It was an evening of firsts, as Hobart’s post-rock supergroup, follow, took to the live stage for the very first time and played songs from their debut LP, Old Haunts (album review by Senior Editor, Arun Kendall, here), which was released back in May 2023.
Formed by past and present members of Luca Brasi, Silver Fleet Ships, Baby Dave and Speech Patterns, follow are an instrumental, post-rock band from Hobart, Tasmania.
An eclectic mix of artists was on show throughout this evening, with the night being kicked off by ambient electronic artist, Wagaan, whose broad soundscapes were the perfect opening to a great night of music.
Following on from Wagaan was singer-songwriter, Sam McMeekin who enchanted the growing crowd with a beautifully wistful, acoustic set.
Next up, the main act, follow, took to the stage. There was a nervous tension within the band as they prepared to unleash themselves for the first time. Not only was it their first outing, but it was their first outing with two new members on board. The core of Tom Busby (guitars), Nick Mole (guitars) and Saxon Hall (drums) were joined by young gun, Joe Stone (guitars) and Spiro Noutsatos (bass).
It is always interesting seeing how a three-pronged guitar attack operates, with a fear that at least one of the guitars is drowned out by the other two. However, given that follow are an instrumental post-rock band, and having heard the band’s debut album, I had relative faith that they would produce the goods.
…..and produce they did…..in spades!
All three guitarists made space for each other as each took the lead at various stages throughout the performance, with each able to provide sparkling highlights amidst some, at times, thunderous riffing, as well as producing plenty of delicately melodic phrasing. Of note was the glorious array of classic guitars they used throughout the night – truly a guitar nerds dream.
The rhythm section of Hall and Noutsatos provided a wonderful backdrop to the guitars, with the provision of a myriad of light and shade as well as the gloriously complex timing and mood changes, so characteristic of the recorded material, being kept in beautiful sync.
The album was played almost in its’ original entirety, with the exception being that of last song, Fields Of Gray, being omitted.
Despite the crowd calling for an encore, this was unfortunately not to be. However, nobody left feeling that their cups weren’t brimming over.
This was a highly polished performance that would have been befitting of a band that has been on the road for a number of years, with a well-oiled live routine around a catalogue of songs of immense quality and maturity. However, this was follow in their first live outing. A truly amazing feat, and an accomplishment which is testament to their brilliance as song-writers and performers.
I have seen quite a number of post-rock bands over the last 7 or 8 years, and I would have to say that follow’s performance ranked as one of the best I have had the opportunity to witness, any where, any time.
Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait before they hit the stage once again.
Set List:
Glimmer
Isla
Sentimental Health
Low Curse
Cold Hands
The Climb
Any Small Thing Can Save You
Wagaan Photo Gallery:
Sam McMeekin Photo Gallery:
follow Photo Gallery:
All images: ©fullonrockphotography/Andrew Fuller
