blanket + Supports

Helve
Opening up the night were Helve, arguably an inclusion that were considerably different from the two other bands on the line up, but you wouldn’t know this at first listen. Helve began with a slow, ambling, and ethereal tune that certainly did not sound out of place at a post-rock show. This peaceful introspection was broken with a crash as they flew into a huge marching rhythm backed up with some lovely guitar tones. It was as Helve began to really labour (in the right way) this section, truly exploring its scope and capabilities, that connections to Cult of Luna were apparent. However, Helve are more than a reverent imitation of the aforementioned post-metal chuggernauts, peppering in more post-rock ambience that you’d expect from the likes of God is an Astronaut and Explosions. More over, Helve really delved into their sound, drawing it out and savouring it in ways that you’d expect from Amenra, but with their own signature style. Truly a blending of all the best parts of post-rock and post-metal, and a delight for fans of both genres. Keep your eyes on Helve, they’ll be supporting bigger names in the coming years.

Pijn
If Pijn’s 2018 release Loss didn’t gain them enough exposure, their 2019 collaboration with Conjurer, Curse These Metal Hands, has only served to heighten their respect and adoration amongst fans. Taking a unique spin on post-rock by incorporating violins into their sound, Pijn manage to create atmospheres that continually shift from haunting and eerie, to sombre and melodic , to cathartic all while keeping the listener guessing. Punters on the night had to stand and watch with utmost attention to take everything in, from the ever evolving soundscapes to the dreary visualisations that served well to underpin their music. What truly makes Pijn an exceptional outfit is their thick and layered use of each member in the band, metaphorically climbing over each other to steal the listener’s attention for just a minute. But this competition for attention somehow doesn’t seem contrived or conceited, rather a natural progression of how they want to express their music.

blanket
Unlike Pijn, blanket began their set with a much more vibrant and joyous slew of songs. blanket played a few as yet unreleased songs, which felt to explore simpler song structures and focus on both communicating a certain message and instilling a certain emotion to the listener. These more vibrant songs were punctuated by rich and lush song structures, accompanied by fitting visualisations that moved from kaleidoscopic to resembling cellular structures. Their sound changed after these two newer songs to a few from their previous, which have a decidedly more cinematic feel. Very reminiscent of Australia’s Echotide, but also bringing in Anathema vibes as well, blanket are incredibly approachable and pleasant to listening. Seeing them live will no doubt leave you with lifted spirits and a spring in your step, knowing that everything will be just fine.

Bonus Content: Pijn Live