We’re still a bit stunned even the day following Truckfighters’ Aussie onslaught. Our Swedish fuzz/stoner mates rocked way hard. Yah Yah’s was super sweaty even before Truckfighters hit it. There was a lot of long hair and testosterone (and too little deodorant – before we get completely evangelical about the topic, sort that shit out please).
The three lads played for an hour and 15, which was about as much as it looked like Axl, the new drummer, could handle without risk of a stroke. Maybe this is why Truckfighters lose their drummers Spinal Tap style; not because they die, but because they wear the poor fuckers out.
Dango (guitar and vocals) reminded us, in the best possible way, of the Muppet Animal. Dango’s like a ripped human pogo stick: wild-eyed and roaring at the crowd, which makes it both exhilarating and a little disconcerting when he makes eye contact.
Ozo (bass and vocals) was equally out there – his poor neck, seriously – it’s slightly alarming to watch the way he throws himself around. But that’s part of the spectacle right? At the best gigs, we get a vicarious buzz from watching something wild played out onstage and Truckfighters delivered tenfold.
We were entertained when Dango roared “It’s fucking hot up here [no shit, down here too mate]. Do you want to hear a long song?” The irony man, Truckfighters don’t really do songs shy of ten minutes.
It was hitting the temperature of riot when Truckfighters played Gweedo-Weirdo and Desert Cruiser. Ozo was well chuffed that we knew the words and repaid us by engaging in a little crowd surfing action himself.
We don’t give a rats if QOTSA we’re taking the piss when they said Truckfighters were one of the best live bands in the world, it happens to be true. Rock out and rock on.
BY MEG CRAWFORD
Photo by Emily Day
Loved: When the fuzz met the groove. Also, special mention goes to the manners on the lanky young lad in front of us who checked if we could see not once but twice.
Hated: Face sweat and the dickhead who was making a menace of himself. There’s always one.
Drank: Water.
