Review: Matthew Barbeler
Photography: Nate Rose

The Triffid in Brisbane was the epicentre of an electrifying progressive rock explosion. The Triffid is known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics, providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable night featuring the instrumental brilliance of Intervals and the intergalactic theatrical grandeur of Coheed and Cambria.

The evening kicked off with the instrumental progressive metal band, Intervals. From the faraway land of Toronto, Canada, they braved the Queensland heat and put on an incredible show. I had never listened to them before the gig but walked away as a fan.

The soundscape they crafted reminded me of the most epic video game I’d never played. They went from upbeat melodies to crushing riffs and made me grin just as much as they got my head hanging.

In typical Canadian self-deprecating fashion, guitarist Aaron Marshall kept insisting that their songs had far too many notes. But in my opinion, a wizard never plays too many notes, nor do they play too few. They play precisely as many as they need to. Marshall and his counterpart Travis LeVrier showed us true guitar wizardry.

From the first song I just buckled up, strapped in, and let them take me for a ride. Intervals set fretboards ablaze like they were getting a high score on Guitar Hero, and we got to hear a song off their new album that they’d only ever played for humans twice before. It completely ruled.

I love it when instrumental bands give each of their members time to shine, and every single member of Intervals had their moment in the spotlight. The rhythm section, consisting of bassist Jacob Umansky and drummer Nathan Bulla, provided a solid foundation that allowed Marshall and LeVrier’s guitars to soar. Umansky was groovy as hell, while Bulla’s drumming was a masterclass in dynamics and control. The chemistry between the band members was undeniable, and it was clear they were all having an absolute blast. Who knew synchronized headbanging was a thing? They had it dialled in!

Towards the end of their set they asked us how many folks had never listened to Intervals before, and many hands raised up. I guarantee you that, like me, many were converted into fans that night.

The light came up and the Keywork appeared as stage backing. The countdown was on for Coheed and Cambria, returning to Australia for the first time since before the pandemic. On the back of an incredible headliner show at Monolith Festival the night before where they played Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness in its entirety, many folks came again to see what new surprises the band had in store.

The band took the stage to thunderous applause, launching into their set like a demon-possessed bicycle from hell. They started with Ten Speed (Of God’s Blood and Burial) and played plenty of favourites from Good Apollo IV with other choices peppered in throughout the set.

Guitarist Travis Stever let us know a few songs into the set that this wasn’t the Neverender from the night before, but more of a Neverender Director’s Cut, with other great songs woven in.

Frontman Claudio Sanchez was a commanding presence throughout the performance. Sanchez is the voice and author of the underlying Amory Wars saga that drives the narrative of Coheed and Cambria’ssongs, and he delivered each song with the emotional resonance that only his distinctive voice could. Sanchez’s guitar work was equally impressive, as he effortlessly switched between intricate riffs and face-melting solos.

Drummer Josh Eppard spent most of the show lost in the rhythm, totally consumed by it. Along with Bassist Zach Cooper, they provided the rhythmic bedrock that kept heads bobbing and devil horns being thrown into the air.

Along with all the hits from Good Apollo, they played crowd favourites A Favor House Atlantic and In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3, which made everyone in the Triffid belt out the lyrics at the top of their lungs. My secret hope was that they would play some songs from Vaxis – Act II: A Window of the Waking Mind, their latest album, and they did not let me down. Shoulders and The Liars Club almost brought the roof down.

It struck me how amazing it was to have long-time fans and new Coheed and Cambria fans all experiencing this incredible, intimate set together. The Triffid isn’t the biggest venue, but in my opinion, it’s one of the best. Coheed and Cambria made the Triffid feel like an arena, transporting us all into the Keywork and the worlds beyond. I had the absolute best time.

Intervals and Coheed and Cambria were a match made in heaven. Both bands are at the top of their game, and this will be a gig I’ll remember for years to come.