Touché Amoré live in Sydney – review and photos

There was a special energy in the air at Sydney’s Manning Bar as fans packed in for a stacked night of post-hardcore and punk led by the incomparable Touché Amoré. Supported by Militarie Gun, Peace Ritual, and Homesick, the lineup delivered a relentless build-up of emotion and volume, culminating in a truly cathartic headline set.

Homesick opened the night as the crowd slowly filtered in, but that didn’t stop them from delivering a resounding performance. They introduced a brand-new song, which went off and was clearly a hit with those who had come early to catch these guys. With a reformation and lineup tweak, this is a band to watch.

Peace Ritual followed with a softer, more atmospheric set that leaned into shoegaze textures, anchored by Joel Martorana’s ethereal vocals. Despite the tonal shift, they held the room with ease. The dreamy soundscapes gave way to heavier sections that earned cheers from an already engaged audience, many of whom were clearly fans, singing along with everything they had.

Militarie Gun up next, who shifted the energy up to 11. Their punchy, attitude-laden brand of punk instantly amped up the crowd. The energy became kinetic with the die-hards at the front crowd surfing, jumping and shouting in unison. With a special feature from an old friend, “Shogun” from Royal Headache, their set was electric from start to finish. It was a burst of chaos in the best way, and the perfect lead-in to the main event.

By the time Touché Amoré took the stage, the atmosphere was palpable. Looking around from the very first song, it seemed like everyone in the room knew every word to their emotionally raw, deeply intimate songs. Frontman Jeremy Bolm wore his heart on his sleeve, visibly moved by the crowd’s energy and support.

After complaining about a few nights of rough sleep, he seemed to be rejuvenated by the love in the room, smiling and rejoicing as the audience sang with him, for him.
He even gave some insight into the writing of their latest album, Spiral in a Straight Line, having been partly written during their last Australian tour. Little notes like this felt like it gave the crowd some sort of ownership and pride over the songs they have grown to love. since its release in 2024. 

There’s no mistaking the sincerity Touché Amoré brings to the stage. Nearly 20 years into their career, they remain a band that not only loves what they do but also deeply appreciates the people who have stuck with them. It’s rare to witness a band so openly grateful, and even rarer to feel like you’re a part of something bigger just by being there.

A night to remember – and for many fans, one that reaffirmed why this band matters so much.

Words by Aidan Willis. Photos by Adam Davis-Powell.