One of the first shows I saw during the Charlotte Warped Tour was an Australian rock band named Hands Like Houses. Formed back in 2008 in Canberra, Australia, the band plays on the Main Stage during the tour and their sound is pure genius. Besides having some eye candy on stage, they have some serious talent. Their track “This Ain’t No Place For Animals” is on point, with some headbanging points and killer backup vocals. Trenton Woodley, who adds to the eye-candy factor, has some killer vocals and has been singing with the band for a solid six years now.
Alex Pearson, who is the band’s rhythm guitarist and backing vocals, had some killer long hair that kept flinging sweat on me (not on purpose) while I was photographing him from the pit. Watching lead guitarist, Matt “Coops” Cooper play was jaw-dropping; with energy that was pretty impressive for 11 in the morning. In addition, Joel Tyrrell on bass guitar and backup vocals and Matt Parkitny on drum added to the band’s dynamic set.
The band’s music reminds me of a lot of Emarosa to be blunt; however, they have a more Rock/Experimental sound to them. One of the songs that stood out to me was “A Clown and His Pipe” which was not played at their Charlotte set. However, the song has a unique sound to it, making the brand stand out. Hands Like Houses have previously played in the US and UK/Europe on several tours including the entire US and Australian 2013 Vans Warped Tour. The band has played with bands like Pierce the Veil and Sleeping with Siren, making them rise on the punk charts. The band was also a part of Silverstein’s 10th-anniversary tour for “Discovering the Waterfront”, which was back in 2014. It looked to me after speaking with the band and watching their set that they have any intention of slowing down with their musical endeavors. The band is certainly growing within their fan base; with a packed audience during their 2015, Charlotte setlist: with attendees male, female, young and old all there cheering and even headbanging them on. I would certainly say the band is in full force this summer with The Vans Warped Tour and has a bright future on its hands!
With Love,
Lex Paige
