GIG REVIEW

PERMANENT RESIDENCE (EVENT)

I have to give props to Greg at Permanent Residence for putting this show together. The lineup was perfectly curated, with each band complementing the next in terms of energy and sound. It was clear that a lot of thought went into creating a reliable experience from start to finish. The venue itself was ideal—intimate yet spacious, with great acoustics that really let the bands shine. It’s rare to find a space that enhances the atmosphere like this one did. Greg’s effort to bring these acts together speaks to his deep understanding of the scene, and it made for a truly memorable night. Hats off to him and Permanent Residence for delivering such a killer show.

HIDDEN CYCLES

Hidden Cycles took the stage at 10:40 PM, and from the very first note, they demanded attention with a presence that matched the power of their sound. It was immediately clear that this was no rookie band—they brought a level of chemistry and professionalism that only comes from years of being immersed in the scene. “I’ve got the years” Aidan told me beside the stage. You could tell they weren’t here just to perform; they were here to give everything to the music, and it was that infectious energy that set the tone for their set.

One of the standout features of their performance was Aidan’s vocals. From the very beginning, I was hooked. Aidan's voice possessed an incredible range that kept me captivated throughout the entire set. His delivery was raw, yet controlled, with a beautiful grit in his throat that added a sense of vulnerability to the ferocity of the music. He had the ability to seamlessly transition between smooth, harsh moments and powerful sections, full-throated punches, each one serving a purpose in the sets emotional arc. The way he used his voice to convey intensity, pain, and relief was simply captivating—it was clear that he wasn’t just singing; he was feeling every word.

Musically, Hidden Cycles delivered a set that was fast, aggressive, and relentless, never allowing the audience to take a breath. Their compositions were intelligently crafted, with each song building on the last in both energy and complexity. The pace of the set was unyielding, never slowing down, which gave the performance a sense of urgency and immediacy. They weren’t here to be subtle—they came to hit hard, and hit hard they did. It felt like the music itself was demanding that the crowd respond, and the crowd did, feeding off that energy with a palpable sense of excitement.

The band’s tightness on stage was impressive. Their musicianship was sharp, with every member playing their part with precision, but also a sense of freedom. They were in sync with each other, complementing the aggressive nature of the songs with controlled chaos, letting loose at all the right moments. It’s always a pleasure to see a band that clearly knows each other’s playing inside and out, and Hidden Cycles were a perfect example of that kind of chemistry. It was awesome!

What stood out most was how well-thought-out their set was. While the intensity of their music might have led some to believe it would be a chaotic, disorienting affair, it was anything but. There was structure and purpose in every song. The transitions between tracks were smooth, and the pace never dipped or lagged. Each song had its own personality but still felt like a part of the greater whole. The band was methodical in how they built tension and then released it, constantly keeping the audience engaged and on edge.

And the crowd? They were absolutely in love with Hidden Cycles. Throughout the set, you could feel the energy in the room build. From the head-nods and fists in the air, the crowd was a reflection of how well the band had managed to connect with them. Their sound—both brutal and beautiful—struck a chord with everyone in attendance, and it was easy to see why. Hidden Cycles have this special ability to strike a balance between aggression and peace, a blend that resonates deeply with me.

In conclusion, Hidden Cycles not only lived up to the hype—they surpassed it. With their intelligent compositions, unwavering stage presence, and Aidan’s incredible vocal range, they delivered a set that was as emotionally compelling as it was musically impressive. I have no doubt this band is on a steady trajectory toward bigger things. If you haven’t seen them live yet, make sure you do. Thanks for the ride guys!

From the moment Vendors hit the stage, it was clear that these guys were out to deliver more than just a performance—they were here to have a blast and take the audience along for the ride. And let me tell you, it was a ride worth experiencing.

What struck me immediately about Vendors was their undeniable chemistry. These guys know how to have fun with their music, and it shows. From the first riff to the final note, their set was an energetic blend of infectious melodies, killer riffs, and a passion to perform that radiated from every band member. Their comfort on stage was apparent—they weren't just going through the motions; they were living and breathing every moment. They looked right at home, each member playing with a relaxed confidence that made the whole thing feel effortless.

But don’t let that ease fool you—there was real effort and precision behind the scenes. After the show, I spoke with Ben, and his words confirmed what I had already felt: these guys put in the work. Vendors are not just relying on their natural talent; they're constantly pushing themselves to refine their sound and their live performance. That’s why they came across as so tight and well-rehearsed. Every song felt like it had been meticulously crafted, yet performed with a spontaneity that kept things feeling fresh and exciting. They weren’t just playing a set putting on a show. The music itself was a perfect blend of catchy and dynamic. Throughout the set, I felt like I was hearing bits and pieces from a variety of influences. What really stood out to me was the nostalgia it invoked. There were moments during their performance when I could almost hear echoes of midwest emo, particularly in some of the more intricate guitar licks. At times, it was like hearing a new twist on that classic sound, and I couldn’t help but look around to see if others in the crowd were catching the same vibe. That sense of familiarity paired with the band’s own spin on it made for a powerful combination. It was like finding something old and familiar and realising how well it still fit into the present.

The highlight of their set, for me, came toward the end. Vendors played this composition that Ben later told me has "always been in the set." It was one of those tracks that had a life of its own—starting out slow, almost haunting, and then building into something huge. You could feel the energy in the room shift as the song swelled, taking the crowd along for a journey. It was a clever move to close the set with it. The track wasn’t just a song; it was an emotional crescendo that left a lasting impression. The way they crafted that moment, letting the tension build and release, was nothing short of masterful. It was one of those rare songs that you could get lost in if you allowed yourself to. A truly memorable closer that perfectly encapsulated what Vendors are about.

And let's talk about the rhythm section for a moment. The power behind the drums in that closing song was astonishing. I leaned over to ben after the set and said, "Either that kit is mic’d up to the teeth, or he’s a heavy hitter." Ben laughed when I brought it up, but he confirmed it—Vendors' drummer is indeed a force to be reckoned with. The intensity of his playing added a layer of weight to the whole set, and it’s clear the rest of the band feeds off that power. When they lock in, the whole band seems to move as one cohesive unit. That kind of tightness is yearned for and is a huge part of what makes their live shows so compelling.

In the end, Vendors delivered a set that was not just fun, but powerful and emotionally resonant. They’re the kind of band you can tell loves what they’re doing, and it’s that genuine passion that makes their performances stand out. The crowd could feel it, and I could feel it too. From the nostalgic touches to the powerful rhythms, they played with a sense of purpose that left me wanting more. Keep an eye on these guys—they’re not just putting on shows, they’re crafting experiences, and I have no doubt they’re going to continue to turn heads in the future.

From the moment these guys hit the stage, it was clear they were there to have a good time—and to make sure the audience did too. Their set was packed with infectious energy and effortless charisma, immediately setting a positive tone for the night. The music itself was a perfect blend of upbeat, catchy rhythms and smooth melodies that had me nodding along right from the first song. It wasn’t the kind of performance where you had to zone back out to realise what was going on!  It was one of those rare shows where everything feels immediate and engaging from the get-go.

What really made their performance stand out, however, wasn’t just the music—it was their ease on stage. These guys were completely comfortable, chatting with the crowd between tracks and showing off a great sense of humour that added a refreshing layer to the performance. You could tell they genuinely enjoyed being there, and that kind of authenticity made the show feel more like a conversation with friends than a typical live set. Whether they were cracking jokes, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, or just riffing off the crowd’s energy, their humour was never forced or distracting; it was simply part of the vibe that made the whole experience feel more personal and fun.

Musically, they were tight—no surprise there. Their sound was polished and poised, yet never robotic. The band’s cohesion was evident, with each member clearly attuned to the others. Every transition was smooth, and the balance between the instruments was spot-on, allowing their sound to come through with precision while still feeling alive and spontaneous. They had this effortless rhythm where it felt like they could go off on a tangent, but always bring it back in a way that made you think, "Yeah, these guys know exactly what they’re doing."

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of their performance was how quickly they got the crowd involved. From the first song, they knew how to read the room, bringing in the audience with high-energy moments and playful banter. It was one of those shows where you didn’t just watch the band perform—you felt like you were part of the experience. There was a clear sense that the crowd and the band were in sync, sharing in the fun together.

It’s rare to see a band that strikes such a perfect balance between being polished and still having that unfiltered, spontaneous energy. These guys weren’t just playing a set; they were creating an experience, one that had everyone smiling, laughing, and dancing along. If you’re looking for a band that can deliver both musically and with personality, this group is definitely one to watch. They proved that a great show doesn’t just rely on technical skill—it’s about energy, connection, and making sure everyone is having a good time, and they nailed that every step of the way.

MoyaMoya delivered a live performance that was both captivating and thought-provoking. Their unique blend of progressive rock, post-punk, and atmospheric indie sounds is more than just a backdrop—it’s a key part of their identity. From the first note, it was clear that their music is dense with meaning, and every song felt like a layered story begging to be unraveled. Their lyrics tackle heavy, introspective themes, offering emotional depth without ever feeling overly bleak. Instead, they create a sense of urgency and importance, drawing you in with their vulnerability and defiance.

On stage, MoyaMoya exuded a quiet confidence, engaging the audience without being over-the-top. Their chemistry as a band was undeniable, with each member complementing the others perfectly. The performance was tight, every transition smooth, and the sound crisp—a true display of their musical prowess.

What struck me most was how much there is to unpack in their music. It’s the kind of band you can’t fully appreciate in a single listen or show. MoyaMoya’s live set leaves you with lingering thoughts, proving they’re a band with a lot more to offer than what meets the eye. It’s clear they’re worth following closely.