There are certain things you expect to witness at a typical rock show: frenzied moshpits; beer-drenched bodies; an array of camera phones; the occasional couple macking on in a darkened corner. Then there are some things you just don’t anticipate – a crowdsurfing Plucka Duck undoubtedly falls into the latter category. But when you’re at the launch of Melbourne garage rock octet Mighty Boys’ latest EP, Dole Cheque & Kabana, the wildest scenarios could unfold. And holy shit, wild times at this show unfolded faster than a crusty futon in a suburban crack-den when a cheap hooker rolls in to blow dudes for smack.
A herd of punters filed into the Tote bandroom as local gutter-punks WOD took the stage. The scrappy four-piece smashed out a fine selection of lo-fi, garage punk tunes; their blistering set complete with a splash of egocentric antagonism compliments of their erratic, angst-fuelled frontman, WOD. The crowd seemed to enjoy grand quantities of alcohol being thrown across their faces as well as having a tirade of abuse hurled at them from the stage. Unfounded frontman narcissism aside, these guys are a damn good band and worth checking out. Just don’t stand too close.
A crammed room welcomed the heroes of the evening, Mighty Boys, to the stage, and mayhem erupted as they launched into the cracking opener, Daddy’s Back. Masses of sweaty bodies heaved toward the stage in a flurry of shoves, tussles and elbows, while innocent bystanders quickly retreated toward the safety zone at the back of the crowd. The band ventured into sexual territory with Bad Pornography, detailing just a few of the things one would expect while watching shitty porn: “Girls fucking horses/Girls fucking dogs/ Dogs fucking horses,” all the while zoning in on the problematic nature of porn addiction: “These videos came and fucked my life up / How am I supposed to get stiffies anymore?”
Older number Picken ‘em up initiated rowdy, alcohol-fuelled chants as frontmen Keats and Baz offered lyrics that would make any father quiver at the prospect of his daughter heading out for a night on the town, while Hey Hey saw aforementioned Plucka Duck barrage through the crowd and tumble onto the stage in a display of feathered destruction. Band members flung plastic-wrapped Kraft singles into the audience during Know Your Cheeses; a one-minute bangerthat provided an exhaustive list of cheese products, while Sexpo outlined the enchanted objects you can discover at the annual sex haven. But it was Hippy Shakes, the infectious-as-fuck homage to being cooked at a bush doof that ultimately sold the night and drove the crowd into a jostling frenzy.
A complete celebration and embracement of Aussie ockerism at its finest, the night reflected what a strong local following can achieve for an up and coming band. It’s evident that these dudes aren’t trying too hard, but are managing to kick some serious goals – and are obviously having fun doing so. Plus, any song about dildos is alright by me.
BY AMANDA BONE
Loved: That each Kraft single was hand illustrated.
Hated: That all t-shirts sold out. I’m a medium, if you feel compelled to share.
Drank: MB m8.
