Melbourne’s 170 Russell was the place to be for fans of heavy music as Massachusetts outfit Fleshwater rolled into town, supported by Idaho hardcore bruisers Ingrown. Two American bands with very different approaches to making a racket, but both with a serious appetite for volume.
Ingrown kicked things off with their particular brand of no-nonsense hardcore. Hailing from Boise, Idaho, the band have built a reputation for uncompromising music, with their latest album Idaho delivering a relentless barrage of riffs, breakneck rhythms and sheer force. Their set was a punishing introduction to the evening, with little room for subtlety and absolutely no interest in slowing things down.
Fleshwater offered a striking contrast. Where Ingrown relied on hardcore’s blunt force, the Massachusetts outfit exploredsomething altogether more layered, combining shoegaze, grunge, alternative rock and hardcore into a sound that moved between melody and crushing distortion.
Originally conceived as a side project involving members of Vein.fm, Fleshwater quickly developed an identity of their own. Breakout single ‘Linda Claire’ introduced their collision of melody and heavy guitars, while 2022 debut We’re Not Here To Be Loved established them as one of the most interesting bands to emerge from the American heavy underground.
Their return to Australia has followed a busy twelve months. Second album 2000: In Search Of The Endless Skyhad expanded their sound, while touring with Deftones and The Mars Volta, alongside an appearance at Coachella 2026, had helped introduce them to a much wider audience.
For a band that began as a side project, Fleshwater have come a long way. Their Melbourne performance showed why they’ve attracted attention well beyond hardcore circles, and why their combination of shoegaze and heavy alternative rock continues to find an increasingly enthusiastic audience.
The tour moves to Adelaide and Perth next, tickets HERE.
Images Brad Kendell
