The intimate size of The Old Bar creates a grungy, organic atmosphere, which can easily play to a bands strengths or weaknesses. But Melbourne noise rock outfit Mutton could not have chosen a better venue for the launch of their 7”, Flyblown.
Those wise enough to show up early were treated to a mind-blowing set from the relatively new three-piece Tankerville. These guys nailed it – raw, guttural vocals and plenty of chug propelled them through an immaculate set, leaving punters salivating for more. Hilarious onstage banter about beer and hangovers set the mood for what was going to be ripper of a show.
Next up, A.D Skinner barrelled through their performance with high-energy that was matched by the steadily growing crowd. Though, one would expect nothing less from the established punk outfit. Geelong locals The Kremlings adhered to their insane, face-punching reputation with a fast and intense set. Vocalist Andre Merino screeched through songs, leaving those watching quivering in their boots, in the best kind of way.
By the time Mutton took the stage, the buzzing and now sizeable crowd had consumed ample beers. Anticipation for their set was amplified by suitably grim décor, consisting of ornamental lamb skulls scattered about the stage. Heavy riffs with plenty of fuzz, paired with growling vocals from frontman Max Ducker, had the swarming crowd locked in from the start. On tracks like Cocoon, Ducker recalled Nick Cave’s grimy vocal style in The Birthday Party, while Trough showed an even harder side to Mutton, perhaps more akin to genre-blurring hardcore acts like Sabretooth Zombie.
In venues the size of The Old Bar it can be difficult to get the sound right, especially for heavier acts. Mutton had no problems, with grungy distortion encouraging the ecstatic punters to jump right into the chaos. Their planned set couldn’t satisfy the sweat-drenched crowd, who begged for one more song. Shows like this are a testament to the kind of talent Melbourne fosters across all music genres. If you haven’t already, get yourself a copy of Mutton’s Flyblown. Your life will be changed for the better.
BY BEL RYAN
Loved: Tankerville.
Hated: $11 pints.
Drank: Coopers Green.
