Live Performance: Touché Amoré and Militarie Gun at Sydney’s Manning Bar on May 13, 2025

Touché Amoré and Militarie Gun’s recent performance at the Manning Bar in Sydney was a night filled with cathartic energy and chaos, as the two bands delivered powerful sets to a packed and eager crowd. The venue buzzed with anticipation as fans awaited the long-awaited return of Touché Amoré to Australia, marking a significant moment in modern post-hardcore music.

Local bands Homesick and Peace Ritual set the stage for the headliners with dynamic performances that showcased their raw and urgent punk and metal sound. Homesick’s tightly wound energy was followed by Peace Ritual’s moody atmospherics, offering a compelling shift in tone that kept the momentum going.

Militarie Gun took the stage with unbridled intensity, blending hardcore volatility with hook-heavy alt-rock, capturing the crowd’s attention with their tight and urgent performance. Frontman Ian Shelton led the Los Angeles five-piece through a set filled with tempo shifts and raw emotion, setting the stage for the explosive energy that was to come.

When Touché Amoré finally appeared, the crowd erupted with excitement as they launched into their set with the powerful opener “Tilde.” The band’s dynamic precision and Jeremy Bolm’s emotionally charged vocals captivated the audience, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their music. Material from their latest album, “Spiral In A Straight Line,” seamlessly blended with their classic hits, creating a setlist that felt both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Throughout the night, Touché Amoré’s vulnerability, anger, and control shone through, reminding fans of the band’s enduring sound and message. Despite their evolution, the core essence of Touché Amoré remained, with a sharp and focused performance that left a lasting impact on the audience.

In a venue like the Manning Bar, stripped of smoke and spectacle, the connection between the band and the crowd felt palpable, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already electric performance. As Touché Amoré showcased material from their latest album, it became clear that their sound was not just promising but volatile, restless, and undeniably alive.

The night at the Manning Bar was a testament to Touché Amoré’s enduring impact on the post-hardcore scene, as they delivered a performance filled with raw emotion, energy, and authenticity. As they continue their Australian tour, fans can expect nothing short of a cathartic and chaotic experience, proving that even after two decades in the industry, Touché Amoré remains as powerful and relevant as ever.