For the past 5 years LA band The Bronx has donned the sombreros and recorded mariachi music under an alter-ego Mariachi El Bronx. Whilst the 5 members graced the Fowler's Live to the refrains of Mexican horns (choosing Motley Crue's Kickstart My Heart instead), their electrifying set consisted purely of the brutal hardcore punk that initially brought them fame and fans. Their divergence into a more melodic genre, however, has left its fingerprints on the bands current sound, as heard on their 2013 eponymous release (The band is not a fan of naming their albums, with all four releases being entitled The Bronx). The 2013 Bronx retains the energy of their previous releases, but they have added catchy hooks, riffs and melody to their arsenal.
The band opened their set with the anthemic opener from the new album The Unholy Hand. The crowd sang along to the chorus of Are you the anti-Christ or the Holy Ghost, do you wanna die or come real close?. From the opening riff charismatic lead singer Matt Cauthghran began bouncing and convulsing like a death row inmate strapped to an electric chair on pogo sticks. His engaging stage presence and antics are perhaps one of the highlights of their famed live performances. Cauthghran amused the crowd with an anecdote about his hatred for faux rocker Jarad Leto (of 30 Seconds To Mars fame), who he encountered when last in Adelaide on the BDO tour. He then launched himself into the crowd whilst singing Six Days A Week, before being gently returned to the stage by a sea of flailing hands, losing his shoes in the process. Whilst re-lacing his shoes, the band amusingly provided some impromptu dressing music. Punk rockers, he explained, don't perform without shoes. You know who does? Jarad Leto!
The band played selections from all of their previous albums, including Knifeman, White Guilt (complete with early 90s lead guitar solo, long hair gently blown by a fan, shirt unbuttoned to the naval), as well as many offerings from new album, such as Ribcage and Valley Heat. The latter song was dedicated to the heat only experienced in the Valley, a claim that attracted the retort of 'bullshit' from a member of the crowd who was clearly proud of Australia's scorching climate.
Perhaps the most fervent response from the crowd came when the band played a song dedicated to all of those that have been left behind, Heart Attack America. Towards the end of the set, a sweat soaked Cauthghran joked he could play for another 2 hours, drawing a cheer from the crowd. Given the intensity of their show, however, the encore only went for two songs, which was enough for a crowd more covered in sweat than the band.
Perhaps the most fervent response from the crowd came when the band played a song dedicated to all of those that have been left behind, Heart Attack America. Towards the end of the set, a sweat soaked Cauthghran joked he could play for another 2 hours, drawing a cheer from the crowd. Given the intensity of their show, however, the encore only went for two songs, which was enough for a crowd more covered in sweat than the band.
Earlier in the night, Aria award winners DZ Deathrays played their unique style of two piece electro-metal to an appreciative crowd. The band played a few new tracks, but drew heavily from debut release Bloodstreams.
Local outfit Hightime won over the early arrivals with their fusion of punk, reggae, roots and more. The diminutive female lead singer, Nina, possesses a mighty set of lungs which she employed to release mighty screams, whilst her clear vocals featured a distinct Aussie twang which was nice given that this isn't always the case with punk music. Their performance encouraged one enthused fan to inquire "who are you?" If they keep up these live performances, they won't need to tell crowds who they are for much longer.
Review by James Murphy
Photos by Melissa Donato. Full gallery can be seen here
Local outfit Hightime won over the early arrivals with their fusion of punk, reggae, roots and more. The diminutive female lead singer, Nina, possesses a mighty set of lungs which she employed to release mighty screams, whilst her clear vocals featured a distinct Aussie twang which was nice given that this isn't always the case with punk music. Their performance encouraged one enthused fan to inquire "who are you?" If they keep up these live performances, they won't need to tell crowds who they are for much longer.
Review by James Murphy
Photos by Melissa Donato. Full gallery can be seen here
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