Saturday marked the return of The Sleepers and the unveiling of their new vocalist, an event I’d been looking forward to for a good while. Also playing were 3rd World Spectator and  the unexpectedly awesome Ark Synesis.

Things were pretty quiet at Mercury. I got the impression the crowd was mainly made up of family and friends, which I guess is exactly who you’d want around if you were revealing a significant change in your band that could either be a huge success or an epic failure (not that the latter could’ve been an option but caution is always wise).

First up were Ark Synesis, whose name I remember hearing floating around during the last Battle of the bands. It took me longer than it should’ve to realise that there were no mics on stage and that there weren’t going to be any vocals – just instrumental, melodic heaviness. They barely even paused between tracks, often letting one flow straight into another. The effect was instense and the band pretty much mesmerising.

It was the first time I saw them and I was really, really impressed. Super cool and definitely a band I’ll be sure to catch again.

Up next were 3rd World Spectator. I should mention that they’re tied to a weird memory of mine which had me a bit biased from the start – some years ago, Tamara and I decided to drag my then-underage brother to an U18 gig. The Dirty Skirts were headlining (at like 9pm) and were cool but the other bands were either awful (The Plastics) or unable to make an impression (3rd World Spectator, though, in their defense, we didn’t really catch their set at all, I’ve just always associated their name with a dark hall and 4 or 5 awkward 13yr olds dancing around….). Yes, we really, really should’ve known better than to go to an underage gig, but the point I’m trying to make is that neither Tamara nor I had high hopes watching the band again.

They were a lot better than whatever horror my memory had warped them into, with a vocalist that kinda reminded me of Richard Brokensha (both in singing style and mannerisms) at times and music that was pretty cool, but somehow, inspite of ticking a lot of boxes, I just didn’t like them that much. I can’t really say why but they just weren’t my cup of tea.

[Edit: I still can’t say but I think this quote posted on their Soundcloud might have something to do with it: ““3RD WORLD SPECTATOR are awesome.” – Kahn Morbee, The Parlotones” … ]

The anticipation as The Sleepers prepared for their set was palpable; I thought about the last time I’d seen them, which had been upon the self same stage back in March. Apart from the new member, the only other change I noticed was bassist Chris Truter’s  beard – an amusing visual representation of the months gone by…

The band opened with a lot of drama – fluorescent lighting from the floor, spooky droning over the PA and then a new song, which started slow and quiet as a showcase and introduction to their new voice, Daniel Botha, before building to their heavier, hallmark sound.

It can’t be easy to take over from a singer as distinctive as Simon Tamblyn, let alone join a band as well-loved and fiercely defended as The Sleepers; Daniel did a great job, especially given that he must’ve felt at least a little daunted. I think his voice will be a great fit for the band going forward and am sure everyone present felt the same way, their loyalty unshaken. The comment shouted from someone in the crowd said it best: “welcome to the family, Daniel!’

Another awesome show, it’s good to have The Sleepers back.

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Check them out on Facebook:       The Sleepers     |     3rd World Spectator     |     Ark Synesis

Photos on Facebook over here.