The Dune Rats have earned their reputation as one of Australia’s rowdiest surf rock acts; I’d first heard of their shenanigans and garage/stoner vibes before I’d heard any of their music. When it comes to on stage antics, Dune Rats are able to hold their own. The Brisbane trio prove skilled with their instruments and have produced a wide range of sun-soaked pop songs that will instantly take us back to the summer.
The Dunies continue to cultivate the scene of local Aussie artists (DZ Deathrays, Bleeding Knees Club) by adding some great hard rock bands to their chaotic, sold out bill. Garage/punk infused W.O.D. – fronted by Christopher Breeze – who was channeling his inner Iggy Pop opened the night as punters filled the bandroom. Following W.O.D. were the Bennies,who offered the audience us an intense, high- energy set filled with dynamic ska and punk-rock tunes. The final support came from Drunk Mums.These Melbourne hard-rockers gave us an enthralling, ballsy performance, powered by strong driving riffs and a DIY punk vibe.
The contrast between Melbourne’s seasonally bad weather and the uplifting tunes from Dune Rats seemed for an interesting juxtaposition. One minute you’re inside a loud venue listening to fun, warm songs like Funny Guy and Pogo and the next you could be upstairs fighting the icy wind in a failed attempt to light your cigarette. It was almost as if the music transported us away to sunny Brisbane or Perth for the night.
I was happy to find that the Dune Rats experience came to life on stage. That rowdy “fuck it – let’s party” attitude within the debut record is brought with power and stamina – from crowd-surfing stoners and inflatable beach toys, to drummer C.B. Michaels pouring his beer all over bassist Bret Janish while Janish smacked his head into his bass.
With a contagious and loveable carelessness, lead singer/guitarist Danny Beusa grabbed his Fender Jaguar and jumped straight into On Our Own. There was a pause in the turbulent proceedings as Danny announced, “These are our mates and they’re fuckin’ dickheads!” before inviting the support acts on stage and launching into Red Light, Green Light. Crowd favourites such as Pogo and Social Atoms were first, leaving newer singles like Fuck It and Funny Guyfor the stoner rockers to bring it all home.
Ultimately, I found that Dune Rats’ biggest blunder was the constant battle between their mesh of attitude and borrowed sound, perhaps lacking the boldness and originality of their Brisbane counterparts DZ Deathrays and Violent Soho. That said, they bring an incredible sense of electricity to the show, matching the demeanour and vibes that surround the album.
BY SEB HO
Photo by Ian Laidlaw
Loved: Bringing on support acts during Red light, Green Light.
Hated: The weather.
Drank: Carlton.
