Words and Images: Mert Tyson Photography
When Rain City Drive Brings the Storm, TX2 Lights the Fuse, and Melrose Avenue Brings the Party Brissy GET READY!
I walked into The Triffid on Sunday night knowing three things: it was wet, it was Sunday, and I knew bugger all about any of the bands I was about to see. By the end of the night, I was sweaty, deaf in the best possible way, and seriously questioning if I was the oldest bloke in the room… but also officially converted into a massive fan of all three.
Melrose Avenue kicked things off and immediately made me feel unfit. Vlado Saric doesn’t just front a band he sprints, jumps, commands, and generally makes you wonder how many pre show burpees are legally allowed yep, he works out my wife seemed more than impressed by his passion! The band’s sound is a big, modern metal/alt rock punch in the face heavy, hooky, and ridiculously tight. “Through Hell”, “Body Bag”, “Bad Guy”, “Suffering” and “Reflections” all hit like they were trying to shake the rain out of Brisbane’s clouds. High energy, huge choruses, zero chance to catch your breath. Melrose Avenue, you’ve got yourself a new old fan.
Then TX2 hit and the energy meter just snapped. I’ve followed Evan a bit online, but live is a whole different animal. It’s sharp, it’s cheeky, it’s emotional, and it absolutely does not care what box you want to put it in and that is exactly how I expected him to be! “Hostage”, “So Numb” and “Vampire” set the tone early this band wasn’t here to warm up the crowd, they were here to take the room hostage and make a point while they were at it. “I Would Hate Me Too” turned into a full on screaming therapy session for everyone in front of the stage.
What I loved was how unapologetically inclusive and real Evan is. He talks about being yourself, stands up for individuality and LGBTQ+ fans, and happily rocks a skirt while absolutely owning the stage. He spent half the set in the pit, starting circles, dropping to his knees (those knee pads make total sense now) and generally behaving like the floor was lava and he was trying to test the theory. When he told us to remember this night because one day they’d be back in arenas and stadiums, it didn’t sound like a sales pitch it sounded like the truth. The band incredible! Energy overdose, incredible backline supported by cracker guitar!
Rain City Drive closed things out with a more melodic, classy groove, but still, plenty of weight behind it. For someone walking in almost blind, I was blown away by how polished and emotional their set was. Matt McAndrew’s vocals were silky but powerful, floating over those modern, chunky guitars and a rhythm section that never let up. “Talk to a Friend” was a big moment for me – honest, huge and genuinely moving – while “Cutting It Close”, “Like I Do”, “Heavier”, “Over Me” and “Concrete Closure” just kept stacking up the sing along moments. At one point Matt joked, “One more song… we don’t do fucking encores, just pretend it’s the last song,” before diving into “Medicate Me” and absolutely nailing the landing on an already massive night.
I grabbed a quick word with Evan afterwards and he summed up the whole evening perfectly: “Australia goes hard as HELL! We are gonna be here next year and gonna keep going for years.” After what I saw at The Triffid, I 100% believe him and I seriously hope Rain City Drive and Melrose Avenue are right there with them.
So yeah, I went in barely knowing who was who and walked out a card carrying fan of the lot. I loved the show, loved the crowd, loved the venue, loved the chaos. Australia: if this tour swings near you, get off the couch and go. Brisbane: you were loud, soaking wet, and absolutely brilliant.
Two more dates on this Tour get on it!!!
- 11 March, 2026 Adelaide The Gov
- 13 March, 2026 Perth Magnet House
Big thanks to the bands and Brisbane crowd bloody amazing! The venue is absolutely incredible and the staff even more so thank you for your kindness, Hear2Zen and TEG MJR you rock thanks for the opportunity, security thank you and all the hard-working people that make this shit happen! Sound lighting and crew you rock! Oh, yeah and I bought the vinyl! Bought the Tee’s because they were cool and yeah, its good to give back when you have such a privilege and opportunity to capture these amazing bands!
Mert.
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