Words – CeeCee
Photos – Ben Gunzburg
On the final night of their regional tour, Polaris, Ocean Grove and Inertia rocked the Frankston Pier Bandroom with unforgettable performances. The audience, electrified from the get-go, feels like coming out of retirement and diving back into the mosh pit, a testament to the band’s captivating presence.
With a combined experience of over 30 years in the music industry, Polaris, Ocean Grove and Inertia showcased their polished professionalism and commanding stage presence, leaving the crowd cheering and smiling. The excitement was clear, showing how close these bands are with their fans
Even after a three-week-long tour with 22 shows, all bands gave high-energy performances. The multi-level venue buzzed with excitement, showing the strong dedication and passion of both the bands and their loyal fans.
Walking into a packed room and hearing the sounds of Inertia playing, it was clear that this post-hardcore/metalcore band from Sydney was off to a great start. Formed in 2014, Inertia comprises some amazing musicians who bring high energy to kick off the night. They enveloped the crowd with their vibrant set, including songs from their upcoming album Second Shadow, with tracks like “Too Far Gone” and “Static” set for release next week on the 9th of August.
They also played older favourites from their EPs and albums, like “Parallels,” which had the crowd singing along. For someone hearing them for the first time, their performance was impressive, and it’s clear that Inertia is a band worth adding to any playlist.
As the night continued, the energy only escalated. Ocean Grove took the stage next, bringing back nostalgic memories with their electrifying performance. Over a decade into their career, they still bring the same hard-hitting energy that initially made them stand out. A particularly memorable moment was when Dale switched to bass for “Neo,” while Twiggy took over the microphone, demonstrating the band’s versatility.
The band introduced their new track “My Disaster,” released less than a week ago, showcasing strong vocals that resonated throughout the venue. The crowd’s enthusiastic sing-along to “Stratosphere Love” was heightened by a special appearance from Luke, Ocean Grove’s original lead singer. This nostalgic highlight was a treat for both long-time fans and newcomers.
This tour marked the first time Ocean Grove and Polaris toured together, and the pairing was perfect. These long-time friends matched each other with their electrifying energy and amazing music, creating an unforgettable experience.
The energy reached a new height as Polaris took the stage, lifting the crowd into a frenzy of excitement. The audience roared in anticipation, their energy mirrored in the band’s powerful opening. As they launched into their second song, the crowd’s excitement peaked, with fans screaming the lyrics back at the band, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Polaris expertly engaged the crowd, encouraging a pit circle that quickly became a whirlwind of movement. Crowd surfing added to the chaotic yet exhilarating vibe, with fans surfing the waves of hands to the front of the stage. A standout moment of the night was during “Hypermania,” featuring a special guest appearance by Jack Bergin from Void Of Vision, which sent the already sweaty crowd into overdrive.
Frontman Jamie Hails took a moment to acknowledge the bands that had been part of the tour, including Bloom, who performed during the first half of this regional tour. “Even though they didn’t play tonight, make some noise for Bloom,” he urged, showcasing Polaris’s appreciation for their fellow musicians and the sense of closeness in the Australian metalcore scene.
Polaris’s setlist, a mix of fan favourites and powerful new tracks, kept the energy high throughout the night. Songs like “The Crossfire” and “All of This Is Fleeting” highlighted the band’s dynamic range and ability to connect with their audience. “Above My Head” and “Overflow” were particularly engaging, with the crowd singing along to every word.
Once the set was over, Polaris treated the audience to a dance party, playing Kabin Crew and Lisdoonvarna Crew’s “The Spark Song.” It was a fitting end to a night filled with intense music and shared moments, leaving fans both exhausted and ecstatic.
Polaris’s deep appreciation for their fans was evident throughout the performance, and the crowd responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, making for an unforgettable night. The band’s blend of high-energy music and genuine connection with their audience made this concert a standout highlight of the tour. As the final notes played, it was clear that Polaris had delivered a performance that would be remembered by all in attendance.
Thanks to The Pier Bandroom crew for having us and a special thanks to Dallas Does PR for arranging media access.
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