The release of New War’s self-titled, debut long player has been much anticipated to say the least; a tease in the form of 12” single Ghostwalking came late last year to much acclaim, but finally, tonight – the wait is over.
I arrive at the NSC towards the second half of Max Crumb’s set, his blend of electronic beats, samples and loops warm the crowd, reflected in the head nodding bounce that has permeated the room. In between, Jarrod Quarrell of Lost Animal fame is on dj duty; and when Ugly Pumping Muscle by Primitive Calculator’s is dropped, the room fills with a certain atmosphere that seems to share an aural congruency with the headlining act.
Tonight’s show has sold out, which is no mean feat and tantamount to New War’s status as one of Melbourne’s best live acts. The set starts off slow before launching into an intense version of Game of Love; it’s catchy as hell with an underlying menace deepened by Melissa Lock’s pulsating basslines. It is here that Chris Pugmire showcases his vocal prowess, pacing back and forth along the stage like some sort of demented bard, crooning through feverish lyrics ‘if you seek to engage in the game of love/step into my street with your head placed in your palm/step into my street and sacrifice your head’. Similarly, Revealer treads treacherous ground, the force of Jesse Shepherd’s ominous synth lines captivate, whilst Steve Masterson’s (one time Bird Blob) precise, yet frantic drums push one into a heightened state of panic. Making their way through the album with masterful precision, New War show their strength is the sum of four unique parts. Ghostwalking generates a huge response, the trance-like rhythm rousing a tribal dance floor within the crowd. The primal nature of their collective performance is really something to behold, vocals, bass, synth and drums sit in perfect cohesion, no element stronger than the other, but each part vital to the overall sound. It is with this synthesis that New War superlatively rule a live setting, this launch showcasing an album that is set to dominate many end of year lists and further contribute to the band’s already sterling reputation.
BY CASSANDRA KIELY
Phot credit: Cassandra Kiely
LOVED: New War!
HATED: The girl behind me pinching my bum.
DRANK: Not enough.
