16 March 2025 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone – words and pictures by Brad Fry
Tonight, the Harvey Road Tavern hummed with anticipation. The crowd, an eclectic mix of seasoned rock enthusiasts and younger fans lured by legacy, buzzed with the electric energy that only comes from waiting for a band like The Butterfly Effect. This was no ordinary tour – it was a celebration of the band’s monumental debut album, Begins Here, now 21 years old. The original dates for this leg of the tour had to be cancelled due to the extreme rain events happening in North Queensland at the time. Ever the professionals, The Butterfly Effect and Hands Like Houses returned to honour their commitment to their fans and their loyalty, which, was not lost on the Gladstone locals.
The evening began with Hands Like Houses, a band whose modern rock sensibilities felt like a perfect foil to The Butterfly Effect’s brooding soundscapes. Their set was a masterclass in dynamic performance, shifting seamlessly between high-octane anthems and emotionally charged melodies. Vocalist, Josh Raven’s voice soared, his range and emotive delivery captivating the audience from the opening notes. The band played with precision and passion, delivering standout tracks like ‘Wildfire’ ‘Space’, ‘I am’ and ‘The End’ with an intensity that made the room erupt.
Hands Like Houses – Harvey Rd Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
At one point, Raven cleared a path in the heaving crowd and used it as an extension to the stage by performing a couple of songs amongst the elated fans. This was my first experience of the Josh Raven lead Hands Like Houses and I was impressed! There is a playfulness about the band that I have not noticed in previous iterations. Combining this with their ridiculously tight musicianship made for a performance of epic proportions. By the time their set closed, Hands Like Houses had not merely warmed up the crowd; they had ignited it!
Then came the main act. As the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the tavern, the stage transformed into an ethereal tableau of smoke and shadow. Clint Boge’s unmistakable voice cut through the darkness like a blade, drawing cheers and applause in equal measure. Opening with ‘Perception Twin’, The Butterfly Effect plunged straight into the depths of their debut album, each note resonating with raw, unfiltered emotion. The band’s chemistry was undeniable. Kurt Goedhart’s guitar work was a swirling mix of aggression and melody, while Glenn Esmond’s basslines anchored the sound with pulsating depth. Ben Hall’s drumming, both thunderous and intricate, drove the performance forward with relentless energy. Tracks like ‘One Second of Insanity’ and ‘Beautiful Mine’ showcased the band’s ability to blend haunting atmospheres with visceral power.
The Butterfly Effect – Harvey Rd Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
The crowd was spellbound. For many, these songs were not just music but milestones—snapshots of lives lived and loves lost. When the band launched into the anthemic ‘Crave’, the room erupted, voices rising in unison to meet Boge’s soaring vocals. It was a moment of communal catharsis; a reminder of the profound connection music can forge. Midway through the set, Boge addressed the crowd, his words a heartfelt acknowledgment of the band’s journey and the fans who had supported them along the way.”
The Butterfly Effect – Harvey Rd Tavern – photos by Brad Fry
The night was nothing short of transcendent. The Butterfly Effect left the audience in a state of awe. As the final notes faded and the house lights came up, the crowd lingered, reluctant to let go of the magic. The Butterfly Effect’s 21 Years of Begins Here tour is more than a trip down memory lane; it’s a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of music. The whole set provided the type of warmth that comes from old friends reuniting after time apart. At The Harvey Road Tavern, they didn’t just revisit their past—they redefined it, proving that the flame they lit two decades ago burns brighter than ever.
