Live Review: Pennywise, The Bronx, The Lizards

Southern Adelaide skate-punk-surf-savants The Lizards blessed the venue as openers and the willing audience were extremely thankful for their SoCal inspired thrash punk recipe.

Although there were a lot of kinks to figure out sound-wise by the engineer of the recently opened HQ (which felt rather similar to an airport in presentation), the trio scorched through a punchy set unfazed by the obstacles and understandably exuberant with the opportunity. Guitarist and vocalist Pat Ramm proved once again he is more instrument than man, especially on tracks from their Future Life album (and excitedly a brand new song). The three-piece's Frenzal Rhomb meets Hard-Ons with an excellent hint of early Bad Religion formula was the right choice for this prestigious affair.

California's The Bronx know how to make an entrance, they know how to excite a crowd, they know how to have an immeasurable amount of fun and they execute all of these attributes night after night with gleaming smiles on all five of their faces. Vocalist Matt Caughthran found his home offstage among the audience during the band's first song. There he remained for the majority of the set - unless a necessary crowd surf was employed, or he returned to the stage to hydrate with Corona and discuss his devastation at the Dodgers losing the world series. Having witnessed this quintet numerous times, this was The Bronx at their peak and Caughthran gave a performance not soon to be forgotten. This wasn't a support outfit's show, this was a headliner set and the energy emitted was unfathomable. Heart Attack American, The Unholy Hand, Shitty Future, Side Effects, Youth Wasted, Two Birds, Knifeman, Six Days A Week and History's Stranglers were all highlights, but the real triumph was seeing The Bronx's return nearly one year to the day since their last blitz on Adelaide. Genuinely, thank you, gentlemen, from all of Australia.

It would be a fair to say that every music aficionado has a handful of records that resonate with them for their entire lives. California's Pennywise released such an album in 1997 with Full Circle. Millions treasure those songs, and arguably will for generations to come. From the adrenaline-fuelled thump of Fight Till You Die opening the quartet's celebration, HQ became a washing machine of hysteria. Bodies were flung from every direction, each balcony within the venue was bustling with punk spirit and heartfelt lyrics were screamed back at the four-piece with deafening adoration and intensity. Date With Destiny, Society, Final Day, Broken and Nowhere Fast provoked an insanity that even the venue may have been overwhelmed by and the mosh-pit became a swirling tidal storm of worship and excitement. Each member played with the vigour of nearly 30 years of experience, however, they also played with the heart and energy of kids half their age. After the completion of Full Circle, the Californians vividly showcased further favourites from their brilliant catalogue including Same Old Story, a cover of Beastie Boys' (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party), Pennywise and necessary addition Bro Hymn (Tribute) — an anthem that actually began with the crowd singing before a note was struck (RIP Jason Thirsk).