It seemed like another run-of-the-mill night in St Kilda. People were stumbling around the street, either trotting in high heels or clad in suit jacket and jeans that mimicked the fashion prowess of Jeremy Clarkson. But behind the glitz lay a den of the filthiest and most misplaced noise south of the Yarra. With none other than Melbourne’s premiere punk blokes Mighty Boys headlining the show, RocknRolla’s second instalment was still raw and lively despite being placed in an odd location, thus proving an adequate birthday night for show host and local live music champion Dan Watt.
Showgoers were greeted by a barber’s chair with added barber, and many a head shaving took place in a side room separate from where the bands played. Up first were Tasmania’s Verticoli, who, while appearing well-rehearsed, didn’t necessarily play an inspiring set. The band’s music offered little to grasp, besides a few interesting instrumentals nestled firmly in their otherwise average rock‘n’roll sound.
Striking hard and fast, Kill Dirty Youth ripped the floor open with metal-inspired grunge rock; tore the room apart with blast beats and scream driven rock; and grabbed bits and pieces from other genres to put together a Frankenstein’s monster of sets. While punishing at first, the band did well to scare off any remaining yuppies (one woman literally curled her immaculately manicured fingers back in ‘oh my god’ terror). Though, unfortunately they didn’t maintain that fire, and the latter part of the set consisted of slower, less chaotic grunge songs.
Finally, Mighty Boys took the stage in what was possibly this year’s most unexpectedly fantastic set for multiple reasons. RocknRolla attendants were treated to a version of The Mighty Boys even greater than before – an eight-piece beast that showcased their signature tongue-in-cheek viciousness along with a newfound technicality. All eight members used their individual talents in a much more intelligent manner than before, incorporating clever lead guitar riffs, dramatically chopped musical breaks and smart drumming. Never fear, though, because when frontman Keats howled like a mad dog, he still fit in perfectly with the instruments.
It signalled some big steps forward for Mighty Boys, which the moshing crowd were more than OK with. The set wrapped up with an encore that featured birthday boy Dan Watt taking vocal duties. Happy birthday buddy, RocknRolla was a blast.
BY THOMAS BRAND
Loved: The girl singing wildly right in front of the stage. YOU. ARE. A. HERO.
Hated: The ‘bro’ who tried to mosh with four people in front of the stage. YOU. ARE. A. DOUCHE.
Drank: Nothing, again. Should I claim straight edge?
