2006 Vibes: Stick to Your Guns & SeeYouSpaceCowboy Turn The Triffid into a Time-Traveling Circle Pit.

Hailing from the sun-soaked streets of Orange County, California, Stick To Your Guns have been an unrelenting force in the hardcore punk scene since their formation in 2003. Known for their explosive energy, impassioned lyrics, and commitment to the core values of the genre, Stick To Your Guns have become a beacon of authenticity in the world of heavy music. With a sound that merges melodic sensibilities with unapologetic aggression, the band have carved out a distinctive niche, capturing the interest of fans worldwide. As they celebrate a decade of their album 'Diamond,' Stick To Your Guns continues to be a driving force, bringing a nostalgic yet present experience to stages around the globe.

Words + Images by Day West

Opening the show was local hardcore outfit, WETWORK. Playing their debut show this past January (2023) to opening for Stick to Your Guns in just 1 short year is an impressive feat and a testament to this band’s sound & energy.

I’ve been consistently impressed by the work of guitarist Marty - His fresh and engaging style truly injected a surge of vitality into Wetworks set, elevating the entire performance. His influence was super joyous to watch and infectious as a whole.

Vocalist Lucas fronts the project with a solid and unwavering stance - seemingly untouchable on the Triffid stage behind the mic. Overall a deserving opening slot.

Metalcore is alive and its heartbeat is strong - Wildheart is THE melodic metal band of Meanjin. Polished & political, Wildheart delivers an engaging and hearty performance that both invigorates & angers you (which is how you know they’re doing it right).

In the realm of polished and politically charged performances, Wildheart emerges as a formidable force. Their melodies, carefully crafted and finely tuned, are not just notes; they are messages that resonate with the listener's core. Each chord struck and every lyric delivered carries a weight, infusing the set with a sense of purpose that goes beyond the confines of the stage.

Wildheart's performance goes beyond the sonic realm; it's an invitation to reflect and react. Performances can take on many forms… the form Wildheart takes is a declaration—a call to action. A refreshing energy, I enjoyed every moment Wildheart played.

SeeYouSpaceCowboy’s presence shifted the atmosphere of The Triffid instantly. They bounded onto the stage with more energy I’ve seen someone in a sling muster + maintain their onslaught of energy through to the last second of their set.

The band’s first time playing on Australian Shores was nothing short of powerful - their unbridled sensibility was engulfing. Frontwoman Connie screamed the stage down with brutal grit and the overwhelmingly 2006 spirit fell over the Triffid like a blanket of snow - trapping every last inch of emo soul and raccoon tail inside its walls. The mayhem that modern emo seems to draw out of a crowd never ceases to surprise me, no matter the size of the venue or band.

Tracks from albums like "The Correlation Between Entrance and Exit Wounds" and "The Romance of Affliction" weren't just played; they were unleashed with a newfound intensity that bridged the gap between recorded sound and live experience.

The rawness in which they played reminded me of some of the first shows I ever saw… at dingy concreted venues, with minimal security in my Converse that had approximately 20 eyelets.

Stick to Your Guns Ignites the Stage with a Decade of 'Diamond'

The stage was their battlefield, and they stormed it with a fervor that belied the years since 'Diamond' first hit the airwaves. The crowd, a sea of dedicated fans, became an extension of the band's energy, each beat and riff creating a collective heartbeat that resonated throughout the venue. I haven’t seen a fanbase so full of emotion since I photographed Sleep Token mid 2023.

As the set unfolded, Stick to Your Guns seamlessly navigated through the tracks that defined 'Diamond,' infusing each song with a renewed intensity. The vocals, delivered with unwavering conviction, carried the weight of a decade's worth of passion and purpose. The lyrics, as relevant today as they were when first penned, became anthems for a crowd that knew every word by heart.

Amidst the chaos of breakdowns and the soaring heights of melodic interludes, Stick to Your Guns presented a live performance that went beyond nostalgia; it was a reaffirmation of their enduring impact on the emo punk scene.

In the aftermath of Stick to Your Guns' Triffid takeover, the venue was buzzing with the kind of energy that sticks to your skin…as well as the almost suffocating humidity. I’m sure they could return for a Diamond 20th anniversary show and this crowd would still turn up.