Polyphia @ The Tivoli
Polyphia's ability to handle their precise guitar pieces was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Photos & review by Natalie Lorenz
Walking into The Tivoli, I was filled with a sense of anticipation and wonder. The venue exuded an electric atmosphere, signalling the arrival of a night that promised to be extraordinary. Polyphia, known for their mesmerizing instrumental compositions, had chosen this grand and beautiful venue to showcase their immense talent. As I stepped inside, my excitement soared, eager to witness how they would translate their intricate guitar gymnastics and notable guest features into a live performance that would captivate the audience.
But before the headliners took the stage, it was Melbourne's very own The Omnific who kick-started the night's sonic journey. Intriguingly, this trio consists of not one, but two bassists alongside a drummer.
From the very first note, any scepticism I had of them not having a guitarist or vocalist was instantly erased. The Omnific proved to be an absolute delight. The fusion of their two basses created a rich and resonant sound through the venue. Supported by their dynamic and precise drumming, their performance was nothing short of amazing. Their mix of progressive rock, funk and more just made you want to dance.
After a short intermission between bands, it was the legendary Texans turn to wow the audience.
Polyphia's ability to handle their precise guitar pieces was nothing short of awe-inspiring. From the moment they launched into their first song “Genesis” it was evident that their technical proficiency knew no bounds. The intricacy of their compositions demanded an extraordinary level of musicianship, and Polyphia effortlessly rose to the occasion. Whether it was the lightning-fast shredding or the complex arpeggios, each note was executed flawlessly, leaving the audience in a state of sheer admiration.
What truly set Polyphia apart was their ability to recreate their studio-recorded songs seamlessly, even without the guest features that often accompany their tracks. While their albums are known for collaborations with renowned artists, their live performance proved that their music stands strong on its own. The absence of vocalists or guest musicians did not hinder their performance; instead, it allowed their instrumental brilliance to shine brightly, captivating the audience from start to finish.
During their three song encore, Polyphia sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd with a cover of CKY's iconic anthem, "96 Quite Bitter Beings." The crowd erupted with enthusiasm, witnessing a fun blend of the past and present, making this rendition a little highlight of the evening.
Brisbane got to witness a remarkable display of talent from the instrumental rock virtuosos Polyphia, with their signature blend of intricate guitar work and captivating melodies, the band delivered a sold out show that will be etched in the memories of the fortunate attendees for a while.
