Live Review: DZ Deathrays, Bass Drum Of Death, Hockey Dad

Young bucks Hockey Dad opened with their loud and brash sound, unleashed like a spitting Rottweiler. Frontman Zach Stephenson delivered surf-stained guitar licks while drummer Billy Fleming looked like something out of a Muppets movie with his thrashing blonde tresses. As fresh-faced as they were, they played like they could steal your little heart with the nonchalant strumming of guitar and then rip it to shreds with the beating of the drums.

Bass Drum Of Death took the decibels up a notch with their scratchy strings and bold basslines. Plastic schooners of golden brew swirled in time to their frenetic sound – this was not destined to be a quiet Wednesday evening. Smashing percussion pulsated throughout the venue while distorted vocals and whirling guitar set the soundtrack for all in the room to shout, “These guys are pretty bloody good!” 

DZ Deathrays then leapt on stage and launched into their enigmatic Reflective Skull, causing the sold-out crowd to lunge forward hungrily. Rock’n’roll couples groped each other to Fixations as drummer Simon Ridley created an earthquake and lead guitarist, Shane Parsons, dripped lines like an undercooked egg yolk melting down to the heaving crowd.

Although The Mess Up lacked shots of Jägermeister (as advertised via the accompanying music video), it did feature spinning guitar licks and wild vocals. The throng reacted as expected with a flurry of flailing limbs and their Dr Martens high above their shoulders.

Galactic soundscapes swept the floor as Keep Myself On Edge launched in with its soft-yet-scratching sound. Raw vocals complimented the percussion just in time for Black Rat, masked in crazed shrieking. The guitar screamed while Parsons’ vocals remained earthy and true to their gritty sound.

Gina Works At Hearts polished off the evening, the Queenslanders screaming lyrics while lightning hit the pit and a pair of legs cloaked in faded black Nudies almost hit the ceiling. The percussion created a thunderous roar that could be compared to the storm outside as the band tipped their caps and sauntered off stage, leaving behind a breathless crowd.