CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE U18 SHOW!

After all the crypticness and secrecy (countdowns to announcements, misleading video updates etc.) regarding the band’s future which diminished a few years back, The Getaway Plan is back, maybe not better than ever but the Melbourne four piece still manage to put on a tight set. I was lucky enough to attend both Melbourne shows of the Reclamation tour on February 19th, where I drew on several contrasting elements to each show.
First off at The Hi-Fi, The Getaway Plan’s second home in recent years, was Secrets In Scale. Catchy hooks and incredible musicianship in general was on display first for a crowd of 17 and under, the majority of who would not have totally understood or appreciated what an amazing set was presented to them. Nonetheless, respect and attention was paid by all. On the other hand, the overage crowd seemed to listen much more intently and absorb the performance more so. I guess you could say more of them “got” Secrets In Scale. I had seen the duo of brothers (David McGuire: vocals, guitar, keys/ John McGuire: drums, backing vocals) once before this day, with The Getaway Plan’s Matthew Wright on bass and thought they were decent, but after this fine Saturday night I was very much hooked and looking forward to arriving home and listening to some recorded material. The overage show saw Secrets In Scale joined by Wright for ‘Monkey Island’ where his unique and often flawless vocals added a kick to the song. The highlight for myself however was ‘Love At The Rock Show’ which can be found on the free ‘DMT Mixtape’ download, here in exchange for a simple Tweet or Facebook post, depending on whichever tickles your social network preferences).

Next on the bill were Sydney kids, Tonight Alive who were fresh from the USA after recording their debut full length with highly accredited producer Mark Trombino (blink-182, Jimmy Eat World). The young five piece seem to be a band you’re either stoked on or just think are okay. The majority of the kids at the under 18’s show seemed to be in the ‘stoked on it’ category, especially many teenage boys who seemed to have the general plan of, get as close as possible to the front/vocalist Jenna McDougall. Their setlist was constructed well, opening with the catchy ‘Five Years’ from their 2010 three track vinyl release “Consider This”. This was an opportunity to see how guitarist Whakaio’s backing vocals fitted rather well. Mid set called for Rufio cover, ‘In My Eyes’ and although McDougall stated it was indeed originally by the Californian punk-rock band, the underage crowd most likely still thought it wasn’t a cover at all.  Big sing-a-long’s were had at the show for the kids, and these were perhaps just as loud as they were going to get for the night, tied with the headliners themselves. The mature aged crowd didn’t seem quite so impressed by Tonight Alive, apart from the exception of a few groups here and there. For myself, it was a highly energetic and enjoyable pop-punk set.

After a lengthy wait, the Melbourne quartet hit the stage after a stint on the sidelines; they’re officially back. The squeals at the day show as they made their way onto the sage were ridiculous, causing me to shoot a look of sheer terror to fellow positivexposure writer/photographer, Alyce Keli. In my many times of seeing The Getaway Plan, I don’t recall squeals as shrilling and as excited as this. Set opener was a newie, ‘Move Along’. Whilst I felt it to be an odd choice to open in this manner, it seemed to work, especially at show number one where many people were able to sing along simply due to recordings of previous shows online from this and the Reformation tour.  The overage crowd clearly was not proactive or keen enough to hunt down these presumably low quality recordings, but still paid attention with interest. This new song, like the three other new ones put on show (‘Coming Home’, ‘Flying Colours’, ‘Children Of The Light’) were much more mellow in comparison to the debut full length, “Other Voices, Other Rooms” and especially to the much heavier material on EP “Hold Conversation” (which for once, was not featured at all in a live show, much to my disappointment).
Familiarity was restored as the band burst into their energetic anthem ‘Streetlight’, which at each show was sung equally as loud.
Some of the heavier tracks of the day/night, ‘Sleep Spindles’ and ‘Red Flag’ were welcome with open arms. Guitarist Clint Ellis’ signature guitar work in ‘Red Flag’ is to be mentioned and is always an element of The Getaway Plan shows that I look forward to seeing. New tune, ‘Children Of Light’ featured Jenna McDougall who’s vocals harmonised brilliant with the smooth tones of Wright’s voice. Most popular song, ‘Where The City Meets The Sea’ was sung several decibels higher than any other tune. After the encore which thankfully felt a lot quicker compared to other times I’d see the band, we were treated to the beautiful ‘Transmission’ which had quite a lovely atmosphere to it, although unlike the Shadows tour several years ago, the crowd was not given foam bubbles to frolic in.

It’s great to have this band back and if stage presence is any indication and written word online, each member seems to be enjoying it more than ever,  however I personally have enjoyed previous shows more so. I still feel as though a little passion is missing and perhaps the addition of EP and Demo material was what would have sealed the deal for me. Although it is most likely totally different to the new material they have written for the new record to be recorded this year, I feel as though a song like ‘The New Year’ would have caused me (and many others at the overage show who have followed the band for some time) to leave the venue saying, ‘That was fantastic’, but this exclusiveness caused the shows to just fall short of the mark they once were at. In saying this, the new material is something we should all be anticipating!