Melbourne's finest purveyors of chicken-themed punk rock are finally unleashing their first 7-inch onto an unsuspecting world.
In a display of characteristic modesty, the band assures us “it’s at least 6.5 inches” – a claim that may or may not be put to the test when they storm the Bergy Bandroom stage next month. The three-piece funk-punk warriors have spent nearly a decade terrorising stages with their uniquely unhinged blend of breakneck riffs and head-bobbing grooves.
The Murderballs – Dressed to Grotesque EP Launch
- Friday March 21, 2025 – Bergy Bandroom, Brunswick
- Doors: 8pm. Tickets: $16.85
- Supports: Dental Plan, Admiral Ackbar’s Dishonourable Discharge, ALARMS
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The lineup reads like a who’s who of Melbourne’s underground scene, featuring fresh-faced heroes Dental Plan, fresh off their Raw Nerve LP release tour and shows with punk royalty The Dwarves and Me First & The Gimme Gimmes.
Adding to the chaos are Admiral Ackbar’s Dishonourable Discharge, a band that describes themselves as sounding “like if Frenzal Rhomb were to push Reel Big Fish down the stairs as Operation Ivy stared on slack jawed.” Once dubbed “a cheap knock off of Fishbone by some guy,” they wear the insult like a badge of honour.
Rounding out this carnival of chaos are Bendigo’s ALARMS, bringing their floor-crawling, visceral post-punk mayhem to the proceedings. Their reputation for brutal yet beautiful riffs precedes them, even if they’re not quite Melbourne locals (we’ll give them a pass).
The Murderballs themselves are a sight to behold. Their set lists are a beer-soaked combination of songs about chickens, robots, and motherly love, delivered with all the subtlety of a brick through a pub window.
Over their 15-year reign of terror, they’ve convinced international acts like Guttermouth and The Creepshow to let them share their stages, while also infiltrating festivals like Cool Summer Festival – where they managed to get half a tent of punters on stage in what can only be described as a coordinated attack on OH&S regulations.
Drawing influence from the likes of Infectious Grooves, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Reverend Horton Heat, and Primus, The Murderballs have carved out their own niche as Melbourne’s “16.5th favourite funky punk band” – a ranking it’s well worth being proud of.
For tickets, head here.
