HEALTH + ZHEANI @ THE BRIGHTSIDE OUTDOORS

ZHEANI

Zheani gave me goosebumps – and not because the night was cold. I’ll admit, I wasn’t very familiar with their work, and hyper-techno isn’t typically my go-to genre. But Zheani's performance was invigorating. From her dedicated, passionate Brisbane fan base to her magnetic stage presence, I found myself completely absorbed in her persona. Her distinctive style, energy, and confidence radiated through the venue, and as I glanced around, I noticed that everyone in my vicinity was just as captivated as I was.

Her ‘face your fears’ speech ignited a passionate response from the crowd and resonated close to home; “Go home and look into the mirror. Look deep inside, and find what scares you the most in this world. Look deep and find what terrifies you the most in the whole world, and RIP IT OUT OF YOU. Rip it the fuck out of you!”

Blue Sunday wish Zheani the best on their US tour this September!

HEALTH

Last Sunday, Brisbane's The Brightside was engulfed in a sonic storm as industrial noise band HEALTH delivered an intense and LOUD performance that left the audience in awe. This marked my second time photographing and reviewing the band within the past year, and they were just as brilliant and engaging as ever.

As a photographer, capturing the essence of HEALTH's performance is both a challenge and a thrill. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the band's dynamic stage presence, creates a visually stunning experience. The Brightside's outdoors tall stage setting allowed for a pedestal-like view of the band's intricate instrumentation and the intense expressions on their faces as they poured over their instruments, hair over eyes.

A crowd of cat-ear-wearing fans and a clear closeness to member Johnny is one of the most interesting aspects of a health show. Watching the interpersonal interactions play out and their almost obsessive energy towards Johnny was more intense than the last show I’d seen. It truly proves a point of interest during the show…and adds a layer of depth and engagement you don’t see at every show. There’s a lot of audio and visual stimulation happening at a health show, it feels like a ‘Where’s Wally’ of internet users. From their cat ears to their vinyl hugging, it is endearing to see such a fondness for industrial noise.

HEALTH's performance at The Brightside was a testament to their enduring appeal and musical prowess. Their ability to engage and captivate an audience with their unique sound and compelling visuals is unmatched. Having the opportunity to photograph and review them twice within a year has only deepened my appreciation for their artistry. If you ever have the chance to see HEALTH live, seize it – it's an experience you won't soon forget.