If there is one band I can talk about non-stop, tell you every single song name, what songs had videos made, what songs were b-sides and what each setlist roughly looks like during a tour, it is The Getaway Plan. Needless to say when they announced their split early 2009, I was torn between wanting to cry and wanting to throw a tantrum of massive proportions. So when I heard about their ‘one-off’ reunion show in support of To Write Love On Her Arms, and youth depression, there was no way I wasn’t making the 8 hour trip to Melbourne to witness their live act again.

I had to head to the underage show (normally a territory I try and stay out of), but even that wasn’t enough to dampen my spirits. Even the weird fangirls singing Ke$ha among other things in the line up couldn’t get me down (although annoyance was an emotion I was feeling). However entering the venue, I decided to steer clear of the mosh (for the first time in my Getaway Plan history) and observe from one of the higher raised standing areas. In the end I made the right decision for my midget self, because complain as I might about underage kids being annoying, their enthusiasm in the mosh is not to be dissed. They went at it hardcore.

First up to hit the stage was Cheerleader. I wasn’t familiar with their music to start with, and can’t say I’ll be rushing out to get it anytime soon. The biggest highlight was watching TGP drummer Aaron Barnett drumming for them. The rest of the set was average, and the mediocre stage presence didn’t help. 

Built On Secrets hit the stage next. Another band I wasn’t familiar with, but I thoroughly enjoyed their set. I enjoyed the vocals and the band played off each other well – even their head-banging was synchronised. The crowd started to get a bit more energetic during the set, with a free TWLOHA t-shirt being given away to the most energetic dancer.

Stealing O’Neal was up next. After witnessing them last year on The Getaway Plan's finale tour, I developed a liking for them. After seeing their live show again, I developed a love for them and will be purchasing their new album (out in October) for sure. Their live set was energetic and fun to watch, with a big grin never leaving lead singer Chris Scott’s face. Performing some new songs as well as old hits such as "Chin Up Baby", the Melbourne band demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with, and I’ll definitely be seeing them again.

The curtain went down, and the wait was on for the band of the day. After a while, the lights went down, the curtain was raised, and the four members of The Getaway Plan entered the stage, with lead singer Matthew Wright asking the screaming crowd if everyone was excited, because ‘we sure are.’ Launching into first single off Other Voices, Other Rooms, "Streetlight", it was like they had never been apart.

The setlist was very similar to that of their ‘Where The City Meets The Sea’ tour back in 2008. Every song apart from "Transmission" was played from their album, with b-side "The Tempest" thrown in, as well as crowd favourite "The New Year" from 2006’s Hold Conversation EP. Towards the side of the stage was a clock ticking away signifying that a change is coming. Highlights to see live were "The New Year"with Matthews screaming vocals spot on, and of course the ultimate crowd favourite "Where The City Meets The Sea". Third single "Shadows" was also fun to watch live, with Wright encouraging the crowd to get involved from the start, with the majority of the first verse being sung by the fans. The setlist was carefully put together. After a few faster-paced songs, the boys would give the fanbase a break and slow it down with tracks such as "New Medicine" and "A Lover’s Complaint". Encore song "Rhapsody on A Windy Night" closed the show, with Wright thanking the crowd and keeping us informed that the ‘clock was still ticking…’ The only disappointment was still not hearing "Transmission" live.

Any fans of The Getaway Plan probably know by now that on their website, there are now numerous clocks ticking away, with an announcement coming out every Monday for the next two months. Their MySpace title ‘The Getaway Plan Is Dead’ has now been changed back to ‘The Getaway Plan.’ A reunion on the cards? A new album? More shows? It’s all still to be answered, but things are looking hopeful and I for one, am very excited.