Words & photos by @benshootspeople
Descendents have returned to our shores, and in the face of a very chilly and wet start to our winter, the varying punks of Melbourne… er… descend upon the Forum.
We’re off to a running start as The Shorts kick off the night with a fun mix of pace, gang vocals, some witty banter (including a Lee Kernaghan reference, due to the drummer and lead vocalist sporting a cowboy hat), and a whole lot of groovy fun.
A tight unit in all counts, the good vibes emanate out into the Forum, which is already filling up nicely. Having previously caught these fellas supporting Lagwagon in the summer, it’s great to see them keep up that well-earned momentum.
Pinch Points take the stage to a nearly full venue and hit us with their punchy indie rock stylings that feel both fresh and nostalgic at the same time. Alternating lead vocals between most band members and a heavy use of both gang vocals as well as call and response give the whole set an extra level of excitement and entertainment.
Okay…
House is packed, lights go down, it’s on.
Here to celebrate 30 years of Everything Sucks, singer and living mascot Milo exclaims “We’re supposed to play a whole record,” then informing us that they’re going to spread the album out throughout the set to mix things up. But with that said, they launch into Everything Sux (the x is for extra angst, no doubt), I’m The One, Coffee Mug and Rotting Out right off the bat, sending the chockas Forum into a frenzy.
The band brings a feeling of wholesomeness and fun that is much needed and appreciated right now. The bond these four band members share radiates and it’s so joyful to witness. One sly look and they can read each other’s minds. Drummer Bill’s kit is significantly lower and closer forward than expected at this venue, too, which levels up the cosiness.
Milo isn’t a huge talker in between songs, but makes it count when it feels right, keeps things flowing, and then delivers his vocals with striking intensity. Stalking the stage and fist pumping in between, we’re constantly entertained and drawn in. Matched by Bill’s razor sharp and joyful drumming, Stephen’s popping, frenetic guitar work (only exceeded by his amazingly comical facial expressions), Karl’s thunderous and groovy as hell bass playing, and a whole lot of gang vocals, this is one tight and energetic team.
Some fun moments of whimsy during the set include a wheelchair crowd surfer, getting a big thumbs up from Milo, and someone blowing a heap of bubbles into the air during We, as the lyrics “Hey, everything’s gonna be okay, we’ve got it made” ring through the venue and our hearts.
This band has always struck a fun balance between exploring social issues, relationships, angst at life’s challenges, and some self-deprecation thrown in for good measure. Honestly, as they play I’m Not A Punk, it makes me realise just how punk it is in this day and age to go out of our way to experience joy in amongst the chaos of life. Let’s not ever forget that.
An attempt by Bill to goad Gordy from Frenzal Rhomb, who’s been hiding next to Bill’s kit the whole set, to drum on Suburban Home goes unaccepted, with guitarist Stephen declaring “Gordy says: NO.” Not even some brief crowd booing and then chanting “Gordy! Gordy!” works, but good on everyone for giving it a red hot crack.
Hitting on most facets of their discography, with some standouts including Hope, ‘Merican, Bikeage, the cheeky I Like Food, No Fat Burger and extra silly Weinerschnitzel, the set just goes from win to win.
Closing out the set with Smile and leaving us with the lyrics “Toil away and at the end of the day, you can look back on a game well played” is just the perfect ending to such a fun night.
Massive thanks to the Descendents, Pinch Point, The Shorts and Maric Media for having us.
