The tremendous task of opening this event was placed upon local party smashers, The Bennies. Self-described as psychedelic-reggae-ska-doom-metal-punk-rock from Hell, they lived up to all expectations. By the end of their set, there were almost more Bennies shirts in the crowd than those of the headliners. Their setlist included Sensi-mi, Melbourne-inspired tracks Knights Forever and My Bike,and from their most recent release, Heavy Disco.
Up next, Less Than Jake launched straight into Sugar in Your Gas Tank. The setlist hasn’t changed much over the years, but despite most of the songs being from albums released 20-plus years ago, the guys kept up crazy high energy levels. Trombonist Buddy Schaub was like a hyper-active kid bouncing around, throwing balloons out into the crowd. With a special appearance by the band’s mascot Evolution Kid, there was nothing half-arsed about Less Than Jake tonight.
Part way through the set, vocalist Chris DeMakes told us we were “Slightly more attractive” than the previous night’s group. Earlier on, DeMakes stopped everything for a moment to let everyone know it was Johnny Christmas (of Reel Big Fish)’s 40th birthday, and led the room in a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday. Then, after thanking The Bennies for the umpteenth time, they headed backstage.
Two beers later we heard the first few bars of The Final Countdown and out strolled Californian ska masters, Reel Big Fish. Kicking things off with the recent favourite Everyone Else is an Asshole, the energy in the room lifted right back up. With an almost all-new line up, it was hard to know what to expect, but the new guys have definitely earned their stripes and they had the crowd dancing in no time.
The Set Up (a song about picking up women) came second, and when it finished lead singer Aaron Barrett commented that it was only ever Australians who sing along to that one with so much gusto. They covered their huge discography, while staying mostly in the safe zone of the late-‘90s. Highlights included the start of Party Down leading into Trendy, a cover of Brown Eyed Girl, and another of The Offspring’s Self Esteem. They also managed to play almost every single fuck-you song from their repertoire – Fuck Off, Another FU Song and Your Guts (I hate Them).
Instead of shouting “encore” or even “Reel Big Fish”, the crowd simply shout “Beer”. And the band soon returned to play Beer. The final song included a short interlude to properly wish Johnny Christmas a happy birthday. A few guys from the previous bands joined them on stage, gifting him with beer and cake.
BY CASSIE HEDGER
Loved: Seeing most of my favourite songs in one night.
Hated: The momentary panic of almost losing my credit card.
Drank: What else? Beer.
