Noizecore

The Understatement @ Black Stump, 5th October 2008

Over the October long weekend I trekked off to outer Sydney to see a few bands at the annual Black Stump music and arts festival.

I was bitterly disappointed that many of the bands I love were not on the list this year, infact I hardly knew any of the bands on the line up. One band, ( thanks to a quick visit to  www.myspace.com/theunderstatementrock ) who impressed me greatly were The Understatement.

The Understatement, an alternate / post-hardcore band hailing from Sydney, struck a chord with me for catchy rhythms and pleasant vocals. One thing that I felt a little apprehensive about, was exactly how heavy and energetic they would be live. On record they sound as if they are a hardcore band struggling to find the… “hardness”. Would I find that it would be like seeing The Whitlams? Subdued and boring?

When I finally saw them I was absolutely stoked. They rocked their short set in front of a small but energetic and appreciative crowd.

It wasn’t like going to see a Parkway Drive gig, where the pit is dangerous. The kids that ran in here were in there to throw down and have mad-fun time without breaking bones which was a pleasant change and added a whole new aspect to getting in a circle pit. I don’t think anyone charged in fly-kicking, crash tackling or just flatout decking anyone.

They were not the heaviest band at the festival but had found that hardcore element that set them apart from other generic hard rock bands.

I went nuts, loved every second of the set. They were probably the best band I saw all weekend.

After the show, I headed straight to the merch table to pick up a shirt and their EP, So Blind (which is, again not as heavy as they are live, but utterly enjoyable all the same).

Upcoming gigs include:

- 7pm @ BRIDGEFEST 13/12/2008

- 7pm @ Wentworth Leagues Club 18/12/2008

If you ever get a chance to see these guys live, do it. They do not disappoint.