Live Review: Pennywise, The Bronx, Pagan

Anyone struggling for energy receives a solid kick in the ass from Melbourne foursome Pagan. Reminding everyone the weekend is here, Pagan's explosive riff-heavy showcase of rock-meets-metal pierces the soul and has the front rows in good spirits. Vocalist Nikki Brumen's scream could wake the dead as she prowls the stage, with Pagan's opening set receiving approval from the punk tee-wearing masses.

A huge queue at the merch stand is forming as LA hardcore-punk purveyors The Bronx arrive on stage to a resounding cheer. Fuelled by Matt Caughthran's boisterous vocals and hilarious head bobs, The Bronx tear Forum Theatre a new one. Featuring duelling guitars, thumping bass and pummelling percussion, The Bronx play with a reckless abandonment that makes them a must-see live act. Caughthran makes his way into the crowd and starts his own circle-pit as songs like Sore Throat, The Unholy Hand, Youth Wasted and Stranger Danger soundtrack the throbbing mosh. History's Stranglers signals the end to The Bronx experience as the first of many shirtless, sweaty men crawl out of the pit toward the bar.

Pennywise are one of the few bands to come out of the '90s-punk revival who've matured like a fine wine, continually delivering spectacular live shows. Tonight is no different. Touring in support of the 20th anniversary of their seminal classic Full Circle, Pennywise leave it all on the stage. Dedicated to the memory of deceased bassist Jason Mathew Thirks, Full Circle is an emotional, confronting-yet-redemptive listen made all the more impacting when heard live. The opening onslaught of Fight Till You Die, Date With Destiny and Get A Life hardly allow the audience time to breathe before the anthem Society hits like a punch to the guts. Vocalist Jim Lindberg declares Australia Pennywise's "second home" as guitarist Fletcher Dragge comments about the band's longevity (29 years) and love for the fans. Broken is dedicated to a chap named Dave from Epitaph Records as one over-excited lad is taken from the mosh with a bloody nose.

Full Circle is a blistering burst of punk rock that never lets up. It means a great deal not only to Pennywise but also to those in attendance, with the majority of the capacity crowd singing along with every lyric. Not to be outdone by The Bronx, Lindberg creates his own circle-pit during You'll Never Make It. Bodies fly through the air during What If I. A thunderous rendition of Did You Really? brings the album to an end one song short, with Lindberg assuring fans Bro Hymn will make an appearance before the night is done.

The final half hour is a strange mixture of originals and covers. Classics like the ear-splitting Pennywise and pop-punk of Same Old Story are great to hear, but it's the covers where things get interesting: Circle Jerks' Wild In The Streets and Black Flag's Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie are close to original versions, but Pennywise's take on the Ben E King favourite Stand By Me is simultaneously compelling and sickening. The Californian's pay tribute to Australia with a frantic cover of Men At Work's Down Under. The best is saved 'til last with Bro Hymn causing absolute chaos. Pennywise's crew and support bands join them before the crowd invades the stage. As the song ends and Pennywise slip away, the crowd remain on stage singing, giving the punk legends the send-off they deserve.