10 December 2024 – The Tivoli, Brisbane – words by Cecilia Pattison-Levi – pictures by Charlyn Cameron
Sleeping With Sirens were one of the most impressive bands at the Good Things 2024 music festival. While here in Australia, the genre-defying band who blend post-hardcore, emo, and rock, treated fans to a sold-out Sideshow at the Tivoli on a wet and soggy Tuesday night in Brisbane. I guess you could call it a come-down gig or a birthday present to guitarist Nick Martin. The performance by Sleeping With Sirens was an energetic and immersive show for fans.
The evening commenced with a 45-minute set from Melbourne band Wayside. They were tasked with warning up the crowd and they did a good job playing a mix of big rock songs with really heavy bassline riffs such as ‘Shine (Onto Me)’ and ‘Safe Forever’. Wayside initially seemed reserved and not sure of the crowd, but they soon warmed to their task. They slowly grew the energy in the venue and their confidence improved. They seemed to really relax when all the photographers were gone and started to really enjoy performing especially the song ‘Lean Into It’.
Wayside – Tivoli – photos by Charlyn Cameron
Wayside’s sound is interesting, neatly contrasting rock styles of 90s shoe gazing with hard Aussie alternative rock, all powered by a huge rhythm section of bass and drums. The overall effect is that of driving rock, with the difference emanating from the softer and ethereal vocals in the song ‘Parallax Error’.
At the end of Wayside’s set, the stage was re-arranged. Microphone stands were changed, leads were set and setlists were taped to the floor. The crowd started to become restless and you could feel the tension building. At the back of the stage, I could see Sleeping With Sirens, as a band together, jogging on the spot and revving themselves up.
Sleeping With Sirens are a band who come from Florida in the USA. The touring band comprises of: Kellin Quinn (vocals, keyboards), Nick Martin (rhythm guitar), Justin Hills (bass), Tony Pizzuti (lead guitar) and Matty Best (drums). I must admit that Kellin Quinn, who has the most extraordinary voice, was one of the focal points of the evening. The other prime focus was Nick Martin. It was his birthday and he was having a great time. The crowd sang him ‘Happy Birthday’ beautifully.
Sleeping With Sirens gifted fans with songs they might not play live again for a long time as they are heading back into the studio to record a new album. They played a 15-song setlist spanning their career. Highlights included fan favourites like ‘If You Can’t Hang’ and ‘Kick Me’, alongside a stunning acoustic rendition of ‘With Ears to See, and Eyes to Hear’. They even threw in a honest and warm cover of The Goo Goo Dolls’ ‘Iris’, showcasing their softer acoustic side amidst the high-octane set.
Sleeping With Sirens – Tivoli – photos by Charlyn Cameron
As they came out onto the Tivoli stage, the band was greeted with wild cheering, screams and crying – happy tears! Kellin Quinn was dressed in a Misfits shirt which was telling about his musical influences. The band were on pointe straight away and launched straight into ‘Talk It Up, Settle The Score’ and the crowd just sang along to every lyric – word for word – which set the tone for the evening along with the hyper ‘bouncy’ performance. The band jumped around on stage as Kellin Quinn paced around in circles – the physical energy on stage was phrenetic.
The next song was ‘Do It Now Remember It Later’ and Kellin Quinn had the crowd eating out of his hand and singing the ‘whoah’ in unison as the up- tempo dance beat got the whole of the Tivoli moving. ‘Kick Me’ followed and then ‘Leave It All Behind’, ‘Never Enough’, the fabulous ‘Talking to Myself’ and ‘A Trophy Father’s Trophy Son’ are all played in quick succession.
If the set and audience participation had been good to this point in the night, then it stepped up another level, when the crowd took control singing: ‘you’ll miss me when I’m gone’ during the truly fabulous song ‘Better Off Dead?’ The energy in the room was palpable. Then, Sleeping With Sirens, slowed things down to celebrate Nick Martin’s birthday with a crowd led sing along and a chance to show another side to their musical palate.
Sleeping With Sirens – Tivoli – photos by Charlyn Cameron
Kellin Quinn and Nick Martin performed a short acoustic set. They played the wonderful ‘With Ears To See, Eyes To Hear’. Then, they delivered their interpretation and cover of The Goo Goo Dolls classic song ‘Iris’. Well, the crowd in the Tivoli went off – even the security guards and bar staff were singing along. I often write about the amazing singing of Brisbane fans and it was so impressive. Kellin Quinn and Nick Martin knew they didn’t have to sing too much such was the crowd’s beautiful noise and the electric charge in the room.
The rest of the band returned to the stage. The songs ‘Go Go Go’, ‘Crosses’ and ‘Bloody Knuckles’ were performed as the band ramped up the full rock sound. The crowd surged forward. Their arms and hands in the air as the music got darker and louder. Kellin Quinn worked the crowd like a magician. The chemistry among band members was evident, with guitarists Nick Martin and Tony Pizzuti complementing each other’s riffs while bassist Justin Hillsand drummer Matty Best laid down an unwavering musical foundation.
Sleeping With Sirens deeply connect with a genuine appreciation of their fans and it is obvious that those feelings are returned. They wished everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year and said how much they loved their experiences on this short tour and left the love for the band. Kellin Quinn stated that the sold-out venues and huge crowds were a community of like-minded souls. His interactions with crowd members and his stage craft added that personal touch to the performance, making the crowd feel like a family.
Sleeping With Sirens – Tivoli – photos by Charlyn Cameron
And, then, like a puff of smoke, the band exited the stage. The lights went dark. The crowd started to chant: “one more song”. It got louder and louder and then the band reappeared in fresh clothes. Kellin Quinn was now wearing a Lionel Ritchie t-shirt! Was it meant to be ironic? Or was it post-irony? We’ll never know as the band got straight into performing the encore.
Sleeping With Sirens played ‘If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn’ and finished the set with ‘If You Can’t Hang’ to end the night. The band was tight. The light show was stunning and brilliant. The music was loud. The fans drank it up. It was a fantastic night.
Sleeping With Sirens had delivered a memorable performance, one that would resonate with fans long after the lights came up.
