Words – Shelby
Photos – @djsedick
Another gig, another venue and another weekend haunting the North side has flown by!
Discovering new acts and new venues is always a welcome challenge and seeing the unholy trinity of FUTURE STATIC, REDHOOK and DON BROCO was the much needed challenge to satiate my parched eardrums.
I felt like a debutante making my debut at the CROXTON as this was one of the very few venues in Melbourne I have not graced my presence with. Marvelling in its expanse, I managed to scope it out and nestle in with Dan’s seismic kit bag in tow.
FUTURE STATIC are a delicious sonic medley of metalcore with dashes of progressive metal and sweetened by undertones of pop-punk. Known for their high-energy and emotionally dynamic performances, I was mentally bracing myself for our inaugural acquaintance. Boasting their iconic soaring vocals and pummelling hardcore groove, FUTURE STATIC come out swinging with their rhythmic track ‘Chemical Lobotomy’. They did just play this track but they owned it! The crowd’s chatter stopped cold as all eyes snapped to FUTURE STATIC, completely awe-struck by their undeniable presence. Nothing makes my heart sing a brighter tune than seeing women absolutely killing it! Rollicking through more of their diverse and varied tunes ‘Plated Gold’, ‘The Hourglass’ and ‘Waves’, what I am about to say may shock you, or perhaps tantalize you? FUTURE STATIC, in fact, did an exceptional cover of Daddy Yankee’s Reggaeton hit ‘Gasolina’ – yes, you read that correctly. It just goes to show the boundless creativity that bands have by reinventing a song from a completely contrasting genre and reshaping it into something fresh, captivating, and irresistibly catchy. FUTURE STATIC’s powerhouse opening set closed with their raw and catchy anthem ‘Roach Queen’ – This track is a raw and emotionally charged dive into pain and self-doubt, slicing through the noise with razor-sharp intensity. It captures that gut-wrenching feeling of being overlooked, like you’re just an afterthought while carrying the heavy weight of disappointment.
Our second offering this evening was none other than our dearly loved friends from Sydney, REDHOOK blessing us with an offering of their powerful, genre-bending approach to electronicore, power-pop and metalcore. With Emmy’s versatile vocal delivery that weaves and ranges hypnotic melodic singing to visceral vocal assaults, Ned’s bass-driven depth, Craig’s effortless melding of guitar and electronics and Alex’s dynamic drumming style, you would think that this band is made up? They aren’t. REDHOOK confronted us with ‘Bomb.com’, ‘Dr Frankenstein’ and ‘HEXX’ featuring the ever-lovely Amariah from FUTURE STATIC, REDHOOK hit hard from the outset. Brandishing their unique stamp on the Australian music circuit, REDHOOK continues to up the stakes dispersing a flowing sea of bubbles that gloriously encapsulates Emmy as she continues to entrance the crowd. REDHOOK delivered a powerful closing to their set that perfectly captured the raw energy and intensity they are known for. The final tracks showcased their signature blend of aggressive riffs, gritty vocals, and relentless drive, commanding the crowd’s full attention and leaving no doubt that they were ready to own the stage.
The band’s tight musicianship was on full display, with each member locking in flawlessly to build a wall of sound that was both heavy and hypnotic. Frontwoman Emmy led with visceral screams and a commanding presence, channelling the crowd’s energy back to them with every song. REDHOOK’s farewell was more than just a closing act, it was a statement. Their last track, ‘Bad Decisions’ hit with such force and precision that the audience was left charged and eager, perfectly primed for DON BROCO’s headlining set. REDHOOK’s set may have ended, but the impact lingered, setting the tone for a night of unforgettable live music
DON BROCO turned the CROXTON into a full-on party zone, delivering a show that had everyone buzzing long after the final chord. Right from the opening riff of ‘Everybody’, the energy was through the roof. The crowd was instantly hooked, singing along with an enthusiasm that only true fans can bring. The set list was a perfectly crafted rollercoaster, blending old favourites with fresh tracks that had even the newest fans bouncing along. Highlights like ‘Pretty’ brought an infectious groove, while ‘Cellophane’ added a darker, more intense edge to the night. Then there was ‘Uber’, a track that had the room pulsing with adrenaline, and of course, the unforgettable chant-along anthem ‘Manchester Super Reds No.1 Fan’, which felt like the entire venue was one big, ecstatic choir.
Rob Damiani was a whirlwind on stage! Equal parts charismatic frontman and crowd hype-man. His energy was contagious, and he effortlessly pulled the audience into every moment. Whether he was belting out the vocals or engaging with fans between songs, it was clear he was loving every second of being there. The rest of the band matched that intensity note for note, delivering tight, powerful performances that never let the momentum drop.
The vibe inside the CROXTON was electric, but also intimate. With the crowd packed in close, every shout, every cheer, every singalong felt personal and powerful. It was one of those rare gigs where the boundary between band and audience just melted away, creating a shared experience that everyone involved will remember for a long time.
By the time the band launched into their final tracks, the room was a frenzy of energy, with fans jumping, singing, and fully losing themselves in the moment. It was a perfect way to close an incredible night, leaving everyone with that buzz of having been part of something special.
All in all, DON BROCO’s gig at the CROXTON was a brilliant reminder of why they’re such a beloved live act. They brought passion, precision, and a whole lot of fun, proving they’ve only gotten stronger with time. If you were lucky enough to be there, you got to experience a night filled with infectious energy, killer tunes, and genuine connection.
I wish to say thanks to FUTURE STATIC, REDHOOK, DON BROCO, The CROXTON Bandroom, The Phoenix and Maricmedia.
EVERYDAY METAL – SUPPORT LOCAL HEAVY METAL
