Movements | Stay Gold

Live Review

12 Mar

In the lead-up to the New Bloom festival, Movements brought along the ethereal Softcult and Sydney’s own Peace Ritual for a side show at Stay Gold in Brunswick.

The evening kicked off with Peace Ritual, performing only their second-ever show in Melbourne. From the first note, their sound enveloped the audience in a dreamy, nostalgic haze. With mesmerizing guitar melodies and soft, harmonized vocals, they created an atmosphere brimming with hope and longing. Lead vocalist Joel expressed his gratitude to the crowd, saying, "There’s real refuge in this," acknowledging the supportive and inclusive vibe of the night. They wrapped up their set by debuting their latest single, Seconds, its catchy bridge evoking the feeling of chasing a nostalgic memory. Their performance left a strong impression, showcasing their talent as an opening act.

Next, Canadian sibling duo Softcult took the stage to a roar of applause for their first Australian show. Known for their unique blend of grunge and shoegaze, they also champion artistic empowerment with their zine SCripture. Their set slowly unfolded, with melancholic guitar chords and haunting lyrics weaving a spell over the crowd. Mercedes commanded the stage with captivating energy, while Phoenix’s drumming and vocal harmonies added depth to their sound. Their performance was both intimate and powerful, culminating in a standout rendition of Uzumaki from their EP Year of the Snake, about the dread of abusive relationships. By the end, the crowd was spellbound, and Softcult made a lasting impression on Melbourne.

Finally, Movements took the stage, greeted by a packed venue. They opened with You’re One of Us Now from their latest album RUCKUS!, immediately getting the crowd moving. Patrick's commanding stage presence and Austin's heavy bass drove tracks like Lead Pipe, with the audience enthusiastically singing along to every word. The energy only built as the band powered through fan-favorites like I Hope You Choke! and Deep Red, with crowd surfers and moshers displaying Melbourne’s passion for live music.

A memorable moment came when Patrick noticed a sign from a fan celebrating their 19th birthday and requested Nineteen from the EP Outgrown Things. While they humorously admitted they’d forgotten how to play it, they led the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday. To wrap up the night, Movements performed their hit Daylily from Feel Something, with the crowd singing along in full force, creating a perfect close to the show.

Despite revealing that Spencer played the set with a sprained wrist, his performance was exceptional. The night, filled with incredible talent from Peace Ritual, Softcult, and Movements, left the audience at Stay Gold buzzing with excitement from an unforgettable show.