The countdown is on until Converge Festival hits Brisbane this weekend on September 7th and Melbourne on Sunday September 14th. It's shaping up to be the go-to event for the next generation of heavy // alternative bands from Australia and so far we've heard from the headliners; so now it's time to shift attention to the locals supports opening festivities.
Brisbane // Meanjin
You're gonna wanna head in early to catch the QLD acts tearing up the stage with the likes of Bad Neighbour setting the tone with their raw approach to authentic punk rock. Having won over crowds back in May on the AM/PM Tour (our review here), the band returns to the Brightside with an arsenal of material guaranteed to get you moving early. The Comfort have been growing each and every year they've been active and with their new album Let The Love In set for release on October 3rd, chances are you'll fall in love with some of their newer material, including 'Isolate.Fixate.Deteriorate' and 'Stay' which has been getting spins over in the UK via Kerrang! Radio
Talk Heavy are sick, and will result in your inner-emo begging you to hit up more shows in future, especially if they roll out 'Die 4 U', meanwhile East Capri are guaranteed to bring the breakdowns with their melodic metalcore flavour and our pick for most anticipated track will be 'Undone'. If post-hardcore tickles your fancy, Isla Vera are set to astonish with 'Tidal' before Nightlight pull on the emo heartstrings once more as they power through the delectable 'what if I'm the devil?'
Melbourne // Naarm
At Max Watts on the 14th, punters can expect to lose their collective minds with Bad Juju who will be fresh from their BIGSOUND appearances with more knowledge of how to capture your attention with their infectious hooks and soaring riffage, especially on personal fav new belter 'Incision'. Saving Face released their new EP The View From Up Here back in June and their launch show went fucking offffff. Do not miss this band under any circumstances.
Pop punk heroes Bukowski should not only be high on your list to see at Converge, but their latest album I Don’t Wanna Live, I Don’t Wanna Die should be high on your rotation playlists. You'll see why when this four-piece hit the stage. If you're lucky enough to see Nightlight at both festivals, you can retire from the pit early, but not before witnessing the up commence of 50fifty; this covid-conceived pop punk outfit hark back to the Brand New Eyes era of Paramore with a dash of Yours Truly and if that's not your cup of tea, respectfully uppercut yourself. Listen to 'You're Losing Me' to see why - and wait around for those screams at the end for maximum ufffff.
Headliners Bad/Love said it best when they said this during our interview:
If you aren’t familiar with the bands, trust me that this lineup is curated. All these bands deserve your attention and you won’t be disappointed.
All that's left is for you to get your tickets and head along.
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Last chance to get tickets here
Converge Festival 2025
Bad Love, Young Lions and Sienna Skies
Bad Neighbour, Bad Juju, Bukowski, The Comfort, East Capri, Isla Vera, Nightlife, Saving Face, Talk Heavy and 50Fifty
Select lineups for each show
September 7th at The Brightside, Brisbane
September 14th at Max Watt's, Melbourne
