Bands: Suldusk, Myriad Drone, Black Aleph
Venue: Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, Australia (Naarm, Woiwurrung country)
Date: 10th May 2024
Review by: Ulffe
Photos by: Ben Eldstrom
Thank Folk it’s Friday at the Northcote Social Club.
Black Aleph
This was a completely unexpected surprise, having no understanding of who Black Aleph were or what their music sounded like was thrilling. I’m inclined to think I was in the minority as the band room at Northcote Social Club looked already full as the doors opened.
Discovering and trying to interpret their awesome sound in the moment was an exciting journey while having no frame of reference of their music. I was reminded of the ambient folky sections of the band Solstafir, the ambient elements of one of my favourite projects, Downfall of Nur, I honed in on sounds Nile’s Karl Sanders ‘Saurian Trilogy’ and even the battle music in Tyler Bates composition for 300 at points in their set.
My own ignorance aside, and no disrespect meant by the above comments, Black Aleph were a mighty opening act and their music was exciting. A three piece instrumental act consisting of Peter Hollo on cello, Lachlan R. Dale on guitar and Timothy Johannessen playing daf (which is a middle eastern frame drum), their sound was large and emotive with minor second movements, heavily textured with melodic guitar that built itself up from looping melody to dissonant solos. The sound of the cello pulled and tugged at you while the percussion, stable, somewhat hypnotic at times before building to fast paced rhythmic tension and energy. Interestingly, and even with their unique instrumentation, they could easily fit into any lineup of a folk, drone, doom, or stoner gig.
Their final track was from their upcoming release, which due some time this year – this was cinematic and had the crowd moving, entranced. I’m excited to hear more of their unique music and highly encourage checking them out.
Myriad Drone
Certainly not a stranger to Hook Riff and Banger at this point, we’re glad to have seen Myriad Drone again this time in a delicious sandwich between Black Aleph and Suldusk.
Having earlier this year opened for Russian Circles in Melbourne and New Zealand and releasing a number of singles in 2024 one can presume they’re riding a deserved wave of success and their form last night was excellent.
Myriad Drone delivered in their dreamy, melancholic clean guitars, their strong, thumping, driving, drums and bass guitar that paved the path for heavier distorted guitar sections. Textured and weaved with both clean and dirty vocals, melodies between the strings and voice, this band stand out in the scene having mastered their sound and recipe.
They carried their set with strength. With powerful, soulful instrumental composition all the way until their final track. “Now this one’s gunna rip ya fuckin’ head off!” was the promise of one of the members.
Unfortunately no heads were ripped off that I could tell, but it was a sick track and a set highlight. Heavy palm muted riffs tend to have an impact on the crowd raising the energy to a new height to leave with a strong impact.
We’re keen for their album launch, and another show!
Suldusk
A huge night with reason to celebrate, Melbourne’s very own Suldusk took the stage humbly and seemingly gobsmacked to be in the position of introducing their second album Anthesis. The audience of fans old and new were longingly anticipating the main event, packing the Northcote Social Club even more they brought huge dynamic energy within the first few minutes of their act.
Fitted out with a subtle feathered headdress, Emily Highfield won the audience with her talent and eclectic haunting, alluring melodies. Her music is woven with mystique, ambience with touches of folk, post rock, and even black metal influence.
If you’re not familiar with their sound, imagine a mixture of moving strings consisting of classical guitar and violin, emotively layered together before being met by mellow drumming, before the dooming swell of distorted fuzz guitar which heightens the energy. Moments of whispered vocals, haunting clean harmonies that shoot into roaring, shrill growls as the drums kick into heavy blasts. It’s hard to describe, and best listened to, to properly understand their vast soundscapes.
Having followed this band for a few years now they’ve grown quickly, in fanbase as well as in band members; Emily reminded us that this all started off as just writing sad songs on guitar as she introduced the band which is now a 6 piece. They’ve also recently been signed to Napalm Records to support this release. I think it’s safe to expect more big things in the future.
Suldusk performed a mix of their material from their debut album Lunar Falls; the track The Elm seemingly was a fan-favourite. It was requested multiple times as an encore through friendly heckling towards the end of the performance. They played a selection of new favourites such as Crystalline and their epic title track Anthesis which is my personal favourite from this album.
This was an incredible performance from a wonderful band deserving recognition for their unique flavour in the scene. Make sure to check out Anthesis, and if you’re able to – see Suldusk at a show soon.
Gig gallery
