They stole the show.
On Friday April 26, The Curtin saw the launch of Gonzo’s recent album Do it Better Again accompanied by Hierophants, Gutter Girls and Exek. Gutter Girls were fun as ever, with catchy pop-punk songs touching on the topics of chips and working a nine to five. Exek, I reserve the right to make no comment except: get a grip. Gonzo were tight, playing new and old tracks. Favourites of the night were ‘Videodrome’ and ‘Meat Sweat’ – the way ‘Meathead”s backing vocals were sung was like an unsettled Cookie Monster.
Hierophants, who emerged from what seemed like the grave that night, stole the show. What does one expect getting a band that hasn’t played in years to open an album launch? With that said, the crowd did remain massive from start to finish of the gig, giving the utmost attention to each act on the night.
Hierophants, not to be confused with the non-plural Italian metal band Hierophant, is made up of members from Ausmuteants, Alien Nosejob, School Damage, Parsnip, Orb and Traffik Island. A few bigwigs in one band.
Forming many moons ago, the band released a few singles and splits, while 2015 saw the release of their full-length album Parallax Error released on Aarght in Australia and Goner in America. The album became an instant favourite; each track unique and creating weird space punk.
Hierophants’ set consisted of new and old tracks, with members switching around instruments and vocals distributed between members Jake Robertson, Zak Olsen and Paris Richens. Throughout the set, instead of speaking directly into the microphones or to the audience, the band had recorded themselves saying a few things, “Next up is Gutter Girls, Exek and Gonzo” or “Thank you, we are Hierophants”.
Not addressing the audience directly, when done well, can make a great performance. Recently released single ‘Limousine’, was an audience favourite with its sad telling of someone who realises wealth doesn’t bring happiness.
The Kraftwerk sound to it is catchy and gives the impression you’ve heard the song before, in a comforting way. Somewhat of a pleasant surprise was midway through the set and the height of their synth-punk style, a track featuring synths, drums, keys and a phat bass line which I can only assume is something off the new record. Finally, the band ended with the lyrical favourite, ‘Change’. “I rarely leave my room/when I do, I can’t help but feel an impending sense of doom.” Relatable.
