Novelists | Stay Gold
@Destroyalllines
Melbourne’s gearing up for the Monolith Festival on November 9, bringing a stacked lineup featuring Coheed and Cambria, Periphery, Leprous, Intervals, Novelists, and Silverfang. In the lead-up, a few sideshows have been popping up around the city, and I was lucky enough to catch Novelists at Stay Gold on the 6th, backed by local Melbourne talents Future Static and NTH RD.
NTH RD recently brought in a new vocalist, Dan Charlton, to fill the vacant spot, so I was keen to hear how the band sounded with this lineup change. Unfortunately, their bassist, Lucas Banim, couldn’t make it to the set due to prior commitments, leaving the three-piece of Dan, John Mihaloudakis on drums, and Billy Balassis on guitar to carry the show.
Despite being down a member, NTH RD improvised impressively, handling the set with ease. They kicked things off with a classic—"Wearing Thin”—which was a smart choice. I knew there were a few people in the crowd who hadn’t experienced NTH RD before, and this track showcase who NTH RD are.
They kept the energy high with more fan favourites like “The Wake” and “Casualty,” and the crowd got an extra treat with their latest single featuring Dan, “Remember.” The track captures NTH RD’s signature sound, but with a fresh twist that signals a new chapter for the band. It felt both nostalgic and new—a perfect encapsulation of their evolution.
Next up was Future Static, and I knew exactly what to expect the moment I saw their name on the bill. Their entire setlist consisted of powerful tracks from their latest album, Liminality, which has earned them plenty of attention. Standouts like “Waves,” “The Embers,” and “Plated Gold” really brought the energy, with “Plated Gold” typically featuring Sean Harmanis from Make Them Suffer. But Amariah Cook held her own effortlessly—her range and talent in the heavy sections filled the space perfectly.
With five members packed onto a small stage, you’d expect some limitations, but Future Static didn’t let that hold them back. They were never in the same spot for long (apart from drummer Jackson Trudel), with Amariah leading the charge through her movements and stage presence. She showed exactly what it means to be a support act—getting the crowd hyped up and proving they’re not here to mess around. Future Static is always ready to put their name out there, and if this performance was any indication, they’re a band everyone should have on their radar.
Novelists took the stage as the headliner, and as the lights dimmed, a remixed intro of one of their recent singles, “Prisoner”, filled the room. With new vocalist Camille Contreras fronting the lineup, the remix built anticipation as the band members gradually entered the stage—guitarist Flo Durand, drummer Amaël Durand, and guitarist Pierre Danel. Unfortunately, bassist Nicolas Delestrade couldn’t perform due to technical issues. Just as the instrumentalists kicked in, Camille burst in from the side stage and launched straight into “Prisoner.”
Camille, who joined the band in September 2023, immediately proved she was the perfect addition. Her energy was infectious, and it was clear she felt at home on stage. She tackled older fan favourites like “Terrorist,” “Do You Really Wanna Know?” and “Heretic” with ease, capturing the intensity and emotion of each track while adding her own unique style.
One of the standout moments was “Lost Cause,” where the band brought a fresh twist, starting with a slowed-down, almost ballad-like intro before ramping up to the full track. This new arrangement kept the crowd hooked, showing Novelists’ ability to reimagine their sound while staying true to their roots.
About midway through the set, Camille surprised everyone by picking up a guitar, joining the rest of the band for the instrumental masterpiece “Colas” from their album Déjà Vu. The purely musical interlude allowed each member to shine, setting a reflective mood before they transitioned smoothly into their recent single, “Mourning The Dawn.”
For their final track, Novelists performed “Turn It Up,” their first song with Camille, which marked a pivotal moment for the band. The song not only showcased Camille’s powerful vocals but also highlighted the new direction Novelists is taking—a fusion of their established sound with the fresh dynamics she brings.
The entire night was a testament to each band’s talent, but Novelists’ performance was the highlight. At the end of the set, Camille invited everyone to stop by the merch stand, where I took the chance to buy a shirt, have a chat, and grab a pic with Camille. Meeting the band members up close was a reminder that, beyond their powerful stage presence, they’re down-to-earth people who genuinely appreciate their fans.
All in all, it was an unforgettable night filled with raw talent and passion from every act. If this sideshow was any indication, Monolith is going to be something special. Don’t miss Novelists at PICA for Monolith on November 9—they’re a band you’ll want to experience live!
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