Reviewed on Friday October 23 (photo by Ashley Mar)
Openers and locals Weak Boys set a relaxed atmosphere from early on. Playful drunken banter between the three-piece and the few early-comers complemented songs about mundane hassles. They proved that if landlords and daylight saving piss you off enough, they make for great punk songs.
Then the words: “Hello, we are Taylor Swift and this song is called ‘Shake It Off’.” It was misleading because TayTay could never belt a Rickenbacker like Al Griggs. He and the rest of Palms ripped through a set of mostly yet-to-be-released material with ease. Their new LP Crazy Rack is due out this Friday and tonight’s showcase explained the album’s title and direction; frantic and absurd.
Few people left the floor after Palms as anticipation mounted and joints were sparked. At last, the curtain drew to reveal an ominously empty stage. It remained so for so long the crowd’s chants died, as though Violent Soho were saying, “Take one last deep breath, everyone.”
The new single and opener ‘Like Soda’ was towered over by material from 2008 LP We Don’t Belong Here and 2013’s Hungry Ghost. ‘Neighbour Neighbour’ and ‘In The Aisle’ received a roaring reception. The pit was brutal throughout and the wall of relentless and expansive sound was controlled expertly by the band. After enticing glimpses into the upcoming album, ‘Covered In Chrome’ and closer ‘Dope Calypso’ induced the physical catharsis everyone had come expecting.
The choice of such an intimate venue considering the band’s popularity worked to everyone’s favour. Guitarist James Tidswell asked if people up front were OK and threw out bottles of water. Luke Henery did multiple rounds of high-fives, laughing with his moshing comrades. The spirit of mateship that persevered reflected how beneficial a decade of playing in garages and backyard parties can be.
After their intense rise through the echelons of the Australian music industry (this show sold out in two hours, whereas three years ago they were across the road at Brighton Up Bar in front of a half-full room), Violent Soho remain a group of everyday Brisbanites in love with huge guitars, accessible music for all ages and marijuana.
Welcome back, Violent Soho. You’ve been missed.
