Live Review: Propagandhi, Crisis Alert, Beaver

In support of their latest release Failed States, the Winnipeg war-horse Propagandhi hit Adelaide brandishing their ever-growing ability to dance effortlessly over fret boards and deliver their politically and humanitarian-fuelled music to a large Fowlers crowd. Being suitably warmed up by local acts Beaver and Crisis Alert, an incredible eagerness for more hardcore-punk filled the air. As the lights went down fans converged below a banner of a burning man and were met with the voiceover of sports commentators Don Cherry and Ron McLean to send Propagandhi into the song Dear Coaches Corner and the crowd into a frenzy. Bodies simultaneously bounced and voices united as bassist Todd Kowolski, fist in the air, led the crowd in singing the in-your-face Fuck The Border.

After travelling a path that led through some classic early material, singer Chris Hannah began to introduce tracks from the band's latest album, beginning with the songs Note To Self and title track Failed States. Being met with even more arm-in-arm crowd participation, the Canadian quartet showcased how much their songwriting and musical ability has advanced over the years, a giant standout being Kowolski's finger smashing bass riffs while stating, “I only wear shoes to keep my socks from rocking off!” and living up to that statement. It made him an incredibly eye-catching and entertaining part of the performance. During this section of new songs, towards the back of the room, punters stood on tip toes, moving heads from side to side trying to catch whatever visual they could of these musical warriors slaying their instruments – it was definitely a sight to see!

Closing out the night the band delivered what could be called a greatest hits collection of songs including And We Thought Nation States Were A Bad Idea and Haillie Sellasse, Up Your Ass. However, this was not enough for the screaming horde, provoking the band back onto the stage for a three-song encore culminating with the '91 song Anti Manifesto, which left all with a smile from ear to ear. After seeing the effect this band has on the crowd, it's no wonder this is their third tour of Australia in the past five years. As happy showgoers left the building, you could see the look of anticipation as to when Propagandhi were going to grace us with their honest and inspirational presence again.