#stack is back

Let's all just take a moment to rejoice the stack being back.

On Saturday July 5th 2014, I ventured into the city with my sister to watch Short Stack in their first concert since their break up in 2012. 

Short Stack are an Australian pop punk band that formed in 2005 and consists of members Shaun Diviney, Andy Clemmensen and Bradie Webb. Their debut album, "Stack is the New Black", was released in 2009 with the single "Sway, Sway Baby" debuting at number 2 on the ARIA charts. In 2010 they released their second album, "This Is Bat Country", which included the popular single "Planets". In 2011 Short Stack opened for Good Charlotte as part of their Cardiology Tour. In 2012, Short Stack announced on their Facebook page that they would no longer be making music together. This halted the progress on their third album, "Art Vandelay", and fans thought Short Stack was over forever. "Art Vandelay" was eventually released in 2013. 

On the 13th April 2014, Short Stack finally made an announcement that fans had been waiting for - the band was reuniting, a new single "Television" was released and the band would be going on tour.

My history with Short Stack is an interesting one and starts in about 2009. At that stage I was an obnoxious 18 year old who was far too cool and definitely allowed myself to be influenced heavily by my friends. My sister was a big Short Stack fan, however they were not "cool" in my circle of friends and therefore I could not admit that I liked their music. I distinctly remember meeting Shaun, Andy and Bradie at HomeBake 2009 where I asked for an autograph and added "it's for my sister, I don't even like you guys". Thankfully I am far more mature now and can appreciate the brilliance of their music (I also know not be rude to people, no matter who they are or what I think about them). 

Enough of an introduction. On the 5th of July I eagerly lined up outside the Metro Theatre in Sydney to watch Short Stack perform for the first time since they reunited. I had been following the tour as they travelled around Australia and was excited for the show. Arriving about an hour before doors opened, I was not surprised to see that a line had already formed. I found my place at the back of the queue, about part way up the alley, and began to embrace the atmosphere. All around me I could hear excited fans talking to each other, guessing which songs would be played and recounting experiences at previous shows. There were those fans dressed in Short Stack merchandise, whilst others were clearly new fans. Whilst waiting in line, we were approached by members of Australian band "Call The Shots" who were promoting their music. Short Stack had put out a call on social media for local Aussie bands to perform as opening acts and "Call The Shots" was one of these bands. 

The doors finally opened and fans streamed in. My sister and I joined the line for merchandise and bought our standard t-shirts before entering the room. The crowd was positively buzzing and as the theatre filled up, the excitement was palpable. 

Opening act "Stand Atlantic" were somewhat underwhelming but clearly had a few fans in the audience. "Forever Ends Here" took the stage and many more (admittedly younger) members of the crowd went wild. It is clear with these two opening acts that the fate of Aussie music is in good hands and it is great to see more established bands like Short Stack supporting Aussie artists. 

When Short Stack finally took the stage, the crowd surged forward and the noise level increased exponentially. Shaun, the charismatic frontman, kept the audience engaged with quick quips between songs and a quick jaunt into the crowd. Andy Clemmensen's bass playing was exactly on point and his cheeky grin turned girls in the crowd into jelly when he made eye contact. Bradie Webb was superb on the drums and managed to engage the crowd despite being stuck at the back of the stage.

Short Stack played an energetic set that combined old favourites with new single "Television". Crowd favourites included "Sway, Sway Baby" and "Planets" with loud sing-a-longs and enthusiastic dancing. These three men are clearly talented instrumentalists and song writers. It was a fantastic way to bring back this popular Aussie band. 

The Metro Theatre once again proved itself to be a fantastic venue, promoting an intimate atmosphere despite being absolutely packed to the brim. 

Shaun announced the new album "Homecoming" at the end of the show and hinted at more exciting things to come. I left the theatre exhausted, full of adrenaline, with a hoarse voice and ringing ears. 

I can safely say that this was probably one of the better shows I attended this year. I'm excited to see what 2015 will bring - since this tour Short Stack have been signed to Universal Music, visited the UK to record more music and announced that they will be touring with UK band, The Vamps in early 2015.