This isn’t as much a livestream as a 90- minute kick in the teeth. Not only is it airing just days following the extension of quarantine measures in the UK with the taunting title of Live After Lockdown, but it also has an actual crowd. Two hundred and seventy-five Aussies are bouncing to prog metal jams sans masks and social distancing; it would be heartwarming if it didn’t conjure seething envy. In light of the occasion, both band and fans are in equally high spirits. “This is as close to a holy place as I will ever experience,” frontman Jim Grey gushes during one of many dialogues with his congregation, simultaneously controlling and encouraging them throughout the night. Of course, they require minimal motivation when the anthems they’re getting serenaded with soar so gracefully. Bloom/Marigold is vibrance incarnate, from perfectly sung wordsmithery like ‘I am a wealthy man; I am loved’ to Sam Vallen’s shimmering guitar leads. All Is Quiet By The Wall’s djent riff slams harder than ever, before Graves runs the gamut from jazz to acapella in an expansive finale. Not even being a hemisphere away can stop this steed from bringing us joy – no matter how bloody jealous we are.
MATT MILLS