Origami Angel | Stay Gold
Origami Angel has been one of those bands that have constantly been on the radar for me. I remember back in high school a good friend of mine rushing into class and forcing a Kmart earbud in my ear, and hitting play on a Pokémon themed EP named “Gen 3”. The first song that played, “Ruby”, was a one minute track of guttural, whiny vocals and twinkling guitar, and I was immediately sold. This same friend and I would go on to claim “666 Flags” and “Skeleton Key” as our unofficial anthems for many years, and as soon as I saw the tour announcement, I knew exactly who to hit up.
And so here I am, on the Upfield line, heading to Jewell station, listening to my audiobook as I watch the sun bleed into a citrus hue that soaked the train carriage. I’ve recently found myself stuck in a rut of nostalgic longing, as the start of Autumn tends to do to me every year, and as I walked from the station to Stay Gold, my chest started aching with the realisation of who I was about to see perform. Getting inside the venue easily enough, I bee-lined for the bar and got myself a vodka redbull, nestling up at the far back right of the venue.
I arrived at the perfect time, as Oh! Daisy took to the stage and the already half full venue began cheering. I really, really loved these guys, you could see their giddiness seep through their instruments and into the audience. Playing through “Mother” and their soon-to-be-released track “Guillotine”, their youthful glee radiated and definitely set up the high energy for the rest of the night.
Talk Heavy took to the stage next, a DIY emo four piece that hail from Brisbane. Having already opened for the likes of Tigers Jaw and Taking Back Sunday, these guys have been thrashing their way into the spotlight for only three years now. They have everything you could possibly love about a band - a charismatic lead vocalist, upbeat tunes with sad lyrics and a high energy stage presence. I found myself dancing along without even realising, and “I Wanna Skate Again” had me grinning ear to ear during the glittering guitars in the bridge. Every track they played had it’s own little memorable quirk, but “Die For You” and “Something Cool” are definitely tracks to check out if you haven’t heard of these guys before!
As the set ended, my friend (who was running very late) finally found herself at the bar with me, and immediately our excitement couldn’t be contained. We bounced back and forth naming all the tracks we hoped would be on the setlist, over ice cold pale ale. The strange yearning sensation washed over me again, that nostalgic wilt that may cripple me one day, as I realised how close the set was to starting. Before I could open my jaw to gush to my friend about how much I loved her, the scattering of keys washed over the dark room. The beloved phrase “Melbourne what’s good!” was shouted as Ryland Heagy and Pat Doherty took to the stage.
I clutched onto my friend's arm, as we both squealed like little kids when the track “Lost Signal” began. Live, Origami Angel are incredibly tight and enthusiastic. While only being a two piece band, they don’t hesitate to take up as much space as needed. “Dirty Mirror Selfie” was as sharp as the recording, and between songs Heagy quipped; “Y’all listen to emo music?” or “what about math rock?”.
Not a moment went by during this set where it was quiet - Whether that be from instrumentals to fill space or the crowd hollering and cheering, the lack of standing still made the set go by in a blink of an eye. My friend and I could be psychic, as they played through some of our guesses such as “Doctor Whomst”, “Noah Fence” and much to our delight, “Ruby”. There was a grin, ever present on both musicians' faces throughout the entirety of the set, and as they slammed into the final song for the night, I caved in and jumped into the pit. The opening of “666 Flags” tore through my heart, and as I got flung around the room I couldn’t have been happier in that moment.
That night was an illustrious, full circle gig and since then Talk Heavy have now found themselves in at least three of my playlists. Stay Gold never disappoint to host a great show, and the smile couldn’t be wiped off my face as I trotted down the street, arm in arm, giggling with my friend.