The late '90s was arguably one of the finest times in Australian rock music, and the bands from that era can still prove it.
Everyone gets excited when the bands they grew up on return for a bit of a rehash. Sure, there’s a risk it may not be as good as you remembered it back in the day, but it’s a risk we willfully take to be transported back to the years of our taste-forming youth.
Luckily, in the case of Bluebottle Kiss and Screamfeeder, two Aussie bands who were at their peak when the year on our calendars started with a ’19,’ have aged beautifully. Teaming up for a tour like they have many times before (just not recently), the band’s latest run celebrates the re-issue of Bluebottle Kiss’ 1996 sophomore album Fear of Girls on vinyl.
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Opening the show was locals Fleeting Persuasion, a brilliant choice as, despite being a very current band, they mimic the sound of the late-90s Australian scene perfectly.
The four-piece, led by the unique and soothing vocals of James Harrison, toggle the line between alt-rock and shoegaze with songs that are easy to get lost in – a suitable example of how the sound of a scene from over 20 years ago can seamlessly carry over into something new today.
Screamfeeder were up next, and even though they started in Brisbane, we can claim them as a Melbourne band now. They are an inspiration and testament to a work ethic that few possess, remaining active and thriving through the many variations of the music industry they have experienced.
With a smooth hop around their extensive back catalogue, the ever-impressive combination of Tim Steward and Kellie Lloyd’s vocals is always the highlight of a Screamfeeder show.
Sure, the songs are great, catchy, powerful, and everything you want and need, but the magic happens when the frontperson’s powers combine. Screamfeeder recently re-recorded their song Stopless for a vinyl 7″ with Bluebottle Kiss frontman Jamie Hutchings handling the vocals, which also served as the set highlight.
Hutchings joined the band on stage for a rendition of the song that slowly grew into a wall of powerful sound, giving an already great track a brilliant new perspective.
Sydney’s Bluebottle Kiss have dabbled with live appearances recently after a very extensive break, but you wouldn’t really know it. Sounding better than ever, the group brought a pedigree that is scarce these days. Effortless is the best way to sum it up.
Taking a tour of their six-album catalogue, a Bluebottle Kiss live show is bigger and heavier than you might expect. The set highlight, the beautiful Ounce of Your Cruelty, was a reminder of the succinct songwriting Hutchings is known for.
The most enjoyable aspect of the set, however, was watching a band who were very clearly still in their element. The crowd reacted to every track as if it were the favourite they were waiting to hear, and the band genuinely seemed to be having the level of fun they likely experienced 30 years prior. Here’s to another 30.
