machine, to a time when post-hardcore was raw and still finding its feet. In a bold move, the band plunged into a few cover songs: the first a heavy version of Lorde's chart-topping hit Royals, and then a flashback to the turn of the century with Linkin Park's In The End. It was certainly an interesting set to witness.

After a brief moment of nostalgia, the metalcore styling of At Fates Mercy consumed the stage. After releasing a series of extended plays a few years back, the band had plenty of fresh material to throw at patrons.

Instantly pulling punters into the venue's main room, and promptly getting in their faces, it's easy to mistake Sydney's Caulfield for an international act, as they used the entire stage to their advantage. Vocalist Andrew Gill's stage presence and attitude was a perfect match for their melodic harmonies and heavy breakdowns; he jumped onto the floor and fed off the crowd's energy.

Before too long, it was time for the main event. As the lights dimmed and people gathered around the stage, the excitement level in the room was at a high – everyone knew what they were about to experience, waiting for the instant chaos to ensue. Iwrestledabearonce walked onto stage and wasted no time in delivering. The sophomore track in their set, Karate Nipples, was surprisingly appealing. Those unfamiliar with the band didn't have a chance to figure out what was happening next, each song being one surprise after another. Iwrestledabearonce stand out among other bands, with vocalist Courtney LaPlante brutally screaming and singing in almost perfect timing with the ferocious and chaotic music. It's obvious the band has fun with their genre – it's as if they're poking fun, while maintaining an exceptionally high level of musicianship. The evening ended with what is likely their most well known number, You Know That Ain't Them Dogs' Real Voices.