Live Review: Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Mugwump, Dougal's Casino

The Bird was transformed into a mind-bending adventure on Saturday night, for the launch of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets single and accompanying music video, Marmalade March. 

It was a slow start to the night, with Dougal's Casino showcasing their lo-fi pop music to a lacklustre crowd. Melting songs into each other, it was easy to lose yourself in the moment; the fuzzy bass and twinkling guitar riffs washing over you like waves. Frontman Dougal McMullan's haunting voice punctured the noise, luring you into the fray like mythical Sirens out at sea. Screeching guitars played over a heartbeat-inspired drum pattern during Sweet Jane, the reverberation pulsating through our chests.    

Mugwump filled The Bird's tiny space with their sludgy psychedelic sounds. With off-key harmonies and a droning bass, each song assaulted our ears while leaving us begging for more. Their latest single, Lazy Bones, featured buzzing riffs that drilled deep into our brains, a thick and chunky experience that saw the small crowd head-banging and swaying along. Space-like synth sounds accompanied the heavy reverberation. Thanks to eerie vocals the music sounded out of this world, as if Mugwump were sent from outer space to introduce Perth to their bizarre-but-infectious sound. Their last song saw the tempo increase drastically, before exploding in a wall of sound; the crowd engrossed by the obscurity.

Before Psychedelic Porn Crumpets had even arrived on stage, the floor was filled with people fighting for the best spot, everyone eagerly awaiting the reveal of the music video for Marmalade March — a pastel-coloured animated adventure that was hypnotising. The crowd erupted as Psychedelic Porn Crumpets launched into their set after a quick, improvised jam session as they waited for one of the previous bands to lend them a snare drum. The tiny stage was barely able to contain the band as they flung themselves around with an infectious amount of energy that saw a moshpit consume the floor. Their intriguing take on psychedelic music was mesmerising, with varied tempos keeping the crowd on their toes, unsure of what direction the band might head in next. Psychedelic Porn Crumpets ripped through Cornflake and Cubensis Lenses, with face-melting riffs that had everyone entranced. As the unmistakable first few notes of Marmalade March rang out, the crowd lost their minds, screaming along to the incredibly catchy tune. The boys did not hold back for their last song, with singer and guitarist Jack McEwan dropping to his knees, à la Jimi Hendrix. The crowd left with a taste of their debut album on their tongue, hungry for the release.