The Fitz Cafe, St. Ives 22/5/98 Well, this is what I love! An all-ages venue doing their part to expose under-rated and unsigned bands, with a lot of people showing up to support the cause. Damn, I love the Fitz.

The first band of the night was a band named Spoonfeeda. They had some pretty young kids on guitar and drums. I have to be honest, I judged the book by it's cover and assumed they were a typical skate-core band before they started, I was wrong! They busted out some damn fine Oi! Punk. I was completely suprised, not to mention impressed. They were truly a great band that I can't wait to see play again in the future. If I was judging, I would have given these guys a better go than they got. It was a shame they played first before the enthusiasm was peaking. But, I have to admit, they got a better response than many of the latter bands got and than most established bands get when they play support for a bigger band.

Next up were Silencer 7. I take back the good words I had to say about them in the past. I'm sure it may have been an off night for them but they really sucked. The self-criticism before they even played didn't do them any favours either. They were sloppy and loose and there was no distortion on the guitar (that had to be a mistake). They played a cover of Winsock by Bodyjar and all it did was show how bad they were playing. The wireless guitar and bass set-up was just wasted by a band that remained motionless for the entire set and played badly.

The next band were Arguestufft (spelling?). Their singer didn't even bother to show up, so we were treated to an instrumental set. I think that band members not showing up should constitute an immediate last place because of a lack of commitment, but no! They came equal first. They were good musicians and all but I found them kind of boring, just not my style of music.

Odd One Out were next to take the stage. If only one thing can be said it would have to be that they put on the best show, they had many, many supporters and there was chanting and overall punk rowdiness before they played. They were an old-school punk band, musically speaking but the vocals are more like new-school hardcore, an interesting mix. They were an entertaining band to watch who, in many respects, deserved their (equal) first placing.

The last band of the night were The Last Hemmoroids. I have been waiting for a while to see them and I was pleased that I finally did. They were another Oi!/Ska band. The singer is English, so the cockney vocals were in full effect. They were really good at what they did and I was very impressed. The only criticism is that they did get a little boring towards the end. I still can't wait to see them again.

A great night all up and it was good to see the emergence of a few old-school punk bands onto the scene. Skate-punk is getting boring and the bands are getting very average sounding. However, tonight was good reassurance of local punk rock!

FRENZAL RHOMB, CULT 45, STRANDED & IFRINGEMENT

The Fitz Cafe, St. Ives 24/4/98

First up, I'd like to say thanks to the Fitz Cafe. They have been putting on great shows for years now and the regularity seems to be increasing. I don't know why this is the first time I've reviewed a show that was on there but expect more to come.

Tonight was going to be a very different show than usual for the Fitz, I mean you had to buy your ticket in advance if you wanted to get in. Next, I knew the crowd wouldn't exactly consist of the regulars, Frenzal Rhomb seem to be quite popular these days. I went to the venue with a very cynical attitude.

Infringement were first up. I don't know exactly why but this is the first time I have ever actually seen them. They were great! I have heard so much a bout them over the last year or so and they lived up to it. They are a new-schoolish pop punk band that sound kind of like Home Grown. They are probably the best reference point. They have a demo out and will be playing again at the Fitz in a band comp n a few weeks.

Next up were Stranded. I had been told that they were pretty good by my friend that saw them with the Satanic Surfers a month or so ago. They were. They are again a pop punk band, kind like your normal skate-core stuff. I did notice, however, that they opened up with their punky songs but as their set progressed they started throwing in some very rocky stuff and even a few metal-type riffs. Not really my cup of tea but their punk stuff was pretty good. I wouldn't mind seeing them again.

Next were Cult 45. Cult 45 are definitely one of the best and most interesting bands in Sydney at the moment. When I first saw them I thought they were going to be a goth or industrial band, that's what they look like. Basically, they are a bunch of freaks. Damn, I love them! They are a bunch of very old-school punkers (think along the lines of the old English stuff) who sing about all things dark. Songs range in topics from dead lovers, vampires, zombies, kids on Prozac and right through to B-Grade horror sluts (the singer insists that the song is about her and from her appearance I definitely say that she is very B-Grade horror). They sounded really good tonight and were very tight. The newer songs are just as exciting and the drumming, particularly, is getting much better.

Next were the infamous Frenzal Rhomb. Love them or hate them, they are playing the US Warped Tour this year and you're not! Well, I have to admit up until tonight I was very much disliking Frenzal. They used to be my favourite band but I have very much lost interest in their new songs and their live performance sucked the last couple of times I saw them. Tonight, I was given a big FUCK YOU by the band, not that they knew what they were doing. They completely kicked my ass. They were unbelievably tight, especially considering this was the first non-secret show with their knew drummer (ex-Blister). They played faster than normal, speed definitely wins me over. They played a lot of old songs and that kept me happy. I still think their new songs suck but that is just my opinion and I will never hate them again. I can't wait to see them again soon!

SICK OF IT ALL, GOOD RIDDANCE, HINDSIGHT & STRAIGHT TO A TOMB

The Annandale Hotel 9&10/4/98

This is a review of the two (out of three) SOIA and Good Riddance shows that I attended over the Easter long weekend. I turned up on a very rainy Thursday night to see SOIA for the first time. I have to admit in my excitement and anticipation for SOIA, I kept forgetting about Good Riddance (a band that I also love). After being treated to a soundcheck of "Good Lookin' Out" while lining up in the rain for an hour or so, we got inside to see Hindsight (ex Blitz Babies). I think it was purely because I expected something else that I didn't really enjoy them all that much. Don't get me wrong, they are good at what they do and I even like what they do, but tonight I was just not in the mood for their thing. Anyway, for those unaware (as I was at the time) they are a melodic hardcore band like MYC or Sommerset, at least from what I could tell.

The Friday show had Straight To A Tomb instead of Hindsight. Again, for some reason I just didn't get into this band all that much. I do like local bands, honestly, it was just a bad weekend for me. They played what I like to refer to as 'tough guy hardcore'. This is not an insult it is just the sort of hardcore that comes across (to me at least) as being full of a tough guy attitude. They played well, just not my thing.

Next up (both shows) were Good Riddance who, to be honest, deserved much better. I think it was just a matter of mismatching that caused them to be done an injustice. Maybe in other countries where hardcore and punk exist side-by-side a bill with Good Riddance and SOIA would be fine, but tonight all I noticed was the extent to which people have closed their minds. The hardcore crowd just don't like Fat Wreck Chords (if only they knew that was SOIA's label now). Good Riddance played great! They mixed their old and new stuff brilliantly and took the criticism well with a great display of humour. If they played their own show, the response would have been a lot better and hopefully they understand this enough to come out here again. One criticism though, I was under the impression that they were a band that put on a visually exciting show. their singer, Russ, could not have been more visually boring. He looked like he was posing the whole show. He was looking very much the rockstar, with his nose pointed to the roof closing his eyes while appearing (not very well) to look passionate about the lyrics. Still, a great band that sounded great live.

Next up were SOIA. What can I say? They were absolutely brilliant. Their performance was up there with the best I have ever seen (eg NOFX, Rancid, Fugazi, Millencolin). There was just such an unbelievable amount of passion in their delivery. I was reading an interview with them in which they said the difference between East Coast (USA) and West Coast bands is that the East Coast bands go to work instead of play. Well, they could not have been more right, that's not to say that they didn't look as though they were enjoying themselves. They did not stop jumping around the whole set. The atmosphere was just unbelievable, with the sing-along bits showing their full effect. The crowd could actually be heard above the PA. The mic was in the audience a good percentage of the time anyway. They played the same set (except for a couple) both shows but in a different order, so that things didn't get boring (not that they could). It included the obvious such as "Step Down", "Good Lookin' Out", "Built To Last", "Injustice System", etc and even a Sham 69 (I think) cover on Thursday. If you have ever seen them, you know how lucky you are. If you haven't you have only got yourself to blame because you should be going to any lengths to make sure you do.

The girl I went with on Thursday night talked to SOIA's singer, Lou, after the show and he was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. That just seemed to top it all off, knowing that such a great band consists of truly nice people.

BODYJAR, DOWN BY LAW & SILENCER 7

Manly Youth Centre 14/3/98

Well, I was really looking forward to tonight's show because it was advertised that Gilgamesh would be playing. As I had heard they were breaking up, I figured this was their last show. Guess what? They didn't play. That really sucked, I hope this doesn't mean they will never play again.

Anyway, I saw most of the first bands set. To be honest I kinda sat outside for about half because from outside they sounded kinda average. When I got inside, however, I was suprised to hear that I was wrong. They were fairly good, definitely worth checking out if they're playing with a decent band in the future. Sort of along the lines of Strung Out.

After they played, I ran into some people that I met the week earlier at Satanic Surfers, so that was pretty cool and we managed to despise the 'surfie' crowd that Manly attracts together. Believe me it is really bad there. It's such a shame that such good quality all-ages shows are held here.

Next up, somewhat suprisingly, was Down By Law. I mean, I'd have to be an idiot to expect anything less than a blistering set from these punk legends. Well, I wasn't disappointed. They played really tight and with the sort of passion that only veterans such as them and Fugazi have the capacity of achieving. They were just so good! Dave Smally also had some really good things to say about his belief in punk and the faith he has in the kids who support it. It is such a shame that these words were largely wasted on the crowd present. Unfortunately, they played neither All American or Ivory Girl, two of may favourite DBL songs, but they were great regardless.

Bodyjar were up next and they were also really good, but then again, they always are. They didn't, however, really ever have a chance of matching DBL but I'm sure they knew that. It's no secret which band respects which more. It was good to hear some new songs being added to the set list, then again new albums do tend to have that effect. They really seemed to have a fun time playing tonight, especially Ross, the drummer. I thought it was funny when Cam said "Anyone see Millecolin when they came? Yeah, well we stole their drummer!" I guess he may have even tricked a few of the audience members, but hey, what can you do?

Overall it was a great night with only two let downs: 1)The crowd (as expected at Manly) and; 2)Th PA didn't seem to handle the bass too well, especially during Bodyjar's set. It doesn't matter though, 'cuz I got me a really good DBL sweatshirt!

SATANIC SURFERS, CRANK & 99 REASONS WHY

The Iron Duke Hotel 7/3/98

This was the first all-ages show at The Iron Duke that I've ever been to. It's kind of weird being in a pub without having to put up with drunk fuckers... in fact it's really good.

99 Reasons Why were first up. They are from Adelaide and are one of those bands that I have heard about but never actually heard before. WOW!! They were brilliant! They are kind of melodic punk like Millencolin but with a much harder edge, I suspect the influences on the band members are somewhat diverse because their sound did range a fair bit. They were really tight. I suspect they've been playing for a while. I hope they come back to Sydney soon. If you ever get the chance to see them, please do. Next up were Sydney's own Crank. This was one of their last shows for an undefined period of time while the guitarist/singer and bassist go to India for a while (most likely about a year). I didn't know it at the time, but this was my last chance at seeing them play before their break. I know it may sound like an overused expression, but this was the best set I've ever seen them play. The addition of the new songs has added so much to their set and they really got into the show this afternoon. The highlight for me was Sheep, one of the new songs... absolutely brilliant. Sydney will miss you boys, come back soon.

As the afternoon drew to a close, Satanic Surfers took the stage. As you are probably aware they are from Sweden. They are pretty much like many of the other Swedish bands, this is not a bad thing though. Well, I'd only previously heard 5 or 6 of their songs and thought they were nothing special. I was not really holding any different opinions after their set. They put on a good show and I am sure that if you were a big fan then you would have had a great time, I know many people were but they just weren't my cup of tea (hey, I don't even drink tea). I di notice they came across heavier than what I thought they were, maybe I was wrong or maybe this is just how they play live...I don't really know. I have to add that their bass player was a pleasure to watch, basically he is a crazy bastard and would fit right in playing with Your Mother.

Overall, the show was great. There was a brilliant atmosphere with everybody being nice and friendly, something that has been lacking since punk's popularity has soared in the past couple of years. The Iron Duke is a great venue, even for all ages shows. It's just a shame that more kids didn't come out to support it. Remember, the shows at the Manning Bar haven't seemed to be happening for a while, so maybe it's time to make your way down and familiarise yourself with The Iron Duke.

THE HARDCORE SUPERBOWL

The Iron Duke Hotel 1/3/98

The Hardcore Superbowl (HCS) is now in it's third year. For those that are not familiar with it, this is weekend long hardcore festival of bands from Sydney, the rest of Australia and, in the past, New Zealand. This year there were not only hardcore bands on the bill but also a few other punk and ska bands. I elected to go to the Sunday show as it had more of the bands that I personally wanted to see. Throughout the day there were 11 bands playing for 1/2 an hour each. I'll only review the bands that I especially liked.

The first band Found My Direction (FMD) were one of the best on the day. They are a fairly new band that seem to be blowing everyone away. They play old-school hardcore that seems to have all the things that I love a bout hardcore music. There are those awesome time changes and lots of bassy bits. They were definitely a great band and I intend seeing them again as soon as possible.

The next band that I really enjoyed was the Ballistic Allshorts. These guys are not very hardcore. they are more like very heavy punk mixed with ska. Think along the lines of Voodoo Glow Skulls, but multiply the heaviness factor by about ten. Most of their songs seemed to be about beer (not exactly my favourite beverage) but I really enjoyed them. Again, I'll see them as soon as possible.

Another impressive band today was Next Step. they were another of the hardcore bands that played and seemed to elevate above many of the others that played today. Maybe they weren't as good as FMD, but I found them more enjoyable than some of the others. Again, they were old-school but a bit more heavy sounding than much of the old-school that is around at the moment.

The next band that I loved were Disrupt Youth. They are from Brisbane but sounded a lot different to the music that Australians have become accustomed to expect from Brisbane (such as Custard and Regurgitator). They were a very heavy punk band that kind of reminded me of a more proffessional sounding version of bands like The Exploited but, then again maybe this isn't the best reference point. Anyway, they were awesome.

Finally came the band I was waiting all day for, H-Block. These guys took me back to 1977 within a second (not that I was there then). They surpassed my high expectations I had of their live performance. It was scissor kicks and sheer enthusiasm throughout their set. I can't wait to see them again, they were one of the best bands that I have seen for a while. I should have some photos up soon.

I couldn't stay for Toe To Toe unfortunately but I am sure they were great, besides i saw them only a few days before. Anyway, it was a great day with some really good bands. I can't wait 'til next year. But wouldn't it be great if the organisers remembered what it's like to be under 18 and organised an all-ages event next year.

JEBEDIAH & THE LIVING END

University of New South Wales 27/2/98

Big Heavy stuff also played tonight as part of the Orientation week festivities for UNSW but they are not punk and really do suck, so I won't bother reviewing them.

The Living End were next up and it had been a while since I saw them last play. Well, I can't say that they have changed much in the regards to the excitement they create. If anything, I probably forgot just how good they are live. It was interesting (and kind of annoying) to notice that they really did have a radio-listener following in the crowd tonight that knew all the words to their songs (that have been played on the radio). The only criticism I could make about their performance is that it seems to have been a while since they threw in any new songs to their set list, maybe the time has come for this to happen.

The headliners tonight were the Archers Of Loaf...oops, I mean Jebediah. Now I know they aren't really a punk a band at all but I have in the past enjoyed them a little due to the fact that remind me of AOL (one of the non-punk bands that I enjoy). I don't know if I was hearing new songs or if I'd just heard the old ones one too many times but tonight they reminded me too much of AOL. They put on a good performance but no longer hold my respect.

It was a good night all up, I guess, but wouldn't have been worth the very annoying drive over and back (annoying people) if The Living End hadn't been so good.

STRIFE & TOE TO TOE

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