Reviewed on Friday June 20
Walking in on a set from The Mis-Made felt like a night at The Gasworks, the fictional venue in Wayne’s World – so much so, you’ll be double-checking to make sure The Jolly Green Giants and The Shitty Beatles aren’t playing, as well. This had a lot to do with the lighting, which felt incredibly grandiose at points for a set that started and finished before 9pm. What the music itself – a barroom-ready brew of tough rock with punk edges – lacked in diversity, it made up for with the flair and liveliness with which it was played. Party on, Garth.
They were making quips, sculling beers and swearing their heads off before they’d even started with their now-standard opening bracket of ‘Pub’ and ‘Nice Day To Go To The Pub’. The legendary Cosmic Psychos were back in town with some shit on their liver and a loose, boozy hour of rock’n’roll to play. The crossover between demographics meant that it was quite literally on for young and old, both heaving toward the front and roaring in approval for the likes of ‘I’m Up You’re Out’. Tonight also marked the band’s first appearance since releasing Cum The Raw Prawn, and it seemed many were already quite au fait – particularly when it came to the swear-jar-filling ‘Better, Not Bitter’ and ‘Fuckwit City’. With over 30 years in the game, the Psychos proved why they’re an institution – not to mention a force still to be reckoned with.
Like any act that’s generally associated with narcotics, it’s safe to say that most fans have seen as many disastrous Dune Rats sets as they have triumphant ones. The band’s notoriety has seen these guys build up a reputation as simultaneously one of Australia’s most beloved and loathed indie bands.
Not that you’d be at all aware of the latter if you bore witness to the scene laid out when the trio finally took to the stage tonight. With every word to every song screamed back at their grinning faces, the Dunies scrapped and slurred their way through cuts from their self-titled debut, as well as a few earlier favourites and their always joyful run-through of ‘Blister In The Sun’. Why? Why not? That’s the attitude that’s got Dune Rats to this point – doing what they love and touring with a band they clearly consider to be heroes. Carn the Psychos! Carn the Dunies!
