Aussie pop-punk rockers return to the UK to cause even bigger chaos than the last time around.

“Finally a gig on a Friday!” I think as I’m prepping to hit Camden’s Underworld on this windy day. Naturally, we could use a better weather in this country, no doubt about it, but at least the music is great. Although, as I’m about to check out this enthusiastic young band hailing from down under, it’s fair to say that occasionally both of those things meet, and music can indeed bring better weather.

I knew With Confidence had played in London before (the exact same venue to be precise) and the place has sold out so I was expecting a pretty good show. But when I arrived at the venue about 6 pm and I saw the enormous queue turning around the corner down the street, and down another street, I might’ve underestimated the crowd and the band respectively.

With Con released their debut album, Better Weather, in June last year and I have had it on repeat for a few months since. It’s a fervent compilation of infectious pop-punk tunes with a sharp tone that successfully helps them stand out from the majority of similar-sounding bands within the genre. And gladly, the live experience is no different.

The atmosphere thickens a few minutes before the band enters the stage. I could use more air obviously, but I somehow managed to squeeze in close to the front so I will hold back my complaints. “I’ll take a lot of great photos from this spot” I think gearing up for the group’s appearance. Yeah, not so fast. It takes seconds from the opening notes of Voldemort to its first verse until I am being kicked in the head. Moshers do what they gotta do. Me on the other hand, luckily still alive waiting at the back of the room thanks to a few people who helped me getting out of the middle of a massive mosh pit.

Quite a stirring beginning of the set that spreads out throughout the entire performance. The Sydney-based quartet does not stop there as they serve another flaring cut from their album, Archers, whilst the crowd sings back every word. Impressive as it is, Tonight off of their 2013 debut EP, Youth, goes down equally loud.

“Hold the fuck on! This is night one of tour. We never thought we’d sell out a show in London” we hear from vocalist/bassist Jayden Seeley as the band looks a little bit startled seeing and hearing the reception from the audience. “We fucking love you!”, the fans respond with a statement that’s been obvious since the very start.

Naturally, tonight’s set is built around the tracks from Better Weather. We are being presented with melodic Dinner Bell which peculiarly showcases the punchy vocals of guitarist Inigo Del Carmen and the heartfelt Keys which was written for Jayden’s best friend. As the lyrics “You are more than the photos on the wall / Hold you in our hearts so that you’ll never ever fall / We are the wind that pushes you home / Take a part of us so that you’ll never be alone” hit it does indeed create a very special moment and we all fee like a bunch of old mates.

With Confidence‘s music is infused with personal experiences and a stinging sentimentality, and all masterfully translates into live format. “I wrote this one when working full time with my dad”, the emotive Gravity slows us down a bit as Joshua Brozzesi‘s intensifying drums carry the emotional charge that goes off eventually. The infectious Higher lands on the setlist too blending precise guitar riffs of Luke Rockets and Inigo Del Carmen.

Clearly, there’s a lot of love in the room for this young band. People screaming their lungs out become a somewhat tireless accompaniment to the blazing set, as for the security, well they do have full hands tonight. The stagediving doesn’t stop as restless bodies are being pulled back constantly. To be fair, the stage is small so that bunch of extra people makes an irritating distraction at times.

Despite being sick Jayden Seeley‘s vocals shine thanks to massive singalongs hailing from the audience. “This motherfucker lost his voice so I’d like you guys to sing. You can cry if you want to” Luke shouts and vocalist continues; “I was freaking out earlier ’cause I lost my voice. I went outside and met a few of you guys. Your positive vibes filled me and I wanna thank you for supporting this band. I’m gonna play a really sad song. This one goes out to anyone that’s been through a heartbreak”.

A guitar-laid version of the piano-driven Long Night changes the mood instantly and I’m sure a few tears have been shed at this point. The song “about giant dinosaur” (Godzilla) speeds up the tempo whilst tenacious guitars align with the rowdy audience making the lyrics of next track a perfect fit, “Cause look how far we came / I know we’ll be okay”(We’ll Be Okay).

Before the band rounds off the main set with evolving harmonies of Waterfall, the sense of grandiose pierces through and maybe it’s not just about coming down to the show to see your favourite band, maybe it’s about something more.

With Confidence return for an encore and spin London Lights (Distance EP 2015) and Keeper which only build up the mayhem that has been going on throughout the whole set.

Aussie four-piece has surely started something special here, and with a little bit more time and practice they will confidently grace arena-sized venues across the world. Well, their name must count for something after all.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka