There’s something about a Melodyssey gig on the Sunshine Coast that always has you leaving with a huge grin on your face…well for me anyway.

It’s been a good six months since Melodyssey have played a show on the Sunshine Coast (the last one I recall was with Dead Letter Circus), so we have been well overdue for dose of their rock anthems, and rest assured, I left the gig with very little voice left in me from singing along.

Unfortunately, my bad timing left me missing out on Brisbane rockers, Arctic’s set, but I did get to hear the last few songs from outside, with one being My Final Vow, which for me has been a set highlight in the past. Speaking to guitarist, Joel, outside he admitted it wasn’t exactly his favourite song to play, but then there are always certain songs that you play as a band that work, but aren’t necessarily fun to play.

From what I did hear, the band has come a long way, which could most likely be attributed to Clint (Melodyssey)’s role as producer for their debut.

Melbourne’s Rook took to the stage next, with the drummer from Sydonia filling in behind the kit. These guys have found a way to merge reggae ambience with hard rock grit, what one could almost explain as what The Police would sound like if they were Australian, in there 20’s/30’s and not so into themselves. Vocalist Forbe’s mighty voice is downright phenomenal, and the whole band roll along in waves of sound, from full-on punch to smooth trinkles. If you missed out this time, be sure to catch them the next time they are up.

The crowd swelled pretty quickly to the tiny stage when Melodyssey were about to start. It’s pretty well anticipatory of a Melodyssey gig, but one thing that always amazes me is how many old-school Sands folk turn up to see the boys in action. It’s always a good vibe, and great to see the support is still strong.

Starting the set with something different this time, Melodyssey belted out ‘End of Time’ as their opener, which to me was a strange choice, but it worked. Playing a very strong set of roughly 16 songs, counting everything from the old (EP material such as The Problem and Operate), fan faves (Distance & Regret tracks such as 3 Days Deep, Game Day and Aquaplane) to the epic (awesome tracks from The Two Windows).

Just watching these guys, you can tell they are in their element when they are on stage, with vocalist Lance finding the energy to hold those high, long notes, then bounce around and let out that angry-man growl.

Hardcore fans can tell when the boys have made a little slip up, but you just watch the smiles on their faces and their little laughs, and can tell they don’t mind, as the vibe in the crowd more than makes up for it.

Set highlights would be The Constant Rain (which I think Lance dedicated to his unborn child), All Your Way, Balance, Operate (for the pure energy the crowd were showing), and Compromise.

Nice work Melodyssey. You guys always have a home here on the Sunshine Coast, and we can’t wait to hear what you do next.

 

Rooster.