Live Review: Grenadiers, Burnside Mums, Goonbomb

Crown & Anchor, lovingly known by locals as 'Cranka', has an intimate side room where most local bands and comedians perform. It's a vibing spot since the small space allows for the loudest possible sounds and the most intimate of gigs.

Goonbomb opened the night and their tone was infectious; just a group of good mates having a blast at a classic local venue. Opening with a cover of Josh Can't Swim by local boys Goon Wizarrd, Goonbomb played with the sound levels, letting the music rattle our bones. They tend to lean toward that deeper, more intense punk sound with almost-metal roots.

Goonbomb stopped in the middle of their set to acknowledge that we were standing on Kaurna land to cheers from the crowd. On SA's state election day, this is the stuff that matters. They bantered easily and freely, treating the audience like mates, and when there was a bit of a mishap with a guitar string they happily joked around with the crowd. If you get a chance to see these guys, it's honestly such a fun time. With their rough-and-ready garage tracks and consistent energy, it won't be long 'til Goonbomb are the headliners. 

Burnside Mums are some local legends. Even their name is a popular Adelaide stereotype - a Burnside mum is a rich, snobby, white lady. Much like Goonbomb, they made sure to acknowledge that we are on Kaurna land and shared their hopes that the crowd used their votes to the best of their ability on this state election day. A highlight was a song that Burnside Mums called "Olly Miller/Adelaide City Council", which is appropriately angry and a bit disillusioned with the local government. With a distinct anti-Liberal Government taste in their mouths, the band played a rowdy set and stirred up all of our teenage angst. They seemed genuinely stoked to being playing and it was endearing to see a band care so much about doing what they love.

Grenadiers are always a solid watch. They have a great sound and lyrics, a strong foundation that the local punk legends are always building from. Tonight they were introducing their new album Find Something You Love And Let It Kill You and they were more confident than ever. The crowd was super-into it and it was easy to see why. Drunk And Broke is a millennial anthem, resonating in the current political and economic climate; may as well enjoy it before it all gets worse, right?

It's been a big one in Adelaide recently, between Saint Patrick's Day, the election and Fringe starting to wrap-up, and lead guitarist/vocalist Jesse Coulter bantered about how the venue's lack of aircon just set the mood. The crowd held up, though, lapping up the band's set and smooth transitions.

Things got as loose as expected at a place like Cranka and the crowd kept trying to crowd-surf in this tiny room. Closing with their absolute banger Live Fast, Diabetes, the crowd booed as these local legends finished up. Probably because they wanted more.