Wednesday 29th July, 2009 -   Review by Susanna Wolz

After being isolated for three weeks up north, away from ‘good’ music I headed to The Rosemount to satisfy my ears and catch the last stop on Rise Apollo’s WA tour. The last time I saw these guys was back in April at their ‘Issus’ EP launch, so I was curious to see how things had progressed.

Supporting them were alternative bands The Exit Line, Fools Rush In and Volytion. Apparently Fractures Of were supposed to play too but, word on the street is someone in the band broke a bone.

I came in half way through The Exit Line’s set which involved a lot of screaming which the punters seemed to like. The quartet who cite Story of the Year, Rise Against and Thrice as its predominant influences has only been hitting the stage since March and is set to release a five track EP later in the year which I’m sure many will be interested to hear.

Next on stage were Fools Rush In. I noticed these guys had a lot of support in the crowd. The lead singer was rocking a white sweat band around his forehead and it’s always enjoyable seeing a girl on stage, guitar in hand, serving it as good as the guys. The sound was different to the first band, despite both being alternative. It had a more commercial pop-rock feel, and was quite enjoyable.

I was outside for a bit when I heard music again and someone said “You’ve got to come see this.” Volytion were on and I was wondering where the lead singer was. It turns out he is also the drummer. The crowd was in awe. He held every note perfectly without a hint that his arms were thrashing about below.

Finally it was time for the main act. Equipment was tested, intro music was cued and Rise Apollo started off ironically with ‘Ender’. I immediately noticed that the band had improved in confidence since the last time I saw them, particularly lead singer Ryan Carson. The group’s alternative sound sits somewhere between Karnivool and Cog.

I found myself singing along in dramatic fashion during ‘Intransient’: “Despite all this distance I still want to hold you again, yes again”. This was followed by a new untitled track which has no vocals as of yet.

Carson left the stage for it, allowing guitarists Tristan Sturmer and Kelvin Campbell, bassist Luke York and drummer Nathan O’Brian to show off. York in particular looked like he was enjoying himself. Despite the lack of lyrics, the untitled track was a big hit with the crowd and Carson returned to the stage promising fans the tune would be completed by the next show.

My only criticism for the night came during ‘Venus’. It’s a great song but towards the end of it there was an unnecessary ‘screamo’ section which doesn’t feature on the EP. This made me and a lot of others cringe. However, one plus out of this song was Sturmer strong backing vocals.

The set then finished on a high with ‘Issus’. The band then thanked the crowd, the lights went out and the crowd was immediately ushered out to the beer garden by security.

The verdict: Rise Apollo are getting better and better. Watch out. I went to The Rosemount to satisfy my ears and they did it. They were ringing afterwards but I was pretty damn happy.