“Seems Like Forever”; the eponymous opening line from 2010s gold-certified Youngbloods makes it way into the title of The Amity Affliction’s first feature-length documentary, revolving around the life and career of the band as well as showcasing their rise to popularity, as they become arguably the biggest metalcore act in Australia as well as their monumental success overseas.
The film pulls no punches, starting from the groups’ very inception in 2003, when they played under the name of Left Lane Ends in their hometown of Gympie.
Recent interview footage of the likes of Joel Birch, Ahren Stringer, Dan Brown and Ryan Burt laden with embarrassing childhood photos and camcorder footage of the band’s first few gigs are used to detail the early days before seguing into their first proper full-length release of Severed Ties in 2008.
It should be worth noting just how meticulously documented the entire film is. While footage is sparse towards the beginning, this soon picks up, with the camera being placed in the hands of anyone willing, almost like having a behind the scenes reel of every point of the band’s career.
Moments like when they travel to and stayed in New Jersey to record Youngbloods prove to be equally a fun romp as well as a moment of sincerity, when Birch contemplated leaving, stating that the time spent recording was “one of the most stressful experiences” of his time in the band.
Majority of the footage documents the band during their time spent on the road, writing and recording or even just drinking and acting like hooligans. Exploring foreign countries with the band on tour is an exhilarating experience and getting an insight into the band’s studio time is both insightful and amusing.
Most of the footage is even funnier because how out of context it appears to the rest of the film, notable highlights being when a plain-faced Stringer states that he doesn’t want his “son’s dick to be eaten by ants” or when ex-guitarist Clint Ellis begins to headbang before losing his balance and stacking into a nearby bookshelf.
[include_post id=”446968″] Apart from the bandmates themselves, there are also a wide variety of interviewees, ranging from former band members and friends, to the likes of Architects’ Sam Carter, Deez Nuts’ JJ Peters and even UNFD’s own founder Jaddan Comerford, lending the film a wider perspective.
Instrumental album tracks back the talking heads, which not only lets one appreciate the structure behind some of their most beloved songs, but are also edited in sync with the footage, which really make the whole product feel polished and tightly geared.
The documentary ends on a somewhat sentimental note, as it reaches out to the fans of the band, and those who’ve felt the impetus of Birch’s lyrics and the band’s life-affirming message as a whole. Fans will not be disappointed with this release. It’s a marvelous insight (an ‘Open Letter’, if you will) into the intricacies and lifestyles of the band, as well as serving as an honest forefront for some of the tragedies that have befallen them over their career.
It’s remarkable to see how far the band has come over their decade long lifespan and where the next few years will take them. Seems Like Forever is not only incredibly well documented, but also funny, insightful, and at points surprisingly touching – a must-watch for any Amity fan.
Seems Like Forever is out today July 10th via Warner. You can order it here.
