While the obscure Simpsons’ reference used to title tonight’s’ event was a little strange, there was a sense of camaraderie to be gained from the fact that tonight’s crowd were no doubt united in their love of the longest running cartoon series. Castle Music can be commended for their good taste in cartoons and bringing together a mix of bands that captured the breadth of punk music nicely.
The Gasometer sound system is pretty bangin’ and had openers Summer Blood sounding loud and manic. Early ’90s grunge is punctuated with bursts of unruly punk-rock and there’s a smattering of summery guitar melodies that suggest a definite love of J Mascis. The next band, Kodiak Throat possessed plenty of energy and had the crowd engaged with their mid ’90s hardcore but after mentions of ‘excessive nudity’ and ‘hospitalisations’ in their bio, it was a little disappointing that no private parts or blood was being bandied around on stage.
Kremlings are quickly establishing a reputation as one of Victorias’ best live acts. Tonight’s performance continued to perpetuate the fact, front man Andre Merino delivers a vitriolic vocal attack with a presence that owes much to the likes of Jello Biafra and Keith Morris and tonight he seems to barely take a breath. Their sludge punk sound captures elements of 80s’ hardcore and Aussie rock ‘n’ roll greats, GOD and Powder Monkeys. A lack luster show from these boys is yet to be seen.
With six different personalities on stage vying for your attention, there is never a lack of action when it comes to a Mesa Cosa show. But with a lot of excellent live bands there’s a tendency to forget about the actual songs and focus on the chaotic nature in which they are executed. Mesa Cosa have the best of both worlds, excellent songs backed up by a consistently frenzied live show. Tonight the band moved from fast and nasty garage rockers to cacophonous, almost Birthday Party-esque unhinged abandon. At the sets climax new guitarist Chris was in the crowd twirling some ladies while Stu smashed his tambourine so viciously it’s unlikely it will ever recover. You never know what you’re getting with Mesa Cosa, but you know it’ll be good.
BY KRYSTAL MAYNARD
Loved: A lot
Hated: That I had very little money left in my wallet the next day
Drank: Liquid refreshments
