The Rebellion in Manchester was packed tonight for the Bodies tour, featuring a stacked line-up of three Australian bands: Bloom, Ocean Grove, and headliners Thornhill.
Melodic hardcore act Bloom opened the night, delving into sounds of experimentation, emotion, and nostalgia. Unfortunately, I was only able to catch a glimpse of their diverse set, but the intensity and energy of their performance were still captured in the moment, setting up the tone for the evening.
Next up was Ocean Grove, a band I had previously caught on The Devil Wears Prada tour earlier this year, so I knew we were in for a nu-metal treat. Hailing from Australia, the band is known for blending nu-metal, alternative rock, and experimental soundscapes, refusing to conform to conventional musical boundaries. Their performance reflects a commitment to genre fluidity, mixing groove, aggression, and melodic hooks.
The set opened with CELL DIVISION, a high-energy track that perfectly showcases the band’s blend of punk intensity and nu-metal aggression. Hard-hitting drums, groovy riff-driven guitar tones, and Dale Tanner’s urgent vocals set an immediate, intense mood, throwing the audience straight into the heavier side of Ocean Grove. MY DISASTER captured a duality, juxtaposing aggressive, darker verses with a melodic and anthemic chorus. Tanner introduced the song with a rap-infused style, nodding to the band’s ‘90s alt influences and demonstrating their penchant for genre-blending.
The band then shifted the tone with LAST DANCE, creating a heartwarming pause amid the chaos. Tanner asked the audience to put their lights on and tell the people around them that they loved them, transforming the venue into a moment of shared connection. RAINDROP became a standout of the set, its dark-meets-playful energy accompanied by layered instrumentation and atmospheric textures that allowed the crowd to sink into the sound.
As the Ocean Grove set neared its close, Tanner encouraged the crowd to split into two and open a mosh pit, a moment that perfectly prepared the audience for Thornhill’s arrival. They ended their set with JUNKIE$, a wild, nu-metal track with thrash-infused aggression, leaving the crowd exhilarated and ready for the headliners.
Finally, it was time for Thornhill to dominate the stage. Though Australian, the band has made their presence known internationally over the past year, not only touring with Sleep Token but also releasing their new album Bodies and the remix version Bodies X. They have been announced for Download Festival, and their album is already in contention for triple j’s Album of the Year.
The band kicked off with DIESEL, a punchy, short opener that hits hard with heavy bass and drums, intense guitar riffs, and Jacob Charlton’s urgent, industrial-style vocals. It set a rugged, vibrant atmosphere, immediately engaging the crowd. Following this, Revolver continued the momentum with a heavier, more chaotic sound, blending groove and atmospheric layers while building on the initial burst of energy. Mercia offered a darker, groovier texture, its moody riffs and layered instrumentation adding depth and variety to the opening section of the set.
Thornhill then reached back to their The Dark Pool era, performing Lily & The Moon and the fan favourite Where We Go When We Die. Red lighting amplified the intensity of these tracks, complementing the emotional weight and dynamic range of the songs. Only Ever You featured Charlton on guitar, adding a raw, intimate element to the performance while highlighting the melodic side of the band’s evolving sound.
Arkangel was a personal highlight, a track I had been eager to hear live, and it did not disappoint. Heavy riffs, tension-filled builds, and soaring choruses made it a standout moment. Especially, with the ambient and atmospheric outro. The more reflective Blue Velvet provided an introspective pause to engage with the emotional core of the performance, allowing the audience to become more connected with the music.
During the set, Charlton jokingly remarked that it felt like he was “swimming on stage,” as the smaller venue’s heat intensified immediately. Despite the rising temperature, the band maintained their energy, culminating in Nerv. This track showcased Thornhill’s love for live performance, combining edgy ‘90s / early-2000s nu-metal and grungy eerie tones with a melodic, soaring chorus that left the crowd enthralled.
The encore was delivered with Casanova, a groove-laden, hook-driven track that consistently gets the audience moving. Charlton has long declared that whenever they play this song live, he wants to “feel the room shake,” and tonight was no exception. Fans took the opportunity to crowd-surf and even join the band on stage, as the venue’s lack of barriers made it feel like a shared, exhilarating experience. Thornhill’s energy and connection with the audience were palpable, blending apprehension with sheer electricity as the performance came to its thrilling conclusion.
Words by Zena Morris
Photos by Will Robinson (Instagram)
