The Tote has hosted some serious hard rock shows in the past few months. With Sweet Gold, Scalphunter and Summer Blood backing up local hardcore-punk boys Clowns, this sold out show was no exception.
Scalphunter played a relatively well-rounded set in the early part of the evening, creating a surprisingly full sound out of hooks, turbo drumming and three vocalists that shared shrieking and singing duties. Considering the band travelled all the way from Perth to play this show, the full turnout seemed to fuel their fire, with the lead vocalist chucking in some friendly banter and jumping into the crowd towards the end of their set.
In keeping with their name,Summer Blood played a surprisingly summery array of ‘90s-inspired grunge numbers, touching on bands like Dinosaur Jr. whilst still sounding modern. Covering a wide range of moods, the band’s upbeat set incorporated clever riffs, drawn out vocals and clever bursts of aggression. A gaggle of younger punters took to the band like ducks to bread, squabbling and flapping around to form a makeshift moshpit in front of the stage. Overall, Summer Blood were musically infallible, and to see a band embrace grunge without sounding dated, inauthentic or nostalgic was an absolute treat.
It didn’t take Clowns very long to light the entire room on fire. Front man Stevie Williams was burning with energy, and witnessing the crowd react to his antics was almost like watching a hardcore version of a Wiggles concert. If he shouted out, the crowd shouted out; if he clapped, they clapped; if he’d started singing Big Red Car, the venue probably would’ve chimed in too. Williams was working the crowd, and they didn’t mind one bit. Behind him rode a clunky, heavy bass tone, backed by sharp riff-work and savage, thrashy drumming. Musically, the band harnessed a hardcore sound with easier to digest vocals, and also allowed breathing room for each member to shine instrumentally. They offered a mixed, interesting setlist, with the pacing and mood ever changing. Clowns were balls-to-the-wall fast and musically switched on. They deserved the sold out venue.
BY THOMAS BRAND
Loved: Summer Blood for the grunge-nostalgia.
Hated: The universe for making it impossible for Burning Love to ever play this bill.
Drank: Five dollar beers. You bloody ripper.
