So, we’re officially in October, which means it’s scarily close to the end of the year. Give it a few more weeks and festival season will be in full swing, but if you’re like me, the hankering for live music is kicking in hard. This is Melbourne, so there’s always plenty of gigs to get around, but I’ve narrowed it down to the best three primed to set this city alight.
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever at The Corner Hotel
This Melbourne five-piece make jams that are best enjoyed when blasted through the car stereo, driving down to the beach. Or sweltering in the city, sprawled out in a park somewhere, catching some sun. Fran Keaney, Joe White, Tom Russo, Marcel Tussie and Joe Russo have been playing together since 2015, but it wasn’t until their 2017 EP, The French Press, that they really blew up. Supporting their debut album, Hope Downs, Rolling Blackouts are heading off on a headline tour around Australia this month, before venturing on to Europe and the UK. Catch them at The Corner on Saturday October 13 or Sunday October 14, supported by Sydney girl gang, Body Type.
Skegss at The Croxton Bandroom
The boys from Byron have really made a mark on the garage music scene since their 2014 debut, but the release of My Own Mess last month saw their popularity sky-rocket. It’s all thrashy guitars, heavy drums and laid-back vocals with Skegss; songs about life, growing up, fucking up and being young. They’ve played shows here and there over the past few years and solidified their status with an epic Splendour in the Grass set, but this will be their first album tour, so it’s going to be huge. I’m betting there’ll be crowd surfing, intense moshing, and a lot of hair flicking from the trio. They’ve got a few shows at The Croxton Bandroom lined up, one on Friday October 19 and one on Saturday October 20, with US rockers Twin Peaks and Newtown’s SCABZ along for the ride. I’ve been a fan
Gang of Youths at The Forum
This one had to get a spot on here. It’s been a colossal year for the Sydney band – from taking out four spots on the triple j Hottest 100, to playing Splendour in the Grass, starring in the Australian debut of MTV Unplugged, compiling their own music festival, and rounding out 2018 with a huge Australian tour. They’re firmly cementing themselves as Australian music legends (unless you’re Brendan Fevola, and clearly not a fan), and frontman David Le’aupepe is iconic in his own right, winning crowds with his ever-so-suave dance moves and silky-smooth voice. Seriously, just take a look at his Splendour in the Grass performance and you’ll see what I mean. I have no doubt that they’ll be bringing mountains of energy for all eight of their shows at The Forum (yes, eight), and whether you’re a die-hard fan or not, it’s going to be one memorable show.
